Erectile dysfunction meaning

What is an erection? An erection is when your Anatomy of a penis To better understand how an erection happens, it helps to know what your penis is made of. A penis consists of: • Two chambers called the corpora cavernosa, which run the length of your penis and contain a maze of blood vessels shaped like a sponge. It has sponge-like spaces, which means blood can fill the open space. • The • Erectile tissue, two main arteries and several veins and nerves. • The shaft, the longest part of your penis. • The head (glans), which is at the end of the shaft. • The meatus, or opening at the tip of the head where pee and semen come out. How does an erection happen? An erection begins with sensory and mental stimulation in your brain. Your brain sends messages to your penis via your nerves. Essentially, these messages tell the muscles of your corpora cavernosa (this contains the sponge-like material) to relax, allowing blood to flow in and fill the open spaces. When the blood vessels of the corpora cavernosa relax and open up, blood rushes in to fill them. The blood then gets trapped under high pressure by a series of valves, creating an erection. The tunica albuginea (a membrane surrounding the corpora cavernosa), helps to trap the blood in the corpora cavernosa, so you stay hard. An erection is reversed when muscles in your penis contract, stopping the flow of blood. The pressure decreases and the valves open, letting the blood flow out. Your penis loses its erection and becomes fl...

Testosterone levels can drop with age, increasing your risk for erectile dysfunction (ED. However, age is not the only factor. A doctor should evaluate you to see if there are other underlying medical causes. Some people may assume ED increases with age. The fact is that the inability to maintain an erection isn’t always age-related. Aging doesn’t necessarily mean you’re destined to develop ED indefinitely. While age can raise the risk for ED, there are ways to treat it. Learn more about the risks and treatment options. Male sexual arousal may seem simple, but it depends on a precise, complex sequence of events inside the body. The brain activates nerves in the penis to relax muscles in the spongy tissues that run the length of the penis. When these muscles relax, blood can flow in from arteries to fill open spaces in the spongy tissue. Increased blood pressure expands the penis. Membranes around the spongy tissue sustain the erection. Anything interrupting this sequence can result in the inability to have or keep an erection long enough for sexual intercourse. There are many physical causes of ED. Any one of these can disrupt the sequence of physiological changes that produces an erection: • • • • • • • • • • The hormone testosterone affects a person’s sex drive and energy levels, which govern arousal impulses to the brain. Diabetes can also damage the nerves that signal increased blood flow to the genital area. According to the Your doctor can test for nerve damage relat...

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is a common condition that can make sexual activity difficult. It may lead to a loss of intimacy in a marriage or long-term relationship, affecting the mental well-being of both partners. According to the American Urological Association, ED affects In this article, we look at how ED can affect a long-term relationship, how both partners can cope, and how to support someone with ED. Share on Pinterest ED may have an effect on a person’s mental health. ED is a condition that makes it difficult for a person to get or maintain an erection. An erection is necessary for some forms of sexual activity, including sexual intercourse. It is not unusual to have difficulty getting an erection occasionally, but when this symptom occurs frequently, it can signal an underlying condition. • • certain medications, which could cause ED as a side effect • cardiovascular disease • chronic kidney or liver disease • diabetes • high • low • use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs Depending on the severity of a person’s symptoms, they may not be able to have sexual intercourse as frequently or for as long as they once did. Some may not be able to have sexual intercourse at all. Sexual intimacy can be an important part of a marriage or long-term relationship, so this change may cause anxiety or a feeling of loss for both partners. A • depressed • angry • less masculine • socially isolated • in denial • lacking in self-confidence • the desire to avoid their spouse ED als...

Sexual dysfunction occurs when you have a problem that prevents you from wanting or enjoying sexual activity. Sexual dysfunction is different from Stress is a common cause of sexual dysfunction. Other causes include: • sexual trauma • psychological issues • diabetes • heart disease or other medical conditions • drug use • alcohol use • certain medications Four categories of sexual dysfunction exist. It’s normal not to be in the mood sometimes. None of these should be considered a disorder unless it happens regularly and significantly affects your sexual life: • Desire disorder is when you have little or no interest in sexual relations on an ongoing basis. • Arousal disorder means you’re emotionally in the mood, but your body isn’t into it. • Orgasm disorder means you’re emotionally in the mood, but you have an inability to climax that leaves you frustrated. • Pain disorder involves having pain during intercourse. Low testosterone can cause a loss of libido, or sexual desire for any person. For those with female reproductive organs, other contributing factors include: • hormonal changes following childbirth • breast-feeding • menopause Other causes include: • high blood pressure • diabetes • certain medications • relationship problems • sexual inhibitions • stress • fatigue • a fear of pregnancy Premature ejaculation is ejaculation that happens before or immediately after penetration. This is often a consequence of performance anxiety. It can also be due to: • other psychol...