Erectile Dysfunction Causes
Men of any age may experience instances of erectile failure at some
time or another. Erectile dysfunction is considered a serious problem,
when it occurs consistently or for a long period of time, causing
significant stress to the individual or to his relationship. Causes
of erectile dysfunction are physiological and psychological. Reduced
blood flows to the penis and nerve damage are the most common causes.
Underlying causes include the following:
- Diabetes
- Drugs
- Vascular Disease
- Hormone Imbalance
- Neurological Causes
- Pelvic Trauma and Surgery
- Peyronie's Disease
- Venous Leak
- Psychological Factors
Anatomy of the Penis
The internal structure of the penis consists of two cylinder-shaped vascular tissue bodies (corpora cavernosa) that run throughout the penis; the urethra (tube for expelling urine and ejaculate); erectile tissue surrounding the urethra; two main arteries; and several veins and nerves. The longest part of the penis is the shaft, at the end of which is the head, or glans penis. The opening at the tip of the glans, which allows for urination and ejaculation, is the meatus.
Physiology of Erection
The physiological process of erection begins in the brain and involves the nervous and vascular systems. Neurotransmitters in the brain (e.g., epinephrine, acetylcholine, nitric oxide) are some of the chemicals that initiate it. Physical or psychological stimulation (arousal) causes nerves to send messages to the vascular system, which results in significant blood flow to the penis. Two arteries in the penis supply blood to erectile tissue and the corpora cavernosa, which become engorged and expand as a result of increased blood flow and pressure. Because blood must stay in the penis to maintain rigidity, erectile tissue is enclosed by fibrous elastic sheathes (tunicae) that cinch to prevent blood from leaving the penis during erection. When stimulation ends, or following ejaculation, pressure in the penis decreases, blood is released, and the penis resumes its normal shape.
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