Impotency, or erectile dysfunction, occurs when a man cannot get or sustain an erection during sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age but occurs more commonly in men 75 or older, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Though it occurs more commonly as men age, it is not a natural part of aging. Erectile dysfunction often has an underlying cause.
Function
In order for a man to get an erection, the brain must first interpret signals from the nerves that some form of stimulation is occurring. The brain will send signals to the penis to relax allowing blood to flow into the penis which then becomes hard. The blood will become trapped inside the corpora cavernosa and the penis muscle will contract allowing the penis to maintain an erection until the muscles stop contracting around the time of orgasm.
Causes
Sexual arousal is a complex process involving emotions, hormones, nerves, blood vessels and muscles, according to the MayoClinic.com. Sexual dysfunction can occur due to a breakdown in any number of these processes. Physical causes of erectile dysfunction commonly include heart disease, clogged blood vessels, high blood pressure, obesity and low testosterone. Other physical causes may include diseases such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis as well as Peyronie's disease, which causes scar tissue to build inside the penis. Prescription medications can cause erectile dysfunction as well as tobacco, alcoholism and illegal drugs. Men may experience erectile dysfunction following treatments for prostate cancer or after sugeries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord.
Risk Factors
Certain men are at greater risk for developing erectile dysfunction. Men with certain medical conditions such as diabetes or heart problems may experience trouble getting or sustaining an erection. Smokers experience a restriction of blood flow to veins and arteries which can increase a man's chances of developing conditions that lead to erectile dysfunction. The MayoClinic.com explains that other risk factors include obesity, injuries to the nerves, radiation treatments for cancer, prostate surgery, medications for blood pressure, pain or prostate cancer as well as antidepressants and antihistamines.
Treatments
There are a variety of options for treating erectile dysfunction. Physicians may prescribe oral medications such as sildenafil, verdenafil and tadalafil, according to the MayoClinic.com. These medications work in a similar fashion, by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide allowing increased blood flow and erection. Men may have to take medications for an extended amount of time before the medication begins to work and should make their physicians aware of any medical condition or medications they are taking, including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements, as this can create an unsafe drop in blood pressure.
Considerations
Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction may suffer from low self esteem, relationship problems, stress, anxiety and an unsatisfactory sex life and often hesitate to discuss sexual dysfunction with their physicians due to embarrassment. Erectile dysfunction often can signal an underlying cause that may continue or worsen over time.
