Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence)
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction or “impotence” is the repeated inability to obtain or keep an erection that is sufficiently firm to achieve the kind of sex desired by a man and his partner.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be the total inability to obtain an erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. These variations make defining ED and estimating its prevalence difficult.
How common is erectile dysfunction?
It is thought to affect at least one in ten men in the UK. This means that there are an estimated 2.3 million men suffering with erectile dysfunction. In men over 40 years old, more than 50% will experience some form of ED, but despite its prevalence it is estimated that only 10% of men are being treated.
What happens during an erection?
An erection is a complex event that requires the interaction of the brain, nerves, hormones and blood vessels.
As a result of psychological or physical sexual stimulation, the brain sends messages through the nervous system to the penis. These messages relax the smooth muscles in the blood vessel walls of the corpus cavernosum, causing them to open wider. When this happens, more blood flows through the vessels, filling the corpus cavernosum. At the same time, the veins that carry blood away from the penis shut down, causing an increase in blood pressure in the penis. The blood that is trapped within the corpus cavernosum causes the penis to become hard and erect.
What causes ED?
How is ED diagnosed?
Where can I get treatment?
Treatments for ED
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Mary.McFeeley@HCAconsultant.co.uk |
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