What are the major causes
of erection failure in men
Erectile failure is the inability
to achieve an erection, dissatisfaction with the size,
rigidity, and duration of erections. Erection problems
affect millions of men in today’s world. In the
past, it was commonly believed to be due to some psychological
problems. However, now it is known that 80 to 90 percent
of erectile failure is caused by physical problems,
usually related to the blood supply of the penis.
What causes erectile failure?
Erection chiefly begins in the mind. When sights,
sounds, touches, or thoughts make a man sexually aroused,
his brain informs the arteries in his penis to supply
the blood to the penis. The arteries become relaxed,
the blood flow to penis increases to seven times the
normal flow, leading to an erection. Extra blood keeps
rushing in as long as the man stays aroused or until
he ejaculates. However, if the brain doesn't send the
right signals, or if the arteries can't respond to them,
a man will be unable to have an erection leading to
erectile failure.
Causes of erectile failure
Circulation problems
To maintain an erection for a satisfying sexual intercourse,
blood flow to the penis is very important. If there
are circulation problems, there may be difficulties
in maintaining an erection. Blockage or hindrance of
the blood supply to the penis is a common cause of erectile
dysfunction. Research has shown that men who smoke are
more likely to encounter erectile problems than men
who are non-smokers.
Diabetes
A large number of people suffering from diabetes will
experience ED at some stage. Diabetes can affect blood
vessels and nerves in various parts of the body, and
is a major cause of erection failure. Diabetes affects
both the blood supply to the penis and the nervous control
needed to maintain an erection. It can affect the autonomic
nerves system, which is responsible for controlling
body functions. This can lead to lowering of male sexual
efficiency.
Excessive alcohol drinking
There is evidence that excess alcohol consumption causes
about one in six cases of Erectile Dysfunction. As opposed
to the popular belief that alcohol is a depressant drug
and lessens sexual inhibitions, it can also reduce sexual
arousal and cause erectile failure.
Drugs
Side effects of certain groups of drugs include erection
failure. Drugs for treating high blood pressure, depression,
or some ulcer healing drugs and anticonvulsants can
cause erectile failure. Drugs that contain the female
hormone oestrogen or medications to counteract testosterone
may also cause problems. Illegal drugs like cocaine
also interfere with ability to maintain an erection.
Conditions of the penis
There are a number of conditions, which affect the tissues
in the penis. If these conditions are left untreated,
they can have an impact on the ability to maintain an
erection. These include:
- Peyronie's Disease or bent or deformity of penis
- Balanitis, which includes inflamed glans or head
of penis
- Untreated priapism, where erection lasts for hours
becoming very painful leading to permanent damage
- Infections, including sexually transmitted diseases
may also lead to erection problems.
Hormonal deficiency
Hormonal deficiency can be another likely cause for
erectile failure. In younger men, this deficiency is
usually caused by psychological androgen. In adult life,
the pituitary gland may fail to produce the stimulating
hormones. These promote testosterone production through
the testicles. Furthermore, there may be associated
failure of thyroid and adrenal gland hormone production.
This may cause impotence and low level of sexual interest.
Neurological conditions
Spinal injury, multiple sclerosis or tumors may have
a strong impact on the nerve supply to the penis, which
can cause erection problems.
Surgery
Sometimes, cancer, surgery of the prostate gland or
pelvis, where there has been nerve or tissue damage,
may cause Erectile Dysfunction.
Serious illness
A range of serious illnesses may cause Erectile Dysfunction.
These include:
- liver or kidney disease
- heart attack
- heart failure
- chest problems including injury or major surgery
Some people may be so weakened by their condition that
they simply lack the stamina for intercourse.
Erectile failure can be really a big problem for men,
as it may cause a break in a relationship. There can
be a number of causes for erectile failure in men, which
can be diagnosed keeping in mind their physical and
mental health.
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