Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence or ED, affects an estimated 1 out of 5 men over 20 years of age in the United States.(1) ED can be caused by a multitude of factors, whether psychological or physiological. The condition is fairly misunderstood among the general population since those who suffer from it may not be comfortable talking about it. However, erectile dysfunction is readily treatable in many cases through the use of certain medications that help make achieving and maintaining an erection easier. The first step is to find a physician trained in men’s health and communicate any erectile issues you may be experiencing. Lifestyle and dietary changes can also help promote healthy erectile function.

The vast majority of men who seek treatment for ED find that any prior performance anxiety they may have had ceases and their sex life improves significantly.

Erectile dysfunction is when a man loses his ability to initiate and sustain an erection during sexual activity. It is not the same as premature ejaculation, which is when a man releases semen before climaxing (having an orgasm), shortly after engaging in sexual intercourse, causing him to lose his erection.

ED and premature ejaculation may coexist in some men. It’s advised to treat the erectile dysfunction first since it usually corrects the premature ejaculation issues in the process.

The physiological mechanisms that underpin ED are fairly intricate since the central nervous system (i.e. the brain and spinal cord), cardiovascular system, and reproductive system all play into the equation.

Neurotransmitters in the brain (e.g., epinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholine) are the primary chemical messengers that initiate an erection. Psychological and/or physical sexual stimulation causes nerves to transmit electrical impulses to the vascular system, which subsequently directs blood flow towards the penis. There are two arteries in the penis that supply oxygen-rich blood to the corpora cavernosa and erectile tissue, causing the penis to expand as a result of greater blood flow and an increase in pressure.

Men often presume that ED is merely a ramification of ageing, but that’s not necessarily the truth. While aging and the associated reduction in testosterone is a major can lead to erectile dysfunction, a myriad of other factors need to be taken into consideration.

For example, the prevalence of ED among those men with type-2 diabetes and hypertension is significantly greater than healthy men.1 This makes sense given that hypertension and type-2 diabetes can hinder cardiovascular function and make it harder for blood to flow to the penis and produce an erection.

But erectile dysfunction is a complex condition that can stem from a wide range of psychological and/or physiological issues. In fact, emotional wellness and mental health are strongly correlated with erectile dysfunction, especially in younger males.(2) This is sometimes referred to as psychogenic erectile dysfunction.

Naturally, treating ED is a matter of pinpointing the root cause and then correcting it.

For North Myrtle Erectile Dysfunction contact Alpha Male Clinic.