Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction: Overview

By HelloLife

Taking a Look at Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a sexual dysfunction that prevents a male from maintaining or developing an erection of the penis. For many men, erectile dysfunction is a stressful and often sensitive subject to discuss. While maintaining peak sexual performance is not as difficult a task for younger men, older men may experience problems related to stress, hypertension, injuries, medical disorders or even psychological issues.

An Overview of Topics

The purpose of these articles is to discuss the various symptoms, physical factors that cause this condition and treatment options available to effectively confront and remedy this situation. This article series will serve as a guide to understanding this condition by providing detailed information of eight outlined topics.

Surgery

Surgery is a medical treatment option that is used for erectile dysfunction patients whose condition is unlikely to resolve or improve on its own. Such surgical improvements can be offered through means of penile implant, vascular reconstructive surgery, or sexual therapy practices.

Injury

There are cases of erectile dysfunction that are caused through means of injury. One of the most common forms of erectile dysfunction injury is related to spinal cord damage.

Hormonal Imbalance

The condition known as hormonal imbalance can result in lower levels of testosterone in the male body. These lower levels can cause multiple symptoms, including the potential of erectile dysfunction.

Venous Leak

Venous leakage is the result of veins in the corpora cavernosa not being compressed by an erection of the penis. Without a means to close well enough to retain the blood, erectile dysfunction can occur.

Tobacco Use

Smoking has been a newer factor linked to causing the symptoms that result in erectile dysfunction due to the physical harms found from nicotine addiction and chemical additives.

Alcohol and Drug Use

When a male consumes larger quantities of alcohol or actively uses "recreational" drugs, the effects can dilate (expand) the blood vessels in the penis, allowing the blood to drain out quickly, rendering a male with erectile dysfunction.

Prescription Drugs

There are a number of prescription drugs that cause erectile dysfunction. While such medications are beneficial in treating a disease or condition, the chemical changes inflicted upon a male's hormones, nerves or blood circulation that can inhibit sexual potential.

Enlarged Prostate

Studies are attempting to connect the links between prostate enlargement and erectile dysfunction as medical experts are finding more and more evidence that treating the associated erection problems may also lead to relief in the difficult urinary systems associated with an enlarged prostate gland.

Conclusion

Taking a look behind the physical origins of what causes erectile dysfunction will help to lead an individual suffering from the problematic effects to find answers for a cure. As with any serious medical condition, it is important to educate oneself on how to recognize, treat, and eventually find relief from its symptoms. For the initial subject of surgery, the first article will explore options presented to males who have no other recourse but to explore surgical options in order to restore virility.