How does an Erection happen?
Erection is a psychological phenomenon in which the man’s penis raises from its natural level.
For a normal erection to happen,
The penis comprises two spongy tissue tubes, called “corpora cavernosa” surrounded by a tough fibrous-partially elastic outer casing, called “tunica albuginea”. When a man is aroused sexually, the blood vessels of the corpora cavernosa relax and open up and blood rushes in through the cavernosus arteries to fill the spongy tissues. The spongy tissues expand to accommodate the extra blood. The veins running over the outer case of the penis then compress obstructing the outflow of blood from the penis. As the blood is entrapped in the penis under high pressure, the penis swells within the outer casing, giving an erection. The pelvic muscles especially ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus also play a significant role in getting a good erection. Contractions of these muscles produce an increase in intracavernous (intrapenile) pressure and enhance penile rigidity (firmness). Erection is reversed when muscles in the penis contract, stopping the inflow of blood and opening outflow channels, and the penis becomes flaccid (soft).
How does Ejaculation occur?
Sexual stimulation and friction provide the impulses that are delivered to the spinal cord and into the brain. Ejaculation is a reflex action controlled by the central nervous system. It is triggered when the sexual act reaches a critical level of excitement. It has two phases.
There may come a time in any of our lives when our erections, which have often been frequent throughout our lives, begin to take a nosedive. Perhaps this has already begun to happen to you, in which case don’t worry: it genuinely is a fairly frequent problem.
What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?
“It is man’s inability to achieve or maintain an erection, suitable for satisfactory sexual intercourse.”
ED is also called impotence. It is the inability to engage in sexual intercourse. This condition can negatively impact any intimate relationship, not forgetting one’s psychological well-being too.
How Common is ED?
According to research, 150 million men suffer from erectile dysfunction and the number is doubling by 2025.
A survey showed that men over the age of 40 may experience at least one in five erectile problems and almost one in ten men is completely incapable of erections. With increasing age, each person is more likely to have erectile problems.
Causes of ED
ED can be caused by many physical or psychological factors. Some important causes are:
Nerve Damage
A proper nerve system is essential for normal erection. Men with neurological disorders may face ED. Common causes are:
Poor Blood Flow
Poor blood flow affects suitable erection. Common causes include:
Urological problems
Certain urological problems may lead to ED.
Interference by drugs, alcohol and medicines
Metabolic problems interfering with blood vessel function (endothelial dysfunction)
Psychosocial causes
ED- Common Questions:
Is ED a normal attribute of ageing?
No, erectile dysfunction has nothing to do with ageing.
Is ED preventive?
By keeping healthy lifestyle and timely check on other health conditions you have, you can easily prevent erectile dysfunction.
Is ED hereditary?
No, erectile dysfunction is not hereditary.
What is PELVIC FLOOR REHABILITATION (PFR)?
PFR is a therapy to reinforce your pelvic floor muscles which play a significant role in sustaining an erection. The experienced pelvic floor therapist, with the help of specialised equipment ensures stronger muscles especially ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus. These muscles lead to stronger erections and better ejaculations with the increase in Ejaculatory time.
What treatment options are available for ED?
The various treatment options are Oral Medications, Penile Injection Treatment, Low Intensity Shock Wave Lithotripsy, P-shot, External Devices, Penile Prsothesis
What is Low Intensity Shock Wave Lithotripsy (LI-ESWT)?
LI-ESWT is a novel modality that has recently been developed for treating ED. Li-ESWT induces tissue regeneration, neo-angiogenesis and improve endothelial function, thereby improving penile circulation. Apart from ED, it also benefits patients with Peyronie’s Disease and Chronic Prostatitis
what is PRP treatment
The PRP treatment or platelet rich plasma treatment as it is sometimes known, is a completely natural procedure that is non-surgical and painless. It involves the injection of platelet rich plasma into the shaft of the penis, once it has been sufficiently numbed. This attracts stem cells and growth factors that kick-start tissue growth in the nerves and blood vessels, that in turn improves the size and quality of your erections, thereby benefiting patients with ED as well as Peyronie’s Disease.
What external devices are available for erectile dysfunction?
Vaccum Erection Device is one such external device which is FDA approved and is easy and safe to use. In the process, tubular tubes or Vacuum devices are placed over the penis. As air is tapped out of the cylinder, and the pressure build-up helps to draw blood into the penis. This helps the penis to enlarge A rubber ring is then set around the bottom of the penis to maintain the erection.
What is a penile prosthesis?
A penile prosthesis is a pair of malleable (bendable) rods or inflatable rods (that may be inflated and deflated manually) that is surgically inserted into the penis. The Inflatable devices allow erections to happen by a mechanism of compressing on a special part by the device. Men disappointed with other treatments might opt for penile prosthesis implantation.
HOW TO IMPROVE ERECTIONS NATURALLY
According to The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, certain foods should be avoided to achieve better erections: