Why Erectile Dysfunction Happens

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction or impotence can be defined as the inability to get or sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. It is a common problem, but often not talked about. One in ten men will suffer from impotence and in diabetic men it is as common as 30%.

The ability to be able to get an erection is important to most men old and young, but because of taboos and embarrassment many men suffer in silence without seeking help or advice from their doctor or nurse.

How do erections happen?

A man needs hormones, blood supply, nerves and a desire if he is to achieve an erection. If one or more of these mechanisms fail then the erection will also fail.

When aroused nerve impulses travel from the brain to the penis, this triggers the relaxation of the smooth muscle in the penis which then allows increased blood flow into the tissues. As the penis fills with blood it will enlarge and become erect. As the penis enlarges it compresses the veins inhibiting blood flow out of the area, thus sustaining the erection. The penis will stay erect until ejaculation or when arousal stops.

What physical causes are there?

Hormone imbalance

A deficiency of male hormones can reduce desire or interest in sexual function.

Nerve damage

Damage to the nerves which cause the erection lead to reduced sensitivity thus making it increasingly difficult to achieve an erection.

Disease of the blood vessels

The blood vessels become narrowed and hardened. This reduces the blood supply to the penis which can lead to impotence.

If the penis does not fill adequately then the veins will not be closed off and the blood will leak back out of the penis. The erection will not be maintained.

Trauma

Such as injury to the spinal cord.

Pelvic surgery

Some operations on the prostate, bladder or bowel may result in some nerve damage leading to impotence.

Drugs

Some drugs for blood pressure, depression and sedatives have the side effect of causing impotence.

Smoking and alcohol

Those who smoke and drink are more likely to suffer from impotence.

In men with diabetes the most common cause of erectile dysfunction is disease of the blood vessels and / or nerve damage.

Visit our men's health page to find out how we can help.