Erectile Dysfunction Explained

Many men will experience an erection problem at some stage. Especially given there are a number of underlying illnesses which can potentially cause erection problems. Some erection problems can be temporary and occasional. If you encounter erection problems on a more regular basis, however, you may be suffering from ED. You have made the right decision to do something about your impotence and we hope this site can help you deal with this common problem.

What is erectile dysfunction and how common is it?

Not enough blood in the penis

An erection problem is known medically as ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED) or sometimes it's referred to as impotence. It occurs when the penis doesn't get hard (erect) enough to allow a man to have sexual activity. This happens because not enough blood can get into, or stay in the penis long enough to allow an erection.

Physiology of an erection

An erection is a complex process that occurs as a result of changes within the muscles, nerves and blood vessels of the penis

Blood is pumped into the penis making it firm.

This usually begins when we think about sex, when we are stimulated - or both.

Sexual stimulation causes signals to travel down the nerves that lead from the spinal cord to the genitals. Then the blood vessels that supply the penis open further, so blood flows in and the penis enlarges.

At least 1 in 10 men have erection problems

Talk to your doctor about your erectile problem as it could be a symptom of an underlying illness like diabetes. If it is, your doctor will be able to identify and treat it, as well as treating your impotence.

Erectile Dysfunction and the Prostate

What is the prostate?

The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut and is shaped like a doughnut. It sits just underneath the bladder and is wrapped around the upper part of the urethra.

The prostate is made up of a number of small glands surrounded by a layer of tissue called the stroma. The small glands in the prostate produce the fluid secretions. The stroma contains some muscle cells which contract during ejaculation to help move fluid into the urethra.

The prostate gland produces a milky, slightly acidic fluid that is secreted through several openings into the urethra. Although the functions of the substances in prostatic fluid are not entirely known, they may help keep sperm alive and may also protect sperm when in the female reproductive tract. The prostate produces approximately 40% of the fluid that is ejaculated.

Prostate Growth

The prostate gland slowly increases in size from birth until puberty, and after that it grows more quickly.

The close location of the prostate around the urethra means that any enlargement of the gland can narrow the outflow from the bladder. If the prostate grows too large, it may slow or even stop the flow of urine.

Outflow

The outflow of urine from the bladder is controlled by a ring of muscle called the internal sphincter which is located at the base of the bladder. When the internal sphincter is closed, it stops urine and semen leaving the body through the urethra at the same time. At orgasm, this muscle ring closes tightly to stop semen flowing 'backwards' into the bladder. This muscle ring cannot be consciously controlled and is referred to as an involuntary muscle.

The outflow of urine from the penis is controlled by a different muscle layer (external muscle sphincter) that sits underneath the prostate gland in the region referred to as the pelvic floor. Men can voluntarily control the flow of urine by the control of this muscle layer in the pelvic floor. This muscle layer is referred to as a voluntary muscle because it can be consciously controlled.

Are you over 50? Cancerous or Non Cancerous?

BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia )

As you reach middle age, one of the most common problems that you may encounter is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, which constricts the urethra and causes a need to urinate more often. If you start needing to pass urine a couple of times through the course of the night, have difficulty in initiating urination or dribble at the end of urination, then these are the classic symptoms of BPH.

There is also an increased likelihood of urinary infections and an increased risk of sexual dysfunction, which includes problems with ejaculation and erections. If these symptoms are familiar to you then the possibility is that you may have BPH.

If however, you have blood in your urine, difficulty in passing urine or a swelling in your testicles or groin, then you should see your Doctor as it could be cancer.