What is erectile dysfunction?

An estimated 152 million men and their partners world wide are affected by erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotence. ED is the consistent or inconsistent inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough to begin or complete sexual intercourse.

Impotence may be the consequence but also the symptom of another disease and, generally, indicates a malfunction in the human body. The awareness of ED may be psychologically disabling for both partners, this is why many men don't seek help and don't find out that ED is perfectly treatable.
In order to understand the incidence of erectile dysfunction it is vital to have a clear picture of how erection normally occurs. The whole process begins at neurological level involving the nervous and vascular systems. Erection is initiated by the neurotransmitters in the brain which are chemicals like epinephrine, acetylcholine, nitric oxide.

The physical or psychological arousal determines nerves to send messages to the vascular system, which leads to an increase of blood flow into the genital organs. Blood is supplied to erectile tissue and vascular tissues (corpora cavernosa) by two arteries in the penis. Consequently, corpora cavernosa expand and cause what we call an erection. The erection is kept if blood stays in the penis and maintains rigidity. When arousal ends or the subject ejaculates, blood is released as the pressure in the penis decreases and genital organs resume their normal shape.

Impotence tends to become a common problem and can occur even to young men. Urologists say that individuals who experience erectile disorders should undergo an immediate, complete examination, in order to establish the underlying causes and the most adequate form of medical treatment.