Penile Erection

One of the ways to reach erection is through directly touching the penis. The peripheral nerves are activated. Another way is to stimulate the penis erotically. In this case the activation of the limbic system of the brain provides the erection.
The first stage of the erection is the secretion of nitric oxide (NO) that is followed by the relaxation of smooth muscles of the penile corpora cavernosa (penile tissue responsible for the erection).
To provide a complete erection the proper work of the neural system, the sufficient amount of testosterone and pituitary gland are necessary.

Impotence (Erectile dysfunction)

The disease can be explained as a repeated failure to achieve the erection. Erectile dysfunction may develop from mild forms to a complete inability to perform erectile functions.
After examination of the erectile mechanisms you can realize that lack of hormones, neural diseases, impaired blood supply and psychological problems directly result in the erectile ability. More difficult cases develop due to artery diseases and exposure to bright light or high noises levels that prevent the blood from circulating properly in the penis.

Antihypertensives and antidepressants can cause erectile dysfunction as a side effect. They affect the nervous system and make changes to the blood circulation system and thus influence the ability to maintain reaction.

Undergoing surgeries may cause removal or changes to anatomical structures important to the erection and nervous system. The negative effect of the circumcision is unapproved as a lot of studies imply that circumcision vice virsa improve erectile ability.

Some cases of erection were caused by a long time bicycling activity. The pressure of the saddle on the penis alters the blood supply and causes impotence in continuous for a long period.

Excessive alcohol contributes to the development of the erectile dysfunction as well. People know this disease as “brewer’s droop”. Shakespeare even described it in Macbeth.

Most men feel confused about the erectile dysfunction and refuse to acknowledge it. But the words “I’m too exhausted” or “I’m not satisfied with my partner” will not change the situation. Impotence if paid the right attention can be treated especially on the early stages.

The Erection Mechanism

As described above the secretion of nitric oxide activated the enzyme cyclase followed by smooth muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum. Then the sufficient amount of blood can flow to the penis.

This elaborate process can be described as follows:

• Sexual stimulation
• Smooth muscle relaxation
• Inflow of blood through the dilated blood vessels
• The capture of the blood in the penis by narrowing veins under increased pressure
• Thickening and enlargement of the penis

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Four to five cases of impotence were a result of physical disorders. The remaining cases were caused by psychological problems but these cases still deserve great attention.

Physical Factors
Physical factors that cause erectile dysfunction include vascular and metabolic disorders, nerve disease, intake of medications during cancer treatment, lack of hormones, alcohol and smoking abuse, sedentary lifestyle and others.

Psychological factors
Psychological factors are often combined with physical factors and need a special attention as are not always acknowledged. Among them is anxiety, stress, troubles in life and relationships, depression and others.

Impotence Diagnosis

To diagnose ED several tests should be undertaken. They are mostly performed to investigate the reason that led to the impotence. Patient’s lifestyle, previous diseases and emotional state are also tested before making prescriptions.

Male hormone levels are measured in the blood tests. This also lets to find the cases of diabetes that may influence the erection.
Functioning of penile nerves, vascular pressure and blood circulation are also inspected.
Sometimes changes in the state of the penis during nocturnal erections are measured to identify the disease.

Treatment and Care

Depending on how serious is the case several treatment courses can be prescribed.

Oral Medication
The main oral medications are PDE5 inhibitors sildenafil (Viagra®), vardenafil (Levitra®) and tadalafil (Cialis®). These are drugs that block PDE5. This revives the formation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate that provides the relaxation of the smooth muscle and sufficient blood supply.

Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies like ProCalisX consist of several herbs, minerals and vitamins. They are taken before sexual intercourse and are risk-free as do not have any side-effects.

Vacuum Pump:
Vacuum pump provides the blood flow to the penis and then a ring maintains the penis in this condition. The ring must be removed in 30 minutes. The vacuum pump is quite unreliable and its effects are very individual. Some men are satisfied with it while others prefer to rely on drugs and injections. Studies have shown that prolonged use of vacuum pump can help to improve natural erection. Negative references about the vacuum pump can also be explained by the fact that the erection it helps to achieve is less rigid. High-priced vacuum pump can guarantee a better result.

Sex Counseling
A consultation of a specialist will help to remove the negative experiences in sexual life. Psychologies or psychiatrists deal with psychological troubles that decrease the erection ability.

Penile Injections:
Injections are made into the penis before sexual activity. The substance that is injected causes additional blood inflow to the penis.

Intraurethral Therapy:
Small beads that stimulate blood circulation are inserted into the urethra.

Implant Surgery
A device used in during sexual activity can be implanted into the penis.

Controversial treatment

There other methods of impotence treatment but they either undergoing safety test (like certain drugs) or haven’t proved their effectiveness.

Bremelanotide is an experimental drug. Its action differs from that of traditional drugs. Instead of influencing the vascular system like other drugs do it increases sexual desire. Bremelanotide is a nasal spray and can be used both by men and women.

hMaxi-K
hMaxi-K is one of the latest methods in impotence treating. It works with genes and rely on the alpha-subunit of the Maxi-K channel.

Herbals and alternative medicine
They are considered effective only if the patient expects a good result. It can also be used in combination with traditional drugs that can benefit from its placebo effect.

Ginseng
Ginseng was used in several tested and proved to be more useful than medications based on placedo effect.

Precaution
Several simple measures can be taken to prevent the erectile dysfunction. Those who make exercises on a regular basis, who keep a healthy diet, cope with stress effectively, do not smoke and do not use excess alcohol are more likely to escape the development of impotence.