Monday, February 25, 2008

Erectile dysfunction (ED)



Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to discharge or maintain an erection sufficient for his sexual needs or the needs of his Companion.Most men experience this at some point in their lives, usually by period 40, and are not psychologically affected by it.

Some men, however, experience chronic, imperforate erectile dysfunction (impotence), and others, partial or mini erections. Frequent erectile dysfunction can foundation emotional and relationship problems, and Frequently leads to diminished self-esteem. Erectile dysfunction has many causes, most of which are treatable, and is not an inevitable consequence of aging.

Incidence and Prevalence
The term “erectile dysfunction” can mean the inability to discharge erection, an inconsistent competence to do so, or the competence to discharge only mini erections. These various definitions make estimating the incidence of erectile dysfunction difficult. According to the National Institutes of Health in 2002, an estimated 15 million to 30 million men in the USA experience chronic erectile dysfunction.

According to the National Ambulatory Medical dismay Survey (NAMCS), enclosing 22 out of every 1000 men in the USA sought medical keeping for ED in 1999.

Incidence of the Chaos increases with period. Chronic ED affects approximately 5% of men in their 40s and 15–25% of men by the period of 65. Transient ED and inadequate erection move as many as 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70.

Diseases (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease, alcoholism, atherosclerosis) legend for as many as 70% of chronic ED cases and psychological factors (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression) may legend for 10–20% of cases. Between 35 and 50% of men with diabetes experience ED.

Anatomy of the Penis
The internal structure of the penis consists of two cylinder-shaped vascular tissue bodies (corpora cavernosa) that run throughout the penis; the urethra (tube for expelling urine and ejaculate); erectile tissue surrounding the urethra; two main arteries; and several veins and nerves. The longest part of the penis is the shaft, endure of which is the head, or glans penis. The opening at the tip of the glans, which allows for urination and ejaculation, is the meatus.

Physiology of Erection
The physiological process of erection begins in the brain and involves the nervous and vascular systems. Neurotransmitters in the brain (e.g., epinephrine, acetylcholine, nitric oxide) are some of the chemicals that initiate it. Physical or psychological stimulation (arousal) causes nerves to send messages to the vascular system, which results in significant blood flow to the penis. Two arteries in the penis supply blood to erectile tissue and the corpora cavernosa, which metamorphose engorged and expand as a Conclusion of increased blood flow and pressure.

thanks to blood must stay in the penis to maintain rigidity, erectile tissue is enclosed by fibrous elastic sheathes (tunicae) that cinch to prevent blood from leaving the penis during erection. When stimulation ends, or following ejaculation, pressure in the penis decreases, blood is released, and the penis resumes its normal shape.