What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction, or impotence as it is sometimes known, is the consistent inability for a man to achieve or maintain an erection, or to maintain an erection that is hard enough and lasts long enough for successful sexual intercourse. Such things as lack of sexual desire, difficulties ejaculating, or problems reaching orgasm are commonly associated with impotence. Thus, when the term erectile dysfunction is used, it is understood that those problems are not included.
In order to understand what, exactly, erectile dysfunction is and, more importantly, what it does – and does not – cause, it is first important to understand precisely how erections occur. Rather than beginning physically, erections are first caused by mental stimulation and sensory functions. The brain and the nerve endings located in and around the penis send messages to the arteries in the penis, instructing them to open wider and admit substantial blood flow. The muscles have to relax to do this and, after maximum blood flow has reached the penis, the muscles contract and the arteries shut again, keeping blood trapped – and thus keeping the penis hard and erect – until climax is achieved.
Erectile dysfunction, also shortened to the term ED, can pertain to the complete inability to maintain an erection, to inconsistent erections, or to the inability to sustain an erection for anything but short spans of time.
The predominance of erectile dysfunction has increased rather steadily over time. Thanks to the emergence of more and more medications aimed towards helping erectile dysfunction, it is no longer quite so anathema to discuss it, which in turn makes it much easier for affected men to talk about their problems with erectile dysfunction.
As you can clearly see, a lot of factors are involved in achieving and maintaining an erection. Nerves, synapses, the brain, and the spinal column are all involved in an erection before the penis – although that certainly plays an integral part as well! The point is that also leaves numerous opportunities for many different things to affect every man’s erection.
Erectile dysfunction is quite common. With so many causes for ED ranging from physical issues, medicinal side effects, emotional or mental stress, such as anxiety, and even age, erectile dysfunction is not uncommon. Levitra and generic Levitra have proven to be an excellent treatment for ED. And Levitra can now be purchased cheaply and discreetly online. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking any kind of medication.
