health

The most commonest sexual disorder in males is erectile dysfunction of the penis.
This conditionis most often caused by psychological problems or stress. However,
there are several physical causes of the disorder, most of which are associated
with aging. Although erectile dysfunction can happen to men of all
ages for physical or medical reasons, about one-half of men over age 65
and three-fourths of men over age 80 report erectile dysfunction.
Three main causes are: problems with the blood flow, problems with the nerves
in the penile area, and problems with hormones.
The blood flow problems are of two types: not enough blood flows
into the penis or the blood in the penis flows out too quickly. To sustain
an erection, blood needs to engorge the penis. If the incoming blood vessels
are too constricted, then not enough blood can flow into the penis to
enlarge and stiffen the penis. However, if the outgoing blood vessels are
not constricted enough, then blood cannot stay in the penis long enough
to maintain an erection. These problems are caused by abnormalities in
the blood vessels caused by previous surgery, diabetes*, blood clots*, or
arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Nerve damage in the penile area can interfere with the neurological
communication that stimulates an erection in the penis. The nerve
damage might be with the nerves sending the message from the brain
to stimulate the functions that result in an erection. Alternatively, the
damage may be in the nerves sending sensation to the brain diminishing
the effects of sexual stimulation. This problem can be caused by spinal
cord injuries from infection, external impact, or structural change. Other
causes of penile nerve damage include diabetes, previous surgery, and
nerve system irregularities.
Problems with hormones are related to failure of the testes to produce
testosterone. The two hormones important for a balance leading to normal
sexual functioning are testosterone and gonadotropin. Testosterone
is responsible for all male sexual characteristics. Gonadotropin is produced
by the pituitary* gland to stimulate production of testosterone.
The presence of above average gonadotropin indicates that the testes are
not producing enough testosterone. Too little testosterone and too much
gonadotropin can lead to erectile dysfunction.