Erectile Dysfunction

The term erectile dysfunction covers a range of disorders, including curvature of the penis during erection (Peyronie’s disease), prolonged painful erection not associated with sexual desire (priapism) and premature ejaculation. But usually it refers to the inability to obtain an adequate erection for satisfactory sexual activity (impotence).

When erectile dysfunction proves to be a pattern or a persistent problem, however, it can interfere with a man’s self-image as well as his sexual life. It may also be a sign of a physical or emotional problem that requires treatment.

Erectile dysfunction, formerly called impotence, was once a taboo subject. But attitudes are changing. More men are seeking help for the problem, and healthcare professionals are gaining a better understanding of what causes erectile dysfunction and are finding new and better ways to treat it such as acupuncture and herbal therapies.

What are the 4 physiological needs necessary for erectile health?

1. healthy muscles (corpora cavernosa) in the penis
2. healthy nerves that send messages to the brain, spine, and penis
3. healthy blood flow toward, within, and away from the penis
4. healthy levels of nitric oxide in the penis

Specific steps take place to produce and sustain an erection:

Arousal. The first step is sexual arousal, which men obtain from the senses of sight, touch, hearing and smell, and from thoughts.
Nervous system response. The brain communicates the sexual excitation to the body’s nervous system, which activates increased blood flow to the penis.
Blood vessel response. A relaxing action occurs in the blood vessels that supply the penis, allowing more blood to flow into the shafts that produce the erection.If something affects any of these factors or the delicate balance among them, erectile dysfunction can result.

What are the common conditions that adversely affect erectile health?

Atherosclerosis and Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Two very common conditions. The narrowing and hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis) reduces blood flow to the reproductive organs. When coronary arteries (arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle) are narrowed by atherosclerosis, heart attacks and angina occur. When cerebral arteries (arteries that supply blood to the brain) are narrowed by atherosclerosis, strokes occur. Similarly, when arteries to the penis and the pelvic organs are narrowed by atherosclerosis, insufficient blood is delivered to the penis to achieve an erection. It is not clearly known how essential hypertension causes erectile dysfunction, however, it is thought to decrease the levels of nitric oxide produced by the arteries in the penis.

Must Read: How, why and when should urologists evaluate male sexual function?

Low Testosterone Levels

Testosterone is necessary for sex drive (libido), sperm production, and maintaining nitric oxide levels in the penis. Therefore men with hypogonadism (poor function of the testes which results in lowered testosterone production) may display low sex drive, poor sperm production, and erectile dysfunction. This is a routine test that can be ordered by your doctor.

Mental-Emotional Conditions

Psychological factors may be responsible for erectile dysfunction. Some common afflictions include anxiety, depression, guilt, low self-esteem, and performance fears. Negative feelings that you express toward your sexual partner — or that are expressed by your sexual partner — such as resentment, hostility or lack of interest also can be a factor in erectile dysfunction.

Habitual Substance Use

Alcohol can cause nerve damage and atrophy (shrink) the testicles leading to lowered testosterone production. Marijuana, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamines, and other recreational substances can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.

Medications

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by many common medications. Some of these include drugs for hypertension, allergies and congestion, depression and anxiety, as well as some tranquilizers, and appetite suppressants.

Prevention
Although most men experience episodes of erectile dysfunction from time to time, you can take these steps to decrease the likelihood of occurrences:
Limit or avoid the use of alcohol and other similar drugs.
Stop smoking.
Exercise regularly.
Reduce stress.
Get enough sleep.
Deal with anxiety or depression.
See your doctor for regular checkups and medical screening tests.

Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture

Treatment for erectile dysfunction has been a successful part of Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for hundreds of years. If you are experiencing any of the conditions related to erectile dysfunction traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture can help. Private and confidential, male reproductive health at Acubalance Wellness Centre.