Erectile dysfunction: mechanism and causes.

Erectile dysfunction (also known as male impotence) occurs when the strict sequence of events happening in the body gets interrupted for some reason. The sequence of events leading to a normal erection involves nerve impulses sent from the brain to the nerves as the result of sexual stimulation, responding muscles, tissues and veins in the corpora cavernosa of the penis, and the increase on the penis in size. In case some nerves, muscles or tissues are in any way affected, the sequence is interrupted and the man is diagnosed with erectile dysfunction characterized by the inability to get or maintain an erection for long enough to complete a sexual intercourse.

Although ED is commonly treated with special drugs marketed by famous companies (the most popular medicine is, of course, Viagra – the «blue pill», while Cialis and Levitra take the second and third place in popularity, respectively), it can be caused by a variety of reasons. This condition is often diagnosed in people suffering from a number of diseases (diabetes, vascular disease, kidney disease and some others) and those making wrong lifestyle choices. Some patients are unable to perform sexually and are diagnosed with ED because of surgeries, during which the nerves or arteries near the penis have been injured. Another way sexual performance of a man can be affected is by taking drugs especially if it is a long-term treatment. ED is often listed as one of the side effects for medicines, such as cimetidine, appetite suppressants, tranquilizers, antidepressants, antihistamines and blood pressure drugs.