Erection Disorders : General, Symptoms, Pathophysiological Mechanism, Causes

Pathophysiological mechanism

The penis is composed of two cylinders of sponge like structure, called the corpora cavernosa , its length and disposed in parallel with one another and with the urethra. When the man gets sexually stimulated, nerve impulses stimulate blood flow to the corpora cavernosa fill them with blood causing the blood flow increases up to seven times normal. This influx of blood leads to expansion of the corpora cavernosa structure and filling them with blood like a sponge, thus producing an erection that results in increase in volume of the penis and its hardening. Sexual stimulation is preserved by maintaining a high blood flow and maintain an erection. After ejaculation disappears whenexcitation , excess blood drains through the venous system and leaves the corpus cavernosum penis flaccid recapatand form.

Specific steps in getting and maintaining erections: 
- The first stage is represented by the perception of sexual stimuli: pictures, touch, talk / speak, smell, imagination, etc.. 
- The second stage of interpretation is represented by the central nervous system stimulant and sending signals to specific nerve impulses through nerve fibers to the sexual organs 
- The third phase is vascular response to nervous stimulation and sexual intercourse is the relaxation of vascular structures with the development of blood flow to the corpora cavernosa fill with getting an erection. 
Either step may be affected by an inappropriate stimulus and by its disturbance may thus lead to compromise what we call triggering an erection disorder erection.

Causes

The causes of this disorder / dysfunction and even impotence can be physical (organic) or psychological. Among the psychological causes are mentioned: stress , anxiety , depression and fatigue. 
In another category of factors that can cause erectile problems are sex negative stimuli and they consist of some tension, disagreements or misunderstandings between partners – some resentment, hostility, inconvenience and a simple lack of interest or sexual stimulation. 
But not always because of the inability to obtain an erection is psychological.

Cases of physical, organic are also quite common and they include: 
- Lesions of neural structures with a role in transmitting nerve impulses in response to sexual stimulation. Are frequently encountered indiabetic neuropathy
- Disorders affecting the cardiovascular system and further reduce blood flow to the pelvic 
- Drugs in chronic treatments that inhibit sexual function 
- Surgery for prostate cancer
- Fractures and contusions forces spine with spinal cord damage 
- sclerosis plaques
- Hormonal disorders 
- alcoholism and other forms of addiction and abuse.

Erection disorders in some cases can even be seen as the first sign of some diseases. 
In many cases of physical or psychological problems may interact and may even constitute a vicious circle: any inability to obtain an erection because it would lead to some form of depression that will maintain such a negative effect. 
There are many physical and psychological factors that may contribute to the occurrence of erection problems. 

They are: 
Issues of physical, organic - chronic lung disease, liver, kidney , heart, arterio-venous malformations may cause impotence. Also endocrine disorders, diabetes, atherosclerosis. In some cases sexual dysfunction is due to too little testosterone concentrations in the blood of the patient - male hypogonadism.

Surgery or suffered trauma in history. Erectile dysfunction can be triggered by an injury to the spine with spinal cord damage. Also, rectal surgery, bladder cancer or prostate cancer may brings about erection disorders, impotence. Going over the bike could cause transient malfunctions.

Drugs - a large number of drugs can interfere with sexual function, can include antidepressants, antihistamines, antihypertensives, analgeticele strong anticanceroasele used in prostate neoplasm, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, etc.. are drugs through a mechanism that affects at least one or another of the steps to obtain an erection.

Abuse of toxic substances - chronic alcoholism, marijuana, other drugs. Tobacco excessive vascular disorders can cause severe consequences sexually.

Stress, depression, anxiety - psychological condition contributes in many cases it is found in dysfunction and the etiology of most cases where physical injuries are not detected.