Studies
in several countries show that erectile dysfunction affects more than 100
million men worldwide. Despite this huge quantity, the patient with erection problems feels completely alone.
Man,
due to socio-cultural context in which it was created, has difficulty in
talking about their problem and especially with his own companion, before whom
he feels diminished. With friends, in the same posture, the reply will
certainly be of mockery and embarrassment. Fear and ashamed of their condition
hinders these men to consult an expert.
3 Main Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
The
causes of erectile dysfunction can be divided into three major groups:
·
Organic
·
Psychogenic
·
Mixed
It
is important to emphasize that the erection disorders occur more frequently in
as the individual ages, but are not due to only age. The fact can be explained
when it is understood that various diseases that favor the onset of erectile
dysfunction occur most frequently in people over age.
Organic Root Causes
Penile
erection is a phenomenon dependent on various factors and involves the nervous,
endocrine, vascular and tissue of the corpora cavernosa. Therefore, changes in
any of these factors may contribute at least in part for erectile
dysfunction.
Injury
or vascular disorders can impair the required blood circulation in the penis.
The arterial occlusive disease of atherosclerotic or traumatic etiology of
pelvic and penile vascular system decreases blood flow and substantially reduces
penile erection.
Changes
in the nerves lead to sexual stimulation to the penis. Diseases or conditions
that affect the nervous system, such as alcoholism and diabetes mellitus can
cause erectile dysfunction. In addition, spinal cord injuries, surgeries and
pelvic radiotherapy destroy nerve fibres, a loss of erective function.
Changes
in hormone production such as lowering blood level of testosterone (produced
in the testes) leads to decreased interest in sexual activity. Anatomical and
physiological changes in the corpus cavernosum, preventing them from adequately
dilate to promote erection. The corpora cavernosa are cylindrical structures,
located in the body of the penis, which receive the blood and keep it under
pressure, promote erection.
Psychological Root Causes
This
category is related to mechanism of action with the central inhibition of the
erection process, emotionally based and without the participation of any
organic component.
Many
emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, fear of failure, shame, family
problems, financial problems, among others, may be responsible for erectile
dysfunction, in varying degrees, including premature ejaculation problems. The
preoccupation of the individual with sexual performance can also lead to
erectile dysfunction. The man with ED is isolated with their problem.
The
fear and the shame of failing again, eventually lead man to abstain from any
sexual contact, leading him to a vicious cycle that slows down more and more
the process of healing.
Mixed causes
It
comprises a combination of organic and emotional factors. After going through
successive failures when attempting intercourse, the feeling of inferiority
experienced by the individual will cause a huge psychological impact. The
vicious circle created makes it increasingly difficult the possibility to solve
the problem alone. In the case of erection, ultimate expression of masculinity,
related by the concepts of our society, the strength and power in its broadest
sense is extremely rare in patient with an organic cause, whatever it is, does
not end, also showing an emotional involvement.
