The Erection - Physiology

Erection occurs when the blood flow to the penis increases, as a man becomes sexually aroused. This occurs via the secretion of a chemical called nitric oxide (NO). Blood vessels going to the penis dilate, and blood fills the penis causing it to become engorged. This will typically last until arousal is diminished, or orgasm is achieved.

The penis has 3 chambers, which fill with blood during an erection. When you're not sexually aroused the penile chambers are open and allow for the flow of blood through them. When sexual arousal occurs, the chambers remain open and the exit gates close. When this occurs the blood that remains in the penis gives you your erection. Once the penile gates close the amount of blood in the chambers will determine how you perform.

Recent research has helped to change our thinking about the most common causes of sexual dysfunction. For a long time it was assumed that almost all erection failures were caused by psychological factors-- stress, anxiety, and fear. While these factors can play a significant role, most experts now believe the major cause of impotence is physical. Simply stated, anything that interferes with blood flow to the sexual organs interferes with sexual function.

Penile erection is mediated by the nervous system, which when stimulated causes vasodilation and relaxation of the cavernosal smooth muscle, which ultimately leads to penile erection.

Physical causes of erectile dysfunction
•Side-effects of some drugs
•Alcohol and tobacco use(even beer). See our Non smoking products
•Fatigue
•Brain or spinal-cord injuries
• Hypogonadism (which leads to lower testosterone levels)
•Multiple sclerosis
•Parkinson's disease
•Radiation therapy to the testicles
•Stroke
•Some types of prostate or bladder surgery
•Diabetes (high blood sugar)
•Hypertension (high blood pressure)
•Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)