How common is erectile dysfunction?
Most men have odd times when they cannot get an erection. For example, you may not get an erection so easily if you are tired, stressed, distracted, or have drunk too much alcohol. For most men it is only temporary, and an erection occurs most times when you are sexually aroused.
However, some men have persistent, or recurring, ED. It can occur at any age, but becomes more common with increasing age. About half of men between the age of 40 and 70 have ED. About 7 in 10 men aged 70 and above have ED.
How does an erection normally occur?
When you are sexually aroused, messages from your brain travel down nerves to your penis. Chemicals called 'neurotransmitters' are then released from the ends of the nerves in the penis. Stimulation of the penis can also cause local nerve endings to release neurotransmitter chemicals.
The neurotransmitters which are released in the penis cause another chemical to be made called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). An increase of cGMP causes the arteries in the penis to dilate (widen). This allows extra blood to flood into the penis. The rapid inflow of blood causes the penis to swell into an erection. The swollen inner part of the penis also 'presses' on the veins nearer to the skin surface of the penis. These veins normally drain the penis of blood. So, the flow of blood out of the penis is also restricted, which enhances the erection.
The cGMP is soon converted into another inactive chemical. But, as you remain sexually aroused whilst having sex, your brain keeps sending nerve messages to the penis which makes more cGMP to maintain the erection. When the level of cGMP falls, the blood flow to the penis returns to normal, and the penis gradually returns to the non-erect state.
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linda rainbow, over 2 years
Please can you help as soon as possible . My husband is suffering from a problem which means the end of his penis is slightly bent . although he gets an erection , he can;t maintain one, he also has problems penetrating due to this , is this to do with the warfarin medication he is on??. he has had this problem about 6 months, he is very upset . he is 59 years old , what else could it be . your reply will be very much appreciated thank you mrs linda rainbow
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