What is ED- erectile dysfunction

The inability to achieve penile erection or to maintain an erection until ejaculation. Also called impotence.

- Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for his sexual needs or the needs of his partner. Most men experience this at some point in their lives, usually by age 40, & r not psychologically affected by it.

- Some men, however, experience chronic, complete erectile dysfunction (impotence), & others, partial or brief erections. Frequent erectile dysfunction can cause emotional & relationship problems, & often leads to diminished self-esteem. Erectile dysfunction has many causes, most of which r treatable, & is not an inevitable consequence of aging.

Incidence & Prevalence :
- The term ''erectile dysfunction'' can mean the inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or the ability to achieve only brief erections. These various definitions make estimating the incidence of erectile dysfunction difficult. According to the National Institutes of Health in 2002, an estimated 15 million to 30 million men in the United States experience chronic erectile dysfunction.

According to the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS), approximately 22 out of every 1000 men in the United States sought medical attention for ED in 1999.

Incidence of the disorder increases with age. Chronic ED affects about 5% of men in their 40s & 15–25% of men by the age of 65. Transient ED & inadequate erection affect as many as 50% of men between the ages of 40 & 70.

Diseases (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease, alcoholism, atherosclerosis) account for as many as 70% of chronic ED cases & psychological factors (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression) may account for 10–20% of cases. Between 35 & 50% of men with diabetes experience ED.

Anatomy of the Penis :
- The internal structure of the penis consists of two cylinder-shaped vascular tissue bodies (corpora cavernosa) that run throughout the penis; the urethra (tube for expelling urine & ejaculate); erectile tissue surrounding the urethra; two main arteries; & several veins & nerves. The longest part of the penis is the shaft, at the end of which is the head, or glans penis. The opening at the tip of the glans, which allows for urination & ejaculation, is the meatus.

- Physiology of Erection :
The physiological process of erection begins in the brain & involves the nervous & vascular systems. Neurotransmitters in the brain (e.g., epinephrine, acetylcholine, nitric oxide) r some of the chemicals that initiate it. Physical or psychological stimulation (arousal) causes nerves to send messages to the vascular system, which results in significant blood flow to the penis. Two arteries in the penis supply blood to erectile tissue & the corpora cavernosa, which become engorged & expand as a result of increased blood flow & pressure.

Because blood must stay in the penis to maintain rigidity, erectile tissue is enclosed by fibrous elastic sheathes (tunicae) that cinch to prevent blood from leaving the penis during erection. When stimulation ends, or following ejaculation, pressure in the penis decreases, blood is released, & the penis resumes its normal shape.
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