Experiencing lazy erection or one which is more rapid than would be expected (often before or during penetration), can be a sign of a failure of the mechanism which keeps blood held in the penis, and may signify an underlying clinical condition, often cardiovascular in origin.

Other factors leading to erectile dysfunction are decreased testosterone levels due to disease affecting the testicles or the pituitary gland.

Anxiety
As mentioned before, the male organ signifies masculinity and success in most cultures. Fear of not performing might cause one to feel emasculated. Due to this “perfectionist” mentality; one feel tremendous pressure, thus lacking concentration.

Perfectionists are likely to feel depressed because they expect a certain standard in themselves and if they are unable to cope, expect society to view him in a certain way.

Depression
We go through depression every now and then. Long term depression, though, make us feel inadequate and we slump into a comfort zone where it feels great to be depressed.

Lifestyle
Excessive smoking, drinking and drug abuse are also the major contributor to ED as well.

Physiology

• Hormonal disorders (low levels of testosterone or tumor in the pituitary gland.
• Neurological disorders (brain or spinal cord injury, nerve disorders such as Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis).
• Arterial disorders (reduced blood flow to the penis).
• Cavernosal disorders (Peyronie’s disease: penis disorder: local fibrous scarring causing the erect penis to be bent to such a degree that it interferes with sexual intercourse).
• Surgery (surgery in rectum, prostate, colon, and even radiation therapy may damage the nerves and blood vessels involved in erection.)

Dealing with Erectile Dysfunctions
To know what treatment is correct depends on the cause of ED. For example, ED caused by psychological causes may require:

• Counseling
• Psychotherapy
• Relationship counseling

There are also mechanical aids available for ED such as:

• Vacuum Pumps – A cylinder is put over your male organ and the air is then pumped out. That should “suck” your male organ into an erection. But the “erected” organ would be a bit cold and blue-looking.
• Rings – A specially designed ring fit at the vase of male organ which is often used with vacuum pumps. The rings is designed to help stop blood from flowing out of the male organ.

Then there are the conventional drugs for ED such as:

• Viagra – Widens the blood vessels which give an erection.
• Injection into the penis prior to sexual intercourse.
• Pellets inserted down the urinary pipe prior to sexual intercourse.

Under drastic circumstances, the following surgery procedures are practiced for ED:

• Curing venous leak – Some men lose their erections because blood leaks out of the male organ. Sometimes, this only happens only in certain sex positions. A urologist may be able to operate if the leak is clearly pin-pointed by special X-rays.
• Internal splints – A skilled urologist can insert artificial splints into the male organ. There is the simple splint which is a firm rod whereby the man can lift his organ into position when he needs to.

Related Topic: About Erectile Dysfunction

Since we are living in an ‘appearance-conscious’ society, it inevitably forces one to be self-conscious, thus threatening one’s self-esteem and ultimate happiness. ED is, however, not incurable as most people think because medical treatment and advancement in the medical field enable ED to be treated as long as one seeks help.

How does erection work?

There are two different mechanisms governing a penis to erect. The fist is the reflex system where your spine and peripheral nerves both react when touched directly in the penile shaft. The second is caused by emotional and erotic stimuli catalyzed by the limbic system of the brain.

During the stimulation of the penile shaft, your nervous system secretes nitric oxide which causes the relaxation of smooth muscles of the main erectile tissue of the penis known as corpora cavernosa. A healthy production of testosterone levels and pituitary gland also assist in a healthy erection. Impotence can be caused by hormonal deficiency, disorders of the neural system, lack of blood supply and psychological problems. Restriction of blood flow can arise from coronary artery disease.