Blood seeps out of the passages in the corpora cavernosa. This process, called detumescence, or deflation, occurs when the chemical messengers that started and maintained the erection stop being produced, and other chemicals, such as the enzyme phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), destroy the remaining messengers. Some signal - usually an orgasm, but possibly a distraction, interruption, or even cold temperature - brings an erection to an end. In essence, the blood becomes trapped, maintaining the erection. The blood filling the corpora cavernosa compresses and then closes off the openings to the veins that normally drain blood away from the penis. The amount of blood in the penis increases six-fold during an erection. Blood floods the penis through two central arteries, which run through the corpora cavernosa and branch off into smaller arteries. Blood enters the corpora cavernosa through the central arteries.Īs the arteries relax, the thousands of tiny caverns, or spaces, inside these cylinders fill with blood. The penis is made up of three cylindrical bodies, the corpus spongiosum (spongy body)-which contains the urethra and includes the glans (head) of the penis-and two corpora cavernosa (erectile bodies), that extend from within the body out to the end of the penis to support erection. These chemicals initiate the erection by relaxing the smooth muscle cells lining the tiny arteries that lead to the corpora cavernosa, a pair of flexible cylinders that run the length of the penis (see Figure 1). These messengers boost the production of other important chemicals, including cyclic guanosine monophosphate, prostaglandins, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. Nerves talk to each other by releasing nitric oxide and other chemical messengers. Problems with any one of these elements can diminish the quality of an erection or prevent it from happening altogether. Blood vessels, nerves, hormones, and, of course, the psyche must work together. But getting to that stage requires extraordinary orchestration of body mechanisms. Blood fills the penis, causing it to swell and become firm. The basics: How an erection occursĪt its most basic level, an erection is a matter of hydraulics. This article explores why men may develop erectile dysfunction as a consequence of some prostate diseases, and details the current treatment options to restore sexual functioning. The possibility of finding the right solution is now greater than ever. If these aren’t effective for you, a number of other options, including injections and vacuum devices, are available. Some men find relief by taking medications to treat erectile dysfunction. Fortunately, in many cases, this problem can often be effectively addressed. When such difficulties occur regularly, it’s time to talk to your doctor.Įrectile dysfunction can have many causes, including some forms of prostate disease and medications and surgery for prostate cancer. On another occasion, the erection may not be as firm as usual, or it may end before orgasm.
One night it may take longer or require more stimulation to get an erection. The penis doesn’t get hard enough, or it gets hard but softens too soon. Nearly every man occasionally has trouble getting an erection, and most partners understand that.Įrectile dysfunction is the inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse at least 25% of the time. Nor is the inability to have another erection soon after an orgasm. Failing to have an erection one night after you’ve had several drinks - or even for a week or more during a time of intense emotional stress - is not erectile dysfunction. If you are concerned about erectile function, it’s important to understand what erectile dysfunction really is.
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