Erectile Dysfunction

It is more common at older ages but can occur in any age group.
A study carried out in India, showed that up to 50% of men between 40 and 70 years old had some degree of erectile dysfunction, and this percentage could reach 85% over 75 years.

It is recognized that erectile dysfunction results in a significant decrease in the quality of life, in the patient and his partner.

Penile erection is the result of a neurovascular phenomenon that occurs in a favorable hormonal and psychological environment. Thus, the integrity of all intervening systems is necessary.
The development and maintenance of a normal erection requires the activation of neurological pathways that:

• Relax the trabecular smooth muscle.
• Increase blood flow in the corpora cavernosa (through the cavernous arteries).
• They reduce venous return by collapsing veins and thus allowing erection.
• Psychogenic – for example, anxiety and depression.
• Vascular – for example, obstruction of the cavernous arteries.
• Neurological – for example, the surgical section of the cavernous nerves.
• Anatomical – for example, the severe curvature of the penis.
• Hormonal – for example, low testosterone.