Generic Cialis - Erectile Dysfunction- Impotence Erectile dysfunction (ED)

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, and are not psychologically affected by it.

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

Incidence and 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 and 15–25% of men by the age of 65. Transient
ED and inadequate erection affect as many as 50% of men between the
ages of 40 and 70.

Diseases (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease, alcoholism, atherosclerosis)
account for as many as 70% of chronic ED cases and psychological
factors (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression) may account for 10–20% of
cases. Between 35 and 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 and ejaculate); erectile
tissue surrounding the urethra; two main arteries; and several veins
and 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 and ejaculation, is the meatus.

Physiology of Erection
The physiological process of erection begins in the brain and involves
the nervous and vascular systems. Neurotransmitters in the brain
(e.g., epinephrine, acetylcholine, nitric oxide) are 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 and the corpora cavernosa, which
become engorged and expand as a result of increased blood flow and
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, and the penis resumes its normal shape.

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Posted By Generic to Generic Cialis - Erectile Dysfunction- Impotence
at 1/24/2007 07:26:00 AM