Impotence And Depression Linked : Successful treatment of erectile dysfunction in depressed men can lead to marked improvement in depression. Depression and erectile dysfunction are highly prevalent and frequently coexisting conditions in middle-aged and elderly men. Erectile problems affect more than 30 million men in the United States alone, according to the American Foundation for Urologic Disease. Erectile dysfunction increases progressively with age and men with cardiovascular risk factors are particularly susceptible. A study has found a strong correlation between change in erectile dysfunction and change in depressive symptoms - did not determine whether the depression caused erectile dysfunction, or erectile dysfunction caused the depression. The study suggests that depression can be a consequence of erectile dysfunction in some men.

Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence or Impotency) : Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection for satisfactory sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction is different from other conditions that interfere with sexual intercourse, such as lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation and orgasm. Erectile dysfunction (ED, impotence) varies in severity; some men have a total inability to achieve an erection, others have an inconsistent ability to achieve an erection, and still others can sustain only brief erections. The variations in severity of erectile dysfunction make estimating its frequency difficult. Many men also are reluctant to discuss erectile dysfunction with their doctors, and thus the condition is under-diagnosed. Nevertheless, experts have estimated that erectile dysfunction affects 30 million men in the Untied States. Erection begins with sexual stimulation. Sexual stimulation can be tactile (for example, by touching the penis), or mental (for example, by having sexual fantasies). Sexual stimulation generates electrical impulses along the nerves going to the penis and causes the nerves to release nitric oxide, which in turn increases the production of cyclic GMP (cGMP) in the smooth muscle cells of the corpora cavernosa. The cGMP causes the smooth muscles of the corpora cavernosa to relax, and allow rapid blood flow into the penis. The in-coming blood fills the corpora cavernosa, making the penis expand. The pressure from the expanding penis compresses the veins (blood vessels that drain the blood out of the penis) in the tunica albuginea, helping to trap the blood in the corpora cavernosa, thereby sustaining erection. Erection is reversed when cGMP levels in the corpora cavernosa fall, causing the smooth muscles of the corpora cavernosa to contract, stopping the inflow of blood and opening veins that drain blood away from the penis. The levels of the cGMP in the corpora cavernosa fall because it is destroyed by an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5.

Impotence Can Be Symptom Of Serious Illness : Erectile dysfunction (impotence), is no longer the taboo topic it once was, perhaps due to Viagra, the first oral drug for this condition. Whilst new drugs like Viagra have raised awareness of impotence, it is important for men to understand that impotence may be a symptom of other illnesses. Impotence can be the first sign of serious illnesses including diabetes; high blood pressure; kidney, liver or hormonal disorders; or coronary artery disease. Men with concerns about impotence should ask their doctor about treatment options which include; Oral medications: As well as Viagra, a second medication was approved by the FDA in 2003 and another is expected to be available by the end of the year. Injected drugs: Men can inject drugs into the penis to enhance blood flow. Self-administered intraurethral therapy: This involves using a small applicator to insert a tiny pellet of medicine into the urethra. Vacuum devices: These devices are a hollow plastic tube which is placed over the penis and pumped to create a vacuum that pulls blood into the penis. Surgical options: These are usually considered if other treatments aren't working. Semirigid rods or inflatable devices may be surgically implanted.

What Is An Erection : The penis has three long tubes of cylindrical erectile tissue which , are connected together by fibrous tissue. Called corpora cavernosa these two identical sections run parallel along the sides of the penis with the third tube (corpus spongiosum) laying underneath. These three also surround the urethra the tube which transports either sperm or urine. All three masses are like sponges in that they contain large spaces between loose networks of tissue. When the penis is limp (doctors call this 'flaccid' or 'resting'), then the spaces collapse and the tissue is reduced (that's why it's smaller). However when you start to get an erection, blood flows into these spaces causing the penis to enlarge. Now in theory this happens because of physical or psychological stimulation, but try telling that to a teenage boy who gets one while slumbering through algebra! Anyway as blood enters there is also a temporary reduction in the rate and volume of blood leaving the penis. So as the arteries carrying blood to the penis dilate the veins leading away use funnel-shaped valves to restrict the outflow of blood. Then as the erectile tissue begins to enlarge additional pressure happens as the veins to be compressed against the surrounding tissue, which in turn further restricts the outflow of blood. Now during all this process the three tubes don't swell up by the same pressure. The underneath tube (remember it's called the corpus spongiosum) doesn't become as hard as the two main sections (corpora cavernosa), if it did this would crush the urethra making it impossible to ejaculate (no thanks)! When this process is over your penis is becoming soft again as the arteries relaxed and contract.