Dr Dulcy gives sex advice
SEXUAL HEALTH: MANY GUYS EXPERIENCE ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION DURING TIMES OF STRESS
Erection ends when muscles contract and the accumulated blood flows out through penile veins.
Sexual health is essential to an individual’s general health, affecting quality of life and psychosocial and emotional wellbeing; however, sexual problems are estimated to affect 20-30% of men, with the prevalence increasing as individuals grow older. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It is also sometimes also referred to as impotence. Many guys experience it during times of stress. If it is frequent it can be a sign of health problems that need treatment. It can also be a sign of emotional or relationship difficulties that may require the couple to go for counselling with a psychotherapist. It can also manifest as premature ejaculation, delayed or absent ejaculation, and even lack of interest in sex. Diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, genitourinary disease, psychiatric or psychological disorders, and poor general health have been identified as common conditions associated with sexual dysfunction. There is also high comorbidity with HIV infection but that area is highly under-researched.
Declining sexual capability is a devastating problem for aging men. The importance of being able to function normally from a sexual point of view is a major issue in men’s lives, and the decline in potency represents a clear indication of a man’s mortality. The subsequent psychological manifestations of the problem, like depression, frustration and anxiety represent a further complication of the underlying physical disease process. The impact of this syndrome on marriages, family and social relationships, is considerable.
How Does a Man Get an Erection?
It is the result of increased blood flow into the penis. Blood flow is usually stimulated by either sexual thoughts or direct contact with the penis. When a man becomes sexually excited, muscles in the penis relax. This relaxation allows for increased blood flow through the penile arteries. This blood fills two chambers inside the penis called the corpora cavernosa. As the chambers fill with blood, the penis grows rigid. Erection ends when the muscles contract and the accumulated blood flows out through the penile veins. Erectile dysfunction can occur because of problems at any stage of the process. The penile arteries may be too damaged to open properly and allow blood in.