Blood flow to your penis starts as soon as you become sexually aroused. Nerve signals from your brain cause the muscles in the arteries of your penis to relax. As a result, more blood flows to your penis. The increased blood flow makes your penis stiff and hard. The veins in your penis then drain the blood from your penis. This in turn makes your penis smaller and softer.
The detumescence
When a man's sexual arousal decreases, blood flow to his penis decreases and his erection fades. This process is called detumescence. While it may not be as noticeable as the initial arousal, some men may experience a sense of loss or sadness when their erection disappears. For many men, this is simply part of the sexual experience and is nothing to worry about. However, if a man continually struggles to get or maintain an erection, it may be a sign of underlying health or emotional problems that need to be addressed. If you are concerned about your ability to get or maintain an erection, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you determine if there is any underlying condition.
Various types of erectile dysfunction
Erection problems can have several causes. These can be physical, psychological or a combination of both causes. It is important to identify the cause of your erection problem so that you can get the right treatment. Some common causes of erection problems are:
Physical causes:
- Specific medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or arteriosclerosis
- Injury to the nerves or blood vessels that regulate erection
- Side effects of certain medications
Psychological causes:
- Anxiety, stress or depression
- Relationship problems
- Performance anxiety or fear of sexual failure
Erection and ageing
Erectile dysfunction is a common problem, especially in older men. It can be caused by several factors, including physical and psychological problems.
Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help you treat erectile dysfunction. These treatments include medications, therapies and lifestyle changes. There are also erection pills available that can lend a hand in getting an erection
With age, the chances of erectile dysfunction increase. This is because ageing can lead to changes in the body that can affect sexual function. For instance, ageing can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels. Testosterone is a hormone that plays an important role in sexual function.
Ageing can also cause other health problems that can lead to erectile dysfunction. These include heart disease, diabetes, and prostate cancer.