Understanding How Erections Work

Home Jobs

The responses can help them evaluate the severity of your ED. If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to manage your blood sugar levels. The University of Wisconsin estimates that mild or moderate ED affects 10% more men for each decade of life.

Using the device draws blood into the penis, leading to an erection. If ED is affecting your relationship, consider speaking with a relationship counselor as well. Relationship counseling can help you and your partner reconnect emotionally, which may also help your ED. Medications used for other conditions may cause ED as well.

An erection is a complex physiological process that involves the coordination of various systems in the body. Understanding how erections work can help demystify this natural phenomenon.

The Science Behind Erections

For the next 3 months, all participants were given at-home exercises to perform. After 6 months in total, 40% of all participants, including some men who had belonged to the second group, had regained normal erectile function. Men in the first group saw their penile function improve significantly after 3 months of regular pelvic floor muscle exercises. Men in the second group saw little improvement after 3 months. The first group of men performed regular pelvic floor muscle exercises with a physiotherapist. They also received biofeedback and advice on lifestyle changes.

When a man becomes sexually aroused, the brain sends signals to the nerves in the penis, causing the blood vessels to dilate. This increased blood flow fills the spongy tissue of the penis, known as the corpora cavernosa, causing it to expand and stiffen. This process is what results in an erection.

Lifestyle changes, including exercise and weight loss, are also effective in treating ED. Penile implants are typically reserved for severe ED that has been unresponsive to traditional ED treatments. Satisfaction and complication rates can vary among participants and could even lead to someone choosing to have the implant removed in some cases. Findings from a 2019 research review suggest that acupuncture may help treat psychological ED, but more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness. Don’t buy herbs and supplements for ED treatment unless you speak with your doctor first. Many aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means they might contain additional ingredients not listed on their labels.

Factors That Influence Erections

If you have been experiencing issues becoming erect or losing an erection prematurely, it’s important to keep in mind that this can occur from time to time, even in young people. Depending on the dosage your doctor recommends, injectable medication may be as little as $5 per dose, according to GoodRx. This means that injection therapy may be cheaper, if not somewhat riskier, than oral medications. Additional studies also support the effectiveness of penile injections. A 2019 study of 105 males found that about 70 percent of males who relied on penile injection therapy for more than 8 years were satisfied with the results. Overall, this is one of the fastest-acting ED medications.

There are several factors that can affect a man’s ability to achieve or maintain an erection. These include psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or depression, as well as physical factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise can also impact erectile function.

Seeking Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

If you are experiencing difficulties with achieving or maintaining an erection, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider. They can help determine the underlying cause of your erectile dysfunction and recommend appropriate treatment options. This may include lifestyle changes, medications, or other interventions to improve your sexual health.

Scroll to Top