Erectile Dysfunction - Erection process

What is involved with the erection process? To simply the erection process and explain where and how an erection can fail, we will look at the process in three stages: Stage 1 – Arousal Physical or psychological stimulation (arousal) activates neurotransmitters in the brain, which send signals to control hormone levels, nerve responses and blood vessels throughout the body. What can go wrong? - Signals may fail and a poor quality erection will result, if: Other signals interfere with this messaging system (stress, tiredness and anxiety are common) The man’s state of mind is not aroused The man’s hormones are unbalanced

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Stage 2 – Tumescent Stage

This is the first visible part of an erection and is known as the tumescent stage. After the vascular system receives a signal from the brain, it focuses significant blood flow into the penis. The cavernosal bodies (corpa cavernosa) in the shaft of the penis start filling up with blood and the penis becomes swollen, but is not usually hard enough for penetration.

What can go wrong? - The cavernosal bodies may not fill with enough blood, if:

• Several nerve systems do not interact successfully
• There is deficient blood flow entering the penis

Stage 3 – Maintaining the erection

As the cavernosal bodies fill up with blood, they squash the veins within the penis against the fascia (membranes) inside the penis. Blood is then trapped within these blood vessels, which makes the penis hard and erect. When stimulation ends, or following ejaculation, pressure in the penis decreases, blood is released, and the penis resumes its placid shape.

What can go wrong? - The penis may not remain erect, if:

• Either blood vessel system (arteries or veins) are not functioning well
• Blood pressure is not maintained in the penis (‘venous leak’)
• The man’s state of mind is not aroused

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