비뇨기질환
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is one of humanity's oldest concerns, mentioned even in ancient Egyptian papyri, This refers to a condition in which the penis does not become firm enough for satisfactory intercourse, or, if it does, cannot maintain that state during intercourse. As average life expectancy rises, the number of patients suffering from erectile dysfunction continues to grow, and about 1/3 of men between the ages of 40 and 70 are known to experience erectile dysfunction.
The most common symptom of erectile dysfunction is a shorter duration of erection. There is little problem in starting an erection through sexual
stimulation or fantasy, but it does not last long. As a result, penetration often fails, or intercourse ends without ejaculation.
Because such symptoms create psychological pressure to ejaculate quickly, they may also lead to secondary premature ejaculation. In many cases
the rigidity of the erection also decreases, making intercourse difficult.
Reduced rigidity, a typical symptom of aging, decreases the angle of erection and causes
problems such as difficulty with penetration, secondary premature ejaculation and limited
positions. Another symptom is difficulty in initiating an erection. A typical example is
psychogenic erectile dysfunction in young men, in whom masturbation is performed normally
but an erection cannot be achieved during actual intercourse.
Causes of erectile dysfunction
Psychological and emotional factors were once thought to be the most common cause of erectile dysfunction. As understanding of the physiology of erection has improved and the various physical factors that lead to erectile dysfunction have been identified, physical causes are now regarded as the more important factor, with psychological and emotional causes seen as secondary factors that combine with physical ones to affect erectile function.
Erectile dysfunction is caused by vascular abnormalities, nervous system problems, endocrine problems or anatomical abnormalities of the genitals.
Advanced age, drinking and smoking, cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis and hypertension, and metabolic conditions such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia can age or damage the blood vessels and cause erectile dysfunction.
Diseases of the brain, spinal cord or autonomic nervous system also act as causes of erectile dysfunction: Parkinson's disease, stroke, epilepsy, dementia, and brain or spinal cord injury from accidents can all bring it on.
Chronic kidney disease is also known to cause degeneration of the autonomic nervous system and result in erectile dysfunction.
Male hormones play an important role in libido and erection, so a deficiency of male hormones caused by age-related male menopause, diabetes, obesity or metabolic disease weakens erectile
function and libido. Abnormal thyroid hormone secretion can also lead to an imbalance of sex hormones. Some blood pressure medications, psychiatric drugs such as antidepressants and
excessive alcohol intake are also known to alter the blood vessels, autonomic nerves and hormone secretion, and can therefore affect erectile function.
As this shows, erection is influenced by a wide range of factors, and the causes, underlying diseases and medications taken often interact, so a comprehensive and careful assessment is needed.
Erectile dysfunction can also be caused by psychological factors without any physical cause. Anxiety over a partner's sexual response or premature ejaculation, mental stress, and psychiatric conditions such as depression are non-physical causes that can affect erection.
