Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. It can arise from vascular, neurological, hormonal, psychological, medication-related, or mixed causes.

Penile erection: Penile erection is the enlargement and stiffening of the penis as erectile tissue fills with blood. The physiological event that erectile dysfunction disrupts.
PDE5 inhibitor: A PDE5 inhibitor is a drug that slows the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate. This drug class is a common treatment that supports erection physiology.
Hypogonadism: Hypogonadism is reduced production of sex hormones by the gonads. Low testosterone can contribute to reduced sexual desire and sometimes erection problems.
Premature ejaculation: Premature ejaculation is ejaculation that occurs sooner than desired, often with limited control and distress. It concerns ejaculation timing, not the ability to achieve an erection.
Endothelial dysfunction: Endothelial dysfunction is impaired function of the thin cell layer lining blood vessels. It can contribute to erectile problems and reflect systemic vascular risk.
Nitric oxide: Nitric oxide is a signaling molecule that relaxes smooth muscle and widens blood vessels. It initiates the vascular relaxation needed for penile blood filling.
Sildenafil: Sildenafil is a medication that inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5 and is used to treat erectile dysfunction. It is a widely used example of oral treatment.
Diabetes mellitus: Diabetes mellitus is a group of disorders marked by chronic high blood glucose. It can damage blood vessels and nerves involved in erections.
Delayed ejaculation: Delayed ejaculation is persistent difficulty or inability to reach ejaculation despite adequate stimulation and desire. It affects ejaculation rather than penile rigidity.
Metabolic syndrome: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipids, and impaired glucose regulation. Its vascular and metabolic components are associated with erectile dysfunction.

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