Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which a man fails to attain and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. Most men experience this at some point in their lives, but if the condition persists for more than a few weeks or months, one should seek medical help. This situation has a deep impact on the individual’s overall personality, including low confidence, low self-esteem, negative thinking, and emotional distress. The erection process is controlled by the brain as it sends signals that release neurotransmitters and increase the blood flow into the penis. The smooth muscle of the penis gets relaxed and makes it hard and erect. After completing the sexual activity, the brain turns off the signals by supplying less blood to the penis, and as a result, the erection falls. Disease conditions like hypertension, diabetes, stroke and multiple sclerosis reduce the blood flow to the penis. Along with it, stress, anxiety, smoking and depression are the primary causative reasons behind the condition. One should consult with the doctor, as erectile dysfunction could be a sign of some other severe disease. Earlier, Alprostadil self-injections were given in the penis, and their effect lasted for about an hour. This all causes local pain and bleeding, too. Nowadays, oral medicines like Sildenafil citrate tablet, Tadalafil and Vardenafil are given for the treatment of erectile dysfunction as they offer painless and safe erections. They can be taken one hour before sexual activity, and their effect will last about 4 to 5 hours. These drugs will show an erection only after getting sexual stimulation.
