Simply put, erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual performance.
Estimates of erectile dysfunction are as high as 40% of men by the age of 40, and often men present with various degrees of ED before that age.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be complex and multi-factorial. There are many possible causes of ED:
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pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
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cardiovascular disease or diabetes
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lifestyle factors like inactivity, smoking and obesity
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psychological factors like anxiety and depression
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neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis, spinal cord and brain injuries
Pelvic floor muscles play an essential role in producing full functional erections. In particular, the ishiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus muscles help facilitate and maintain erection by increasing intracavernosal pressure and restricting venous drainage of the penile tissue resulting in an erection.
Rhythmic contraction of the bulbospongiosus propels semen through the urethra during ejaculation.
Pelvic Floor muscle dysfunction can impact both erection and ejaculation.
With erectile dysfunction, there can be full or partial ability to attain and maintain an erection, and there may or may not be pain during or after sexual activity.
