Erection
 

Sometimes called impotence, refers to a man's consistent inability to get or maintain an erection sufficient to have satisfactory sex. It does not mean a lack of sexual interest or desire or the occasional difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection that affects all men at some time in their life.

Normally, an erection occurs when your imagination or one or more senses (vision, hearing, touch, smell, taste) are stimulated and you become aroused. Your central nervous system sends nerve impulses that increase blood flow to your penis. Four requirements for a normal erection are:

• A properly functioning nervous system that sends the necessary signals to the penis.

• An intact system of blood vessels to allow blood to flow into and out of the penis.

• Normal smooth muscle in the penis, which must relax so the penis can fill with blood and enlarge.

• The ability to trap the blood in the penis so that it stays firm.

Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age but is more common in older men, who often have additional health problems or who may be taking medications that may interfere with normal erectile function. Treatment of erection problems in older men can be as effective as in younger men.

Doctors prefer to use the term erectile dysfunction instead of impotence. A man's sexual function involves more than an erection, and the term impotence often carries negative implications. For ease of reading, this topic uses the term erection problems to refer to erectile dysfunction.

Erection problems can affect your sexual life and your relationship. Discussing the issue with your partner and exploring other forms of intimacy can help improve your relationship and the erection problem.