An erection is a complex reflex that is
provoked by stimulation of the local
genitals in combination with erotic
thoughts. This reflex causes increased
blood flow to the cavernous and spongious
body of the penis. The final result of
increased blood flow is that the penis is
filled with blood , making the penis
bigger and harder.
Loss of erection (impotency) is an
erectile dysfunction. Erectile
dysfunctions are either functional or
organic in nature. When an ED is
functional there is no organic damage to
the structures involved in the
erection-reflex (blood vessels, nerves,
spinal cord…). Functional impotency can
be due to: shame, inexperience, psychic
stress, neurotic disorders, etc.
Functional impotency is typical for men
your age. Psychiatrists can treat
functional impotency.
Organic impotency is due to organic damage
of structures of the erection reflex
(nerves, arteries, spinal cord…). Many
disorders can cause organic impotency:
injuries, untreated chronic infections,
diabetes, alcohol abuse, smoking,
phimosis, induratio penis plastica,
hypogonadism… Organic impotency is
usually treated by urologists or
endocrinologists.
In general, there's not need to worry so
much if you lost an erection only 4 times
during 6 months of an intensive sexual
life.
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