Erectile dysfunction, characterized as the inability to maintain an erection, is an issue with many possible causes. Erectile dysfunction may be caused by direct physical trauma, such as nerve damage or damage inflicted from radiation therapy or surgery, or as a result of a neurological or psychological condition. It may also manifest as the symptom of an existing physical condition such as diabetes, vascular disease, or Peyronie’s disease. These can be traced to three main sources of dysfunction:
A malfunction in the neurotransmitters that alert the cardiovascular system to pump blood to the region
A failure on the part of the cardiovascular system to respond to these neurotransmitters
Damage to the corpora cavernosa or erectile tissue which expands as a result of this increased blood flow
Since the pathology behind erectile dysfunction is so varied, individuals dealing with the inability to maintain an erection should contact a doctor, as it may be symptomatic of a more serious condition.