Types of erection
Basically, three types of erections are distinguished:
- Reflexogenic erection: This is achieved by stimulating the genital area and the associated nerve connections in the area of the lower spinal cord.
- Psychogenic erection: It is triggered by erotic stimulation of the brain, for example by thoughts or images. The impulses for this are therefore controlled centrally in the brain and transmitted via the parasympathetic nervous system.
- Nocturnal erection: It is practically automatic, since the parasympathetic nervous system is most active at night. Therefore, if a nocturnal erection exists, a psychologically caused erectile dysfunction can be excluded.
To prevent impotence as early and effectively as possible, the general lifestyle should be adapted accordingly.
Risk factors such as tobacco, cholesterol (animal fats) and too much sugar should be avoided. Regular physical activity is also a sensible preventive measure against erectile dysfunction.If a vascular disease or diabetes mellitus already exists, a well-monitored and sensible drug treatment should be ensured to avoid impotence as a long-term consequence of the disease. An open partnership can also have a positive effect on the sex life, so that psychological triggers caused by the partnership can be avoided.
Prognosis of erectile dysfunction
It depends on the number and severity of the underlying factors. Furthermore, the prognosis is influenced by whether the possible underlying disease can be treated and how well the patient responds to the therapy applied. The earlier and more effectively the problem is treated, the better the prognosis.
This is not always easy to achieve, as most patients are ashamed of their potency problems and therefore wait on average over a year before even seeing a doctor. Erectile dysfunction is a disease of men that is as common as it is concealed. Despite its frequency, it is still a socially taboo subject.
It affects men over 50 years of age particularly severely; however, men under 40 years of age also have problems with potency from time to time. It is often based on chronic diseases affecting the metabolism, hormones, the nervous or vascular system. A mature and good diagnostics in the field of urology allows an exact determination of the trigger of erectile dysfunction and creates the foundation for an efficient therapy with few side effects (see: Therapy Erectile Dysfunction).
There are several different approaches that can be individually adapted to the patient. The last few years in particular have brought about many new findings in research that could further improve the therapeutic effects and comfort of patients. An important, non-invasive and in many cases indicated possibility for the treatment of erectile dysfunction is psychotherapy.
However, its possibilities are often underestimated, especially by men, and its methods are seen as rather unpleasant and shameful, which makes it fall behind drug-assisted or technically assisted therapy in its popularity. The prognosis of erectile dysfunction ranges from very good in mild and easily treatable cases to rather poor in multifactorial genesis and serious underlying diseases. In summary, it can be said that in order to prevent and better treat erectile dysfunction, the education of both male and female society about the spread and development of potency problems should be considerably improved.