Sexual Dysfunction, Impotence, Erectile Dysfunction, ED Sexual Dysfunction, Impotence, Erectile Dysfunction, ED is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for mutually satisfying intercourse.  Impotence impacts more than a man's sexual activity.  The emotions and uncertainties that coincide with this condition often have a significant effect on a man's self-esteem, as well as, his relationship with his partner.  Although the incidence of impotence increases with age, it is not an inevitable result of aging.  Impotence is a secondary condition linked to many medical conditions. The first step in treating impotence is that the individual understands the psychology, physiology and anatomy responsible for the ability to achieve and maintain an erection. If we can comprehend these events than we can better understand the factors that are responsible for impotence and address the questions concerning treatment.     For something that appears so natural, an erection is a rather complicated process involving the coordination of the psychological, neurological and cardiovascular systems.  The penis becomes erect following a series of events.  First, the nerves are stimulated, a sensation known as arousal.  No matter what the nature of the stimulus, visual, mental or physical the brain coordinates the following series of events: Nerve impulses transverse the length of the spinal cord to the pudendal nerve and on to the penis.  Smooth muscle within the walls of the penile arteries respond by relaxing. Subsequently, the penile arteries dilate allowing up to eight times more blood to flow into the corpora cavernosum, (two parallel cylinders that transverse the length of the penis).   The cavernosum become engorged with blood expanding and lengthening the penis. The expanding tissue then exerts a positive pressure compressing the veins that normally empty the blood from the penis, maintaining the blood in the penile tissue. When ejaculation occurs or when arousal is discontinued the penis returns to its non-erect state. Please visit the following web pages for more information concerning Sexual Dysfunction, Impotence, Erectile Dysfunction, ED:   Impotence Treatment Options (click here for details)   Cause of Impotence (click here for details)