GLOSSARY of Terms related to Erectile Dysfunction

 

 

Cholesterol - a type of soft, fat like substance that is a source of fuel and contributes to cell structure, the manufacturing of hormones and other body functions.

 

Ejaculation is the ejecting of semen from the penis, and is usually accompanied by orgasm. It is usually the result of sexual stimulation, which may include prostate stimulation. Rarely, it is due to prostatic disease. Ejaculation may occur spontaneously during sleep (a nocturnal emission). Anejaculation is the condition of being unable to ejaculate.

 

Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence is a sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis. There are various underlying causes, such as diabetes, many of which are medically reversible.

The causes of erectile dysfunction may be physiological or psychological. Psychological impotence can often be helped by almost anything that the patient believes in; there is a very strong placebo effect.

Due to its embarrassing nature and the shame felt by sufferers, the subject was taboo for a long time, and is the subject of many urban legends. Folk remedies have long been advocated, with some being advertised widely since the 1930s. The introduction of perhaps the first pharmacologically effective remedy for impotence, sildenafil (trade name Viagra), in the 1990s caused a wave of public attention, propelled in part by the newsworthiness of stories about it and heavy advertising.

Erection - The erection of the penis, clitoris or a nipple is its enlarged and firm state. It depends on a complex interaction of psychological, neural, vascular and endocrine factors. The term is also applied to the process that leads to this state.

A penile erection occurs when two tubular structures that run the length of the penis, the corpora cavernosa, become engorged with venous blood. This may result from any of various physiological stimuli. The corpus spongiosum is a single tubular structure located just below the corpora cavernosa, which contains the urethra, through which urine and semen pass during urination and ejaculation, respectively. This may also become slightly engorged with blood, but less so than the corpora cavernosa.

Impotence - The inability to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough to begin or complete sexual intercourse. More accurately called "erectile dysfunction," or ED.

 

Genitalia - external sex organs

 

Hypertension - high blood pressure.

 

Impotence - erectile dysfunction or erection difficulties

Libido in its common usage means sexual desire; however, more technical definitions, such as those found in the work of Carl Jung, are more general, referring to libido as the free creative—or psychic—energy an individual has to put toward personal development, or individuation.
 

Nitrate - a form of nitric oxide that makes the blood vessels to the heart get larger. Nitroglycerine is a nitrate.

 

Orgasms in both men and women are often associated with other involuntary actions, including vocalizations and muscular spasms in other areas of the body. Also, a generally euphoric sensation is associated with orgasm.

Afterwards, orgasm generally causes perceived tiredness, and both men and women often feel a need to rest. This is recently attributed to the release of prolactin. Prolactin is a typical neuroendocrine response in depressed mood and irritation. An ongoing research programme at the University of Groningen is studying the brain events that accompany orgasm in both men and women. Techniques used involve PET and fMRI. Unlike what the popular press propagates, male and female brains do almost exactly the same during an orgasm. Brain scans showed that during an orgasm large parts of the cerebral cortex temporarily reduced their activity

 

PDE5 (Phosphodiesterase Type 5) Inhibitor - a substance that prevents PDE5 from being degraded, allowing the build up of cGMP. More cGMP will help arteries and muscles relax so blood can flow into the penis, helping to create an erection.

 

Peyronie's disease - a condition causing a curve in the penis.

 

Premature ejaculation - ejaculation soon after erection.

 

Priapism - an erection that occurs without sexual stimulation.

Prostate - The prostate is an exocrine gland of the male mammalian reproductive system.

The prostate differs considerably between species anatomically, chemically, and physiologically.

The main function of the prostate is to store and secrete a clear, slightly basic fluid that constitutes up to one-third of the volume of semen. Semen is composed of sperm and seminal fluid; about 10-30% of the seminal fluid is produced by the prostate gland, the rest is produced by the two seminal vesicles.

The prostate also contains some smooth muscles that helps to expel semen during ejaculation.

Physical impotence - Erectile dysfunction with an organic cause, such as diabetes, heart disease or spinal injury.

Side effect - a reaction to a medicine.

 

Symptom - something you describe, like pain.

 

Testosterone is a steroid hormone from the androgen group. Testosterone is primarily secreted in the testes of males and the ovaries of females although small amounts are secreted by the adrenal glands. It is the principal male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid. In both males and females, it plays key roles in health and well-being. Examples include enhanced libido, energy, immune function, and protection against osteoporosis. On average, the adult male body produces about twenty to thirty times the amount of testosterone that an adult female's body does.