An erection occurs following sexual stimulation. Nerves in the brain cause the smooth muscles in the chambers of the penis to relax and open wider. Blood flows in and the pressure of blood flow causes the sheath of tissue around the chambers to trap blood in the penis. There are a number of common cause di disfunzione erettile which prevent the normal erectile mechanism from working correctly.
High blood pressure prevents the arteries carrying blood to the penis from working as the normally would by preventing dilation and blood flow. Hypertension damages the delicate vessels in the penis making them more prone to narrowing and blockage. The resulting effect of hypertension is decreased blow flow to the penis. ED can be an early sign of cardiovascular disease.
ED can also be a sign of heart disease caused by atherosclerosis. This disease occurs when plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries. Plaque is made up of a number of substances found in the bloodstream and over time these cause a narrowing and hardening of the blood vessels. Penile vessels are relatively small making them particularly susceptible to damage.
Diabetes is a complex illness which can cause a number of problems detrimental to erectile function. Diabetes can block the release of nitric oxide a chemical messenger which tells the vessels to relax and promote blood flow. High blood sugar can damage both blood vessels and nerves affecting sexual response. High cholesterol levels (a problem common with diabetes sufferers) can also lead to artery damage and blockage.
Obesity negatively affects male erectile function by interfering with levels of testosterone. Fat absorbs the male hormone preventing a man from obtaining an erection and prevents the penis from trapping blood.