Male Sexual Response Cycle and Erectile Dysfunction

Male Sexual Response Cycle and Erectile Dysfunction

The male sexual response cycle consists of four major phases:

(1) desire

(2) arousal (erectile ability),

(3) orgasm

(4) relaxation.

Disorders and dysfunction may occur in one or more of these phases, and the clinician evaluating sexual function problems must clarify which phase is primarily responsible for the patient's symptoms.

Psychological problems, neurological problems, abnormalities in blood flow, damage to the genital organs, hormonal imbalance, and the use of drugs or medications - all can interfere with any of the four stages of normal sexual function.

Erectile dysfunction occurs when one or more of these factors persistently interfere with the ability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient to complete sexual intercourse.

Erectile dysfunction is often called impotence. Some experts object to the term "impotence" because of its negative implications and lack of precise meaning.

The term "erectile dysfunction" is now used. Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection as part of the overall multifaceted process of sexual function. This definition deemphasizes intercourse as the essential or only aspect of sexual life and gives equal importance to other aspects of male sexual behavior.

At some time in their life, all men experience erectile problems. But for 30 million men in the United States, erectile dysfunction is a chronic, persistent problem. Fewer than 5 percent of men with erectile dysfunction seek treatment for this condition.