64%: that's the percentage of men who have experienced an erection problem at some point in their lives, according to a survey conducted in 2018 by IFOP (French Institute of Public Opinion) for Mypharma. This figure indicates that erectile dysfunction is far from uncommon and can affect a large majority of men at one time or another.
Fatigue, low spirits, alcohol consumption... You have probably already experienced a temporary difficulty in this area, perhaps even several times. But before jumping to conclusions, it is important to know that this does not necessarily mean you are suffering from erectile dysfunction. It is characterized by repeated and regular erection problems. In any case, erectile dysfunction is not a death sentence: there are many solutions available to improve your sex life.
The most important thing is to listen to yourself, to be attentive to the signals that your body sends you, and, above all, to talk about it. It is crucial to discuss these difficulties without shame or taboo, with health professionals, such as your general practitioner. Symptoms, causes, treatments... This article is here to enlighten you.
How does an erection work?
Although it may seem simple and automatic, an erection actually relies on a complex physical and sensory mechanism. To simplify, your penis consists of two cavernous bodies, arteries and veins, as well as erectile nerves. During sexual arousal, these nerves transmit stimulation signals – which can be visual, tactile, auditory, or olfactory – to the cavernous bodies and the arteries of the penis.
This triggers a biochemical action that relaxes the smooth muscles of the penis, allowing blood to flow in, thus swelling the penis and making it rigid. When everything goes well, the penis can hold up to 8 times more blood than when it is at rest ! This impressive process can, however, be disrupted by various factors, making an erection difficult or even impossible.
What is erectile dysfunction?
According to the French Urology Association, erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as 'the persistent or recurrent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse'. To be considered as such, ED must last at least three months.
The diagnosis is based on a detailed interview, focusing not only on erectile function but also on orgasmic function, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction related to sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction can manifest itself in various ways:
- Complete inability to achieve an erection : despite arousal and willingness, no erection is possible.
- Difficulty in achieving a satisfactory erection : you sometimes have them, but they are not firm enough to allow complete intercourse.
- Difficulty maintaining an erection until orgasm : an erection is achieved but cannot be maintained until the end of intercourse.
- Painful erections: erections are possible but painful, making sexual intercourse complicated or even impossible. This can be a symptom of Peyronie's disease, often characterized by a curvature of the penis that causes pain.
