Erectile Dysfunction Flashcards
What are the two types of erectile tissue?
- corpus cavernosa
- corpus spongiosum
What does normal male erection rely on?
- intact autonomic and somatic nerve supply
- arterial blood flow to the cavernosal arteries
- smooth and striated musculature of the corpora cavernosa and pelvic floor
What causes erections?
- increase in arterial flow
- active relaxation of the smooth muscles within the sinusoids of the corpora cavernosa
- an increase in venous resistance
What is the key neurotransmitter that initiates and sustains erections
- nitric oxide
What is erectile dysfunction?
- the consistent inability to attain or maintain a sufficiently rigid penile erection for sexual performance
Organic erectile dysfunction may be an early sign of what type of disease
- cardiovascular disease
What is critical to the proper classification and treatment of erectile dysfunction?
- patient history
What may a low libido indicate?
- androgen deficiency
What is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction?
- a decrease in arterial flow resultant from progressive vascular disease
What type of medications are associated with erectile dysfunction?
- anti hypertensive
- anti depressant
- opioid
What is a fibrotic disorder of the tunica albuginea of the penis resulting in varying degrees of penile pain, curvature, or deformity?
- peyronie
What is the loss of seminal emission?
- anejaculation
What are some causes of anejaculation?
- androgen deficiency
- sympathetic denervation (as a result of spinal cord injury, diabetes mellitus, or pelvic/retroperitoneal surgery or radiation)
What lifestyle factors influence erectile dysfunction?
- sexual orientation
- quality of relationship with partner
- alcohol
- tobacco
- marijuana
- recreational drug use
- use of porn to maintain arousal
What is the first sign of endothelial dysfunction?
- the ability to attain but not maintain an erection
