Erectile dysfunction is a condition when an individual, especially a male, is unable to achieve sufficient erection for sexual satisfaction.
Erectile dysfunction causes due to many reasons such as hormonal imbalance, psychological stress, and other factors.
One of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction is the lack of nitric oxide in the body.
Role Of Nitric Oxide
Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in enhancing sexual performance.
When an individual feels sexually aroused, the brain sends nerve signals to the genital organ which in turn triggers the release of nitric oxide.
The production of nitric oxide in the genitals is mediated by an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase.
Among the three isoforms, endothelial nitric oxide is responsible for the production of nitric oxide in penile muscle.
Nitric oxide acts as a signaling molecule. The release of nitric oxide activates guanylate cyclase in the smooth muscle cells of the penile arteries and cavernosal tissues.
Once guanylate cyclase is activated it acts as a simulator that converts guanosine triphosphate (GTP) to cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
Increased levels of cGMP assist in the relaxation of the smooth muscle so that blood smoothly flows to the penile muscle leading to an erection.
What Happens When The Production Of Nitric Oxide Is Stopped?
But in the case of ED, the pathway of the nitric oxide is disrupted. Its signals are blocked.
Hence, it cannot activate the enzyme that is responsible for reducing oxidative stress in the smooth muscle cells in the penile arteries and cavernosal tissues.
Therefore, irregular blood flow or lack of blood flow results in difficulty in achieving an erection.
During Erectile dysfunction, an enzyme called Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) breaks down the cGMP – reducing the effects of nitric oxide in the body.
The elevated activity of PDE5 leads to rapid breakdown of cGMP allowing a shorter duration of erection.
Solution For Erectile Dysfunction
Scientists have been studying several methods to permanently cure the condition. As of now, only temporary solutions are available.
This is where pharma companies come with PDE5 inhibitor drugs such as Viagra, Cialis, and many others.
These drugs inhibit the production of Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) and increase the levels of cGMP resulting to enhance the effects of nitric oxide.
The drug helps to increase the production of nitric oxide for the relaxation of the smooth muscle for a period – helping to achieve harder erections than natural erections.
Consuming these drugs does not address the underlying cause of the Erectile Dysfunction. The leading cause of Erectile dysfunction is impaired endothelial function.
The insufficient supply of cGMP hinders erectile function. Several factors contribute to the impairment of endothelial cells as well as nitric oxide deficiency.
These factors include aging, diabetes, stress, hypertension, smoking, and any underlying health condition
In case the underlying condition is related to psychological related issues, therapeutic approaches may aim to boost the nitric oxide levels in the genitals.
Lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, consuming a healthy diet that boosts the production of nitric oxide, ceasing smoking and other healthy approaches may encourage endothelial health to produce more nitric oxide. Nitric oxide production may also be helped by natural products like Red Boost And Erectin.
Related:- Disorders In Female Sexual Health – Causes And Treatment
Mental well-being is also important for the body to be sexually aroused stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to creating hormones that inhibit nitric oxide production.
Psychological factors can contribute to the production of hormones like testosterone and serotonin – leading to interference with the sexual arousal process.
Mental health and erectile dysfunction are interconnected. Addressing mental health concerns may also increase the chances of treating erectile dysfunction.
It is important for erectile dysfunction individuals to engage with their emotions so that their partner could contribute their part.
Also, check-ups should be done while following healthy habits to improve the overall condition.
It is advised to seek the help of a healthcare practitioner to identify the root cause of erectile dysfunction and implement treatments to improve the condition.
Summary
To summarize, lack of nitric oxide is the leading cause of erectile dysfunction. It plays a crucial role in the physiological process of reducing oxidative stress in smooth muscle.
It helps to activate cGMP for smooth relaxation in penile arteries and tissues.
Increased blood flow to the genital organ can help to achieve an erection.
Taking regular medication, following a healthy diet, and performing regular exercise can contribute to restoring erectile dysfunction.
