Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction: When Nerves Disrupt Erections

Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction is a medical condition that describes a man’s inability to achieve an erection or maintain one that is firm enough for sexual intercourse and it is very common affecting many men. There is always a tendency to overlook the following contributing reason – Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction. This condition is as a result of some dysfunction in the nervous system of the body. The three parts of the body that have a role to play in the autonomous functioning of erections are the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Usually, any disruption or injury to nerves will lead to the interruption of erection.

Doctors mostly see neurogenic ED in men with neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. It also manifests in spinal cord injuries or after surgical interventions affecting the prostate gland. But still diabetes mellitus can present the nerve injury that leads to this type of erectile dysfunction. The fact that erections are a nerve-related issue means that even minor interference with nerve signals can potentially lead to dysfunction.

For this article, we will discuss based on clinical evidence the possible causes of neurogenic ED. In this article, we will draw attention to the features of sclerosis’s presentation and reveal the diagnostic procedures that doctors most often use. Last of all, we will discuss the potential treatment options in terms of medical and lifestyle choices to achieve better outcomes.

What Is Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction?

Neurogenic erectile dysfunction entails failure of the nerve impulses to transmit messages between the brain, spinal cord and the penis. A certain status of nerves found in the penis causes one of the types of ED. Although desire leads to erections, neurological pathways are involved, making this more complex than it seems. Nerves in the brain transmit signals to the spinal cord this results into stimulating blood flow. When that process is not effective, erections are adversely affected.

The nervous system adjusts blood vessels to decrease and then increase, letting blood into the penis during erection as well as enabling an erection. However, injuries, disorders, or degeneration of the required areas can prevent this response. That is why any disruption of nerves, no matter how slight, can completely interfere with erections. First of all, despite the name of the condition, which suggests that it is primarily a mechanical problem, neurogenic erectile dysfunction is in fact neurogenic at its very essence. It is therefore important to reflect on the nature of this nerve therefore consultant on ways of handling it.

How Nerves Control Erections

Actually, erections always start in the cerebral level and develop from there. Then arousal can occur visually or emotionally and this sends signals through the nervous system. Such signals go from the brain, into the spinal cord and go to the pelvic nerves. To this threat, the parasympathetic nerves released nitric oxide. This chemical makes the penile muscles to dilute and thus making way for blood to flow into the erectile chamber. Blood flows in the corpus cavernosum and become rigid and bigger in size, that is the penis.

During arousal, somatic nerves also have the function of muscle contraction and fixation. The autonomic nervous system performs the part of the nervous system that is referred to in passing while erection, as it controls all the non-conscious processes within the human body. Even a disruption of these three areas—as the brain, the spine, the pelvic nerves can interrupt this process.

This is not true as nerve signals are important to facilitate the release of nitric oxide. Therefore, blood circulation becomes disrupted and the erectile function deteriorates. This is good sensation that add up to the health of the nerves for the overall satisfaction of the sex life.

Causes of Neurogenic ED

Spinal Cord Injuries

Neurogenic erectile dysfunction is one of the most evident signs of a spinal injury. The injury level matters greatly. Lesions located above T11 level enable the reflex erection of the penis but prevent the creation of mental arousal. In addition to changes in shape, the completeness of the injury also influences how nerves integrated with signaling degenerate. Partly functional nerves may maintain partial injury in males, hence offering some level of erectile functionality to the man.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is a disease that affect the central noodle system of a human body and is caused by Auto Immunity. Severed nerves basically are not capable of transmitting arousal signals properly. This disruption therefore minimizes sexual expression in terms of both touching and feelings. Most men with multiple sclerosis report erectile dysfunction and decreased libido mostly due to nerve damage.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease affect dopamine production which is responsible for rewarding activities. Dopamine has a direct relation with sexual desires as the level of this hormone decreases, so does sexual desire. Furthermore, there is poor nerve coordination which makes erections not be difficult to maintain. Muscle stiffness and fatigue are other factors that cause difficulties in sexual activities as well.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetes affects nerves for a long time, and many of them are located in the pelvic region. This arises from the fact that this particular type of nerve damage affects the sensitivity of the penis. Blood circulation is another factor whereby poor flow reduces the chances of erections through the formation of a barriers.

Stroke

Strokes can affect this part of the brain hence impairing one’s ability to have sex. In the case of stroke, according to the area of the brain affected, the extent of the effect on erectile function may be partial or total. Some signs can be restored through rehabilitation but the nerve connections persist to be faulty.

Pelvic Surgery or Trauma

Some surgeries performed in a man’s pelvic area can harm the related nerves in the prostate, bladder, or colon. The side effect of radical prostatectomy includes temporary or permanent erectile dysfunction. The preservation of nerves lowers this risk but the outcomes obtained are not guaranteed. Other factors include the healing time period.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms

1. This is the case with nerve-induced ED which is the failure in attaining or maintaining the erection.
2. Early morning erections or those erections that occur without any stimulation may become lost because a physical problem, rather than a mental one, actually causes them.
3. One can experience tingling or numbness in genitals due to nerve damage to sensation.
4. With regard to the women, some of them may start to experience minor or even no orgasms at all at some point in their relationships.

Diagnosis

1. Medical History:- First of all, doctors look for neurological disease, trauma or any recent surgery.
2. Neurological Exam:- The several examinations generally conducted include reflexes, muscle tone and sensation.
3. NPT Test:- The tracking mechanism is used to distinguish between physiological and psychological causes of erections at night.
4. Doppler Ultrasound:- Measures penile blood flow and vascular integrity.
5. EMG/Nerve Studies:- Diagnose malfunction or blockage of nerves by monitoring electrical signals inside the body.

Treatment Options for Neurogenic ED

Oral Medications (PDE5 Inhibitors)

1. Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra boost blood flow to the penis.
2. These drugs are beneficial for cases of peripheral neuropathy when they are mild or the nerve injury is not very extensive.
3. Nevertheless, they require nerve tracts to do the job properly.

Vacuum Erection Devices (VEDs)

1. VEDs draws blood into the penis through the use of vacuum pressure.
2. Ideal for men with spinal injuries or post-surgical ED.

Penile Injections

1. Alprostadil acts as a dilator of the penis because it directly affects the smooth muscles of the penis.
2. It avoids nerves and aid in severe nerve erectile dysfunction cases.
3. Often used when pills fail.

Intraurethral Suppositories (MUSE)

1. Prostiaks kali delivers medication through the urethra without the use of a needle.
2. Effective definitely but less invasive and the users may enjoy different extents of satisfaction depending on their experiences.

Penile Implants

1. Surgical solution for severe or permanent ED.
2. Implants provide consistent, reliable erections.

Neuromodulation & Experimental Therapies

1. Researchers also use methods such as sacral stimulation, and they appear to be effective in the initial stages.
2. Of course, researchers must conduct further research for such a method to be commonly implemented.

Lifestyle Modifications and Psychological Support

It is a well-known fact that people’s lifestyle plays an important role in preventing and combating neurogenic ED. Starting with exercising improves blood circulation of the brain, and maintains the health of the nerves. Also, we should stop smoking and lessen alcohol consumption; both are detrimental to the veins and the nerve. We must control them to avoid further deterioration of the nerves by maintaining diabetes and high-blood pressure levels. Hydration, quality nutrition, and quality sleep are essential for recovering and boosting the level of sexual health.

Mental and emotional support matter just as much. Counseling is very helpful especially in such aspect as regaining the self-esteem of a man and managing frustrations. Sex therapy provides helpful recommendations to help in reduction of anxiety as well as improving physical contact.

Marriage counseling works on reducing conflict, lessens pressure on the performance, and improves communication. All such relationships need the right encouragement to rekindle love and its connection other than intercourse. All these make the building of the body as well as the nurturing of the relationship simultaneously.

When to See a Doctor

However, if the case of ED arises out of the blue or if the condition has worsened with age, consider consulting a doctor. This is especially true with such neurological disorders that include the above mentioned and any other related disorders. If doctors properly diagnose it, they will prevent other nerves from affecting the patients and help them to start their recovery early.

It is, however, very important not to dismiss any sensations of numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Most of these signs indicate that a person may have a nerve problem. This means that the master plan acting early helps in the treatment of patients and also prove to be cheaper in the long-run.