Being incapable of achieving and sustaining erection of the male external genitals long enough to accomplish a successful sexual intercourse accompanied with proper stimulus and response mechanisms is, in the medical terminology, regarded as impotence or erectile dysfunction.

The male genital organ, naturally, assumes an erect posture as a response to the sensual stimulation by a number of sensory modalities i.e. the vision, touch and sometimes even smell. When these stimuli are applied, organs called corpora cavernosa, a sponge like mass, in the penile tissues is filled up with blood to cause erection as the blood flow into the organ increases as a response to nitric oxide and consequently cGMP level elevation in the blood of the penile vasculature due to the stimulation.

   • Apart form the above mentioned chemical substance needed for erectile functioning, the vessels by with blood enters and leaves the external genitals are of much importance as any defect in their integrity could render the individual impotent.

   • Plaque deposited in the walls of the penile arteries could hinder the blood inflow into the penile blood vessels. Increased fat deposition on the inner walls of the blood vessels is referred to the term “atherosclerosis’ and increases resistance to blood flow thus triggering impotency.

   • Autonomic neuropathy is another leading cause of impotent genitals as per the elevated glucose level in diabetic patients in which the nerve supply to the musculature of the penis is affected rendering the organ unresponsive.

   • Failure of the prostate glands to respond accordingly during sexual activity could make the symptoms of the disease even more pronounced.

   • Appropriate balance of testosterone and other hormones in the body are essential to keep the sensitivity to sex intact which, otherwise, would lead to anatomic anomalies thus the physiologic ones.

   • Too much mental exertion, the resulting depression and the consequent intake of drugs as a relief to stress and depression could affect one’s sensitivity to sensual stimulation remarkably because of the accompanied side effects.

Apart from the modern age medications of Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and many other medicines, scheduled exercise, healthy low-fat diet, fibers from the vegetables and vitamins from the fruits and stress-free life style would lead to ever natural physical interactions and a happy sexual life.