Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases
The following section discusses the eight most common STDs in North America, grouped by symptoms. Information
on other sexually related diseases can be found in "Curing Vaginal Infections" and "The Persistent Threat of
AIDS." The first group discussed here, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), syphilis, and
chancroid, is characterized primarily by lumps, bumps, and sores. The second group, chlamydia and gonorrhea,
is characterized mainly by vaginal discharge. The last section covers pubic lice and scabies, the hallmark of
which is itching. Each disease has more than one symptom, but this arrangement will get you started.
Erection problems
Erectile dysfunction may be caused by physical problems related to the blood vessels,
nerves, and hormones or by psychological issues. Current evidence suggests that physical causes account
for about 80% of erection problems.1
Normally, an erection occurs when your imagination or senses (vision, hearing, touch, smell, taste) are
stimulated and you become aroused. Your central nervous system sends nerve impulses that increase blood
flow to your penis. Blood fills the spongy chambers (corpora cavernosa) in the penis, causing them to
expand and become rigid.
Four requirements for a normal erection are:
A properly functioning nervous system that sends the necessary signals to the penis.
An intact system of blood vessels (vascular system) to allow blood to flow into and out of the penis.
Normal smooth muscle in the penis, which must relax so the penis can fill with blood and enlarge.
The ability to trap the blood in the penis so that it stays firmPhysical causes of erection problems include long-term (chronic) and short-term (acute) injuries and
complications of prostate or other surgery that interfere with nerve impulses or blood flow to the penis.
Physical problems are often the cause of erection difficulties in men age 50 or older.
Problems with the blood vessels (vascular problems) may prevent blood from filling the penis or from remaining
there long enough to maintain an erection. For example, long-term high blood pressure can cause damage to blood
vessels and lead to erection problems.
Problems with the nerves (neurologic problems) may prevent arousal signals from traveling from the brain and
spinal cord to the penis. Nerve disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis,
and stroke may interfere with a man's ability to have an erection and may lower sexual desire. Nerve damage
from diabetes, complications from surgery, and spinal cord injury also may cause problems.
Problems with the structure of the penis or its surrounding tissues may prevent an erection.
Hormonal factors, such as a low level of the hormone testosterone, may be involved in causing erection problems.
Side effects of medications (for example, some of those taken for high blood pressure or depression) may include
erection problems. In some cases it may be possible to change the dose of the medicine or to use another
medicine.
The use of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs can lead to erection problems. Stopping or reducing the use of
these substances may reduce the severity of a man's erection problem. Psychological causes of erection problems include depression (which also has a physical component),
anxiety, stress, grief, or problems with current or past relationships. These interfere with the erection
process by distracting the man from things that would normally arouse him. Erection problems in men younger
than 40 who have no physical risk factors are more likely to be caused by psychological factors than physical
causes.
Relationship problems can lead to erection problems. This may happen when a man has been widowed or loses
sexual interest in a particular partner.
Some men develop erection problems when they contemplate marriage.
Some men may have difficulty having sexual intercourse with their partner after their first child is born.
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