Erection Problems and the Too-Hard Penis: Understanding Priapism

Untold men dream of possessing a penis which maintains its hardness for hours (if not days) on end, believing that such would render sex god status upon a man. In fact, an erection which lasts for too long a time (as in the condition known as priapism) can be a detriment to penis health; indeed, priapism is generally considered a medical emergency and is not something to wish for at all. There are basically two forms of priapism, and the one known as non-ischemic priapism, while still serious, is perhaps somewhat less alarming than ischemic priapism.

The difference

Basically, ischemic priapism occurs as "a nonsexual, persistent erection characterized by little or no cavernous blood flow and abnormal cavernous blood gases (hypoxic, hypercarbic, and acidotic)." What this means to the layman is that it occurs when blood flows into the penis to allow it to become erect, but then cannot escape, causing the persistent - and painful - erection.

Non-ischemic priapism, on the other hand, "is most often secondary to traumatic rupture of a branch of the cavernous artery and uncontrolled pooling of blood into the sinusoidal spaces of the corpora cavernosa." In plain English, the penis experiences a trauma which ruptures an artery or vessel. Blood flows into the penis but isn’t trapped there to the same degree as with ischemic priapism. With non-ischemic priapism, there’s a persistent erection, but it’s usually not as fully rigid as with the ischemic version and usually comes with no pain (other than the initial pain which caused the trauma in the first place).

Sometimes, non-ischemic priapism may not be due to trauma to a vessel or artery; instead, it may come about because the central nervous system has undergone an injury, which interferes with the erectile process. And in some other instances, non-ischemic priapism may be a result of treating ischemic priapism via a process known as shunting.

Is it dangerous?

So if non-ischemic priapism is not as serious as the ischemic kind, does a man still need to be concerned about it? The answer is yes. One of the problems that can arise with non-ischemic priapism is that a man has a persistent erection - but it’s not a "full" erection. And in some cases, he is unable to attain the "full" hardness, without which, penetration during sex can become difficult (and in some cases, impossible.) In some cases, there may also be a possibility of infection, which can bring about other issues as well.

Treatment

In the majority of the cases, non-ischemic priapism is self-resolving - meaning that given time the situation heals itself. (Sometimes the application of a cold pack to the penis - wrapped and not directly placed on the skin - can help to hasten a resolution.) Nevertheless, it’s important to bring it to the attention of a doctor and to discuss whether the best course of action is to "wait and see" or whether other steps should be considered. For example, sometimes a gel might be injected into the penis which can help block the blood flow to the penis so that it can soften. (The gel is later absorbed into the body.)

Although non-ischemic priapism is not a medical emergency, it still requires a doctors’ attention. And since a man wants to present his penis at his best, using a top-shelf penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can help maintain penis health. It’s best to seek out a crème that contains L-carnitine, as this ingredient has neuroprotective properties that can help maintain proper penis sensitivity. The creme should also include a combination of moisturizers, such as shea butter and vitamin E, to maintain tone and texture of penis skin.

Identifying Erection Problems - Diagnostic Tests for Loss of Penis Function

Loss of erectile function is not just a problem for older men. A significant number of younger men - even those in their late teens and early twenties - may experience erection problems that inhibit their ability to enjoy a normal sex life. This problem can be distressing, frustrating, and embarrassing - not to mention self-fulfilling, as men who are worried about their ability to perform may inadvertently cause loss of penis function through anxiety alone. Fortunately, there is a vast number of treatment options; and, of course, choosing the right course of action depends on determining the underlying cause. The diagnostic tests described here are commonly used for men who have ongoing loss of function and can help identify the right approach to penis care and treatment needed to overcome this devastating problem.

Causes of erection problems
Understanding how these tests work depends on knowing what causes loss of function in the first place. Erectile issues are complex, and there may be multiple factors involved, including:

- Diabetes;
- Nerve problems;
- Circulatory issues;
- Obesity;
- Psychological issues.

Tests for erectile function
When looking for the cause of an erection problem, doctors will generally perform a series of checks and tests to determine a man’s state of overall health. These may include a blood pressure check, a physical exam of the penis and testicles, and various blood tests to check for hormone levels that may be contributing to the problem. In addition, the following specialized tests may be carried out:

1) The nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test. Men who have erectile problems related to psychological issues will still have nocturnal erections while they sleep. The NPT test can determine whether a man is still having normal periods of arousal during the night; if this is the case, then psychological counseling may be the right approach to treatment. An NPT test is carried out by sliding a band over the penis while a man sleeps.

A simple version of this test involves a band that will snap when the penis becomes engorged, while a more sophisticated version will send electronic impulses to a recorder.

2) The intracavernosal injection test. This test involves injecting an erectile medication into the penis in order to cause an erection to form. A doctor will then measure the firmness and duration of the erection to determine whether there may be a physiological cause for the loss of function.

3) The Doppler ultrasound test. This test uses a special ultrasound scanner that is passed over the penis to detect the speed and direction of the blood flow. It may be used in conjunction with an intracavernosal injection and can determine whether there are blockages or other circulatory issues that are impeding normal blood flow.

A holistic approach to penile health care
Through testing and assessment, men and their doctors should be able to work out what, exactly, is causing the loss of function and determine an individualized treatment plan. This may include medications, lifestyle changes, and/or psychological counseling. In addition to these therapeutic measures, it is also important to make sure the penis itself is healthy. This means eating right, getting the right amount of exercise, and learning to cope with stress in an appropriate manner. Limiting one’s intake of alcohol and quitting smoking are also urged for men looking to enhance their ability to perform.

In addition to these steps, use of a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can provide a much-needed boost in the condition, appearance and sensitivity of the penile tissue. Men should look for a product containing amino acids such as L-arginine, which plays a role in the erectile response; vitamin C should also be included in this list of ingredients due to its function in maintaining healthy circulatory tissue. Hydrating agents such as vitamin E are vital to penile health, as well, locking in hydration and making sure the skin is soft, smooth and responsive A healthier, more supple-looking penis can drastically improve a man’s level of self-confidence in the bedroom and may help in overcoming any shyness and embarrassment that is impeding his ability to perform.

Conquering Erection Problems - 7 Reasons it Might Not be Erectile Dysfunction after All

Erection problems are often seen as a problem for older men, but the truth is that men of any age can experience a less-than-stellar performance from time to time. While a bedroom flop might seem like a reason for panic, men who have only occasional bouts of erectile loss may want to look at some other aspects of their lifestyle. Some non-ED causes of erectile problems are detailed below, along with some simple suggestions for improved penis health.

8 Non-ED causes of erection problems:
 
Erection problems are not always related to erectile dysfunction per se. Other factors related to a man’s physical and emotional health can lead to temporary issues in the bedroom, including:

1. Alcohol use - While a drink or two can help to break the ice and move things toward the bedroom more quickly, overdoing it can have an unintended and unfortunate effect. Alcohol is a depressant, or downer, and one of the victims of the "downer" effect is the ability to become erect. Men who have romantic intentions for the evening should keep their consumption to no more than 2 drinks in order to avoid an embarrassing end to an evening.

2. Smoking - Smoking wreaks havoc on the body in numerous ways, including hardening and narrowing the blood vessels, interfering with neural activity and reducing a man’s stamina. Crushing out the butts is a proactive step toward overall better health, not to mention improved sexual ability.

3. Stress - The pressures of maintaining a job, caring for a family, studying for exams, or anything else that keeps a man up at night can cause chemical stress reactions that tend to interfere with erectile ability. Reducing stress or finding better ways to cope can help to improve a man’s ability to react to stimulation.

4. Poor circulation - Reduced circulation to the penis, whether due to excess body fat, reduced heart function, or just sitting at a desk for too long can restrict blood flow and result in at least temporary reduction in erectile action.

5. Depression - Depression and other emotional or mood disorders can manifest as loss of erectile ability; on the flip side, loss of erectile function can actually lead to depression. In either case, treating the depression with counseling and/or medication may help.

6. Relationship issues - Whether faced with partner conflict or just an old relationship in which the sex just doesn’t feel new and exciting any more, a man who is not feeling comfortable with his mate may not feel aroused every time the occasion calls for it. Couples counseling - or even a change in partners - might provide the answer in this case.

7. Medications - Finally, certain prescription medications can lead to loss of function; when medications are in the mix, talking to a doctor about an alternative may help to resolve the issue.

When erectile dysfunction may be diagnosed
 
Of course, there is always the potential that there is a more serious underlying health problem that is responsible for impotence issues, and in this case, ED may really be at stake. Erectile dysfunction may be diagnosed when a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection long enough to complete intercourse more than 25% of the time, or when he fails to experience night time erections. In this case, treating the health problem appropriately is an important step in restoring normal function.

Keeping the penis in game-ready condition
 
It goes without saying that being ready for sex means not only being able to get it up, but also feeling confident; and in order to feel confident, a man needs to believe that he is sexy and appealing. Some overall attention to grooming can help to take care of this issue - a shower, change of clothes and a shave can go a long way toward making a man feel attractive.

When it comes time to drop trou, a guy needs to be assured that his equipment is also ready for action - with smooth skin, no rough spots or blemishes, and most of all, no unpleasant, mushroomy odors. Adding a penis health creme (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) fortified with targeted male nutrients and all-natural moisturizers is a good way to ensure that the skin is in top condition. Nutrients like vitamin A, for instance, can help to eliminate odor-causing bacteria, while amino acids like L-arginine can promote the skin’s responsiveness to tactile stimulation. On top of these, a natural moisturizer - like Shea butter, olive oil, or jojoba oil, can keep the skin looking smooth and supple, giving it a pleasant appearance.