The penile shaft is a cylindrical organ located at the base of the male reproductive system. It consists of three chambers known as corpora cavernosa that contain spongy muscle tissue and elastic fibers. During arousal, these chambers fill with blood from several sources including the sinusoids, bulbourethral glands, pelvic floor muscles, and cavernosal nerves. This process is called "tumescence" and causes the penis to become rigid and erect for sexual intercourse.
When stimulated during foreplay or masturbation, the brain sends signals to the nervous system to release neurotransmitters such as dopamine, nitric oxide, and testosterone. These chemicals activate enzymes within the endothelium lining the corpora cavernosa, causing them to relax and allow increased blood flow into the penis. The resultant pressure creates an erection which can last anywhere from 5 minutes to half an hour depending on various factors including age, physical conditioning, and psychological state.
In addition to its role in sexual function, an erection also helps protect against urinary tract infections by keeping out bacteria and other foreign bodies. It may also serve a symbolic purpose in courtship rituals between males and females by communicating fertility potential or dominance over rivals.
Certain medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and smoking can lead to impotence or difficulty achieving/maintaining an erection.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects up to 30 million men in America alone and can have devastating emotional effects on self-esteem and relationships. Treatment options range from prescription drugs like sildenafil citrate (Viagra) to vacuum devices that create negative pressure around the penis to draw blood into it. Psychological counseling is another option that addresses underlying stressors or anxiety related to ED.
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