As the corpora cavernosa fill with blood, they expand and press against the veins that would normally drain blood from the penis. The blood vessels widen, increasing the blood flow into two sponge-like cylinders known as the corpora cavernosa, which run along the length of the penis on both sides above the urethra, the passageway for semen and urine. The nervous system responds by sending messages to the pelvic area that cause the smooth muscles inside the penis to relax. The process leading to an erection begins with erotic stimulation, which can be triggered by the senses - touch, sight, scent, sound - or by memory.

However, understanding how erections occur is an important step toward diagnosis and treatment for impotence. Just like the television or the computer, most of us don't think or care about how it works, as long as it works. exuality is such a natural function of the human condition that few men ever think much about the actual process involved in achieving an erection. It is good once again to feel like a man. My self-image has improved, my levels of stress reduced and, consequently, my attitude towards life in general markedly enhanced. Thanks to you, I have regained a tremendous amount of self-confidence which, I believe, has had a positive impact on all aspects of my life. In the past I felt insecure and socially alienated by my problem. In some respects it is actually better than normal due to the increase in staying power.

Because of your research and subsequent treatment program I can now have normal sexual relations on a regular basis. As a result of my accident, I was unable to gain an erection for 14 years. I want to take a moment to thank you for giving me the opportunity to change my life. The author wishes to thank his patients and colleagues for their encouragement and suggestions, which gave birth to many of the new ideas and innovations in this guide. Armed with this information, we hope you'll feel more comfortable consulting a physician and taking that first step toward finding a treatment that may help you return toward normal sexual activity. This work is designed to help you understand the process involved in achieving an erection, the causes of impotence, the various treatments that are available, the resources available for diagnosis and treatment, and what to expect in the doctor's office.