It is important to learn about the process of erection to get a better idea of the causes that may lead to erection problems. Once you know what causes erection problems, it becomes easier to get a proper treatment.

How does an erection occur?

An erection of the penis is a complex event that requires the interaction of the brain, nerves, hormones and blood vessels. Discussed below are the series of events that lead to erection.

• Mental stimulation

Though it is the penis which becomes erect, the process of erection is initiated in the brain. Erection begins with sensory or mental stimulation or both. A signal is sent to the brain that some sort of stimulation is occurring and the penis needs to relax. The nerves in the brain send a signal down to the lower spinal cord area. The spinal cord nerves send a signal to the nerves located in the body's pelvic region which in turn transmits the signal to the penis.

• Penis becomes relaxed

Upon receiving the signal from the brain the smooth muscles in penis begins to relax to allow the blood to rush-in. Slowly the blood fills the corpora cavernosa (the two chambers that run through the length of the penis), causing the penis to become hard. The membrane surrounding the corpora cavernosa called tunica albuginea helps trap the blood in the corpora cavernosa and prevent it from flowing back out. This results in erection. At this stage, the muscles in the penis contract because of which the penis is able to maintain the erection for sometime, until the muscles stop contracting, typically by achieving orgasm.

How nitric oxide is important for your erection?

Nitric oxide (NO) - a chemical secreted in the walls of the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis - is critical for proper erection of the penis. The function of nitric oxide is to help the blood vessels of the penis to become relaxed so that they are able to expand enough to take the increased blood flow.

When a man is sexually stimulated impulses from the brain and nerves trigger the release of nitric oxide. The release of nitric oxide stimulates an enzyme that produces a ‘messenger' called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The cGMP causes the smooth muscle cells to relax allowing blood to flow into the spongy tissue of the penis. This means if you do not have enough nitric oxide, you will not able to have erection.

Nitric oxide production declines naturally with age and this leads to erectile dysfunction or impotence in men. However, you can boost the production of nitric oxide by using herbal or natural supplements and treat impotence caused due to low production of nitric oxide.

What are the causes and cures for low libido?

Today, more men are encountering the problem of low libido or lack of sexual drive because of which their sexual relationship is affected. Causes of low libido in men can be physiological or psychological in nature. Once the cause has been identified, low libido can easily be treated.

• Physiological causes of low libido

Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, anaemia, diabetes, side effects of medications, obesity, substance abuse, low level of nitric oxide, cardiovascular disease, hypothyroidism, endocrine or neurological disorders, arthritis and chronic pain are some of the causes of libido.

• Psychological causes of low libido

Depression, anxiety, stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, relationship issues, working long hours and financial problems are some of the factors that affect libido in men.

Cures for low libido - Some of thepopular and effective methods to treat low libido in men are: