The word Impotence is derived from the Latin language and literally means loss of power. The word is also used to show an inabilty to do anything about a certain situation. For example governments can be called impotent when they lose power are are unable to govern.

However the word is most often used to describe a man's inabilty to achieve and sustain an erection for sexual intercourse. It is a very insulting thing to call a man impotent and men who are impotent are normally very ashamed and embarassed about the condition. The medical condition of impotence is also called erectile dysfunction.

Erectile function is a very complicated process and while getting an erection might appear to be simple for most men the mechanisms and functions going on are elaborate and complex.

The actual structure of the penis for example consists of a number of different components. Firstly there are the corpus cavernosa which are 2 columns made up of spongy tissue, then there is the corpus spongiosum that is a spongy chamber that contains the tube which allows urine to flow from the bladder into the penis.

The erectile tissue that makes up these structures is full of tiny blood vessels known as cavernous sinuses and these blood vessels are covered by muscle and elastic fibrous tissue made up of collagen.

The mechanism of an erection is also dependent on nitric oxide and when a man gets an erection his central nervous system allows the release of chemicals, the most important one being nitric oxide.

The nitric oxide boosts the the manufacture of cyclic GMP which is directly responsible for allowing the muscles in the penis to relax. With these muscles relaxed the blood can flow into the cavernous sinuses and this fills the penis with blood. When the penis is full of blood it will normally be double the its previous size.

The process also involves the shutting down of the veins arround the chambers locking the blood in them and keeping the erection hard and rigid. The nitric oxide is an essential part of the erection process and too much of it means that you are unable to get rid of your erection.

After arousal and ejaculation the cyclic GMP has to be got rid of and an so an enzyme known as phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) forms which reacts with the cyclic GMP and removes it. In fact the main erectile dysfunction drugs Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are known as PDE-5 inhibitors as they shop the formation of the PDE-5 which means that the erection will be sustained.

Other factors are also essential for the efficient working of an erection. The right balance of the hormone testosterone and oxygen rich blood as well as healthy and unblocked arteries are also needed for good erectile function. Pyschological factors can also play a part on making sure that your erection functions properly.

Most men have no idea of the complicated issues involved sustaining an erection and are unaware that they need to maintain good sexual health in order to keep functioning well sexually.