Also called: Penile disorders
Problems with the penis can cause pain and affect a man’s sexual function and fertility. Penis disorders include
- Erectile dysfunction – inability to get or keep an erection
- Priapism – a painful erection that does not go away
- Peyronie’s disease – bending of the penis during an erection due to a hard lump called a plaque
- Balanitis – inflammation of the skin covering the head of the penis, most often in men and boys who have not been circumcised
- Penile cancer – a rare form of cancer, highly curable when caught early
The vascular system is the body’s network of blood vessels. It includes the arteries, veins and capillaries that carry blood to and from the heart. Problems of the vascular system are common and can be serious. Arteries can become thick and stiff, a problem called atherosclerosis. Blood clots can clog vessels and block blood flow to the heart or brain. Weakened blood vessels can burst, causing bleeding inside the body.
You are more likely to have vascular disease as you get older. Other factors that make vascular disease more likely include
- Family history of vascular or heart diseases
- Pregnancy
- Illness or injury
- Long periods of sitting or standing still
- Any condition that affects the heart and blood vessels, such as diabetes or high cholesterol
- Smoking
- Obesity
Losing weight, eating healthy foods, being active and not smoking can help vascular disease. Other treatments include medicines and surgery.