Nitric oxide and erections?

Nitric oxide plays a critical role in the process of achieving an erection. It acts as a key initiator, released by the endothelium in response to visual or tactile stimuli. This release of nitric oxide sets off a cascade that ultimately leads to an erection by increasing the levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The process involves nitric oxide enhancing the relaxation and dilation of blood vessels in the penis, thus improving blood flow and enabling an erection.

This mechanism is targeted by medications used to treat erectile dysfunction, such as PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., Viagra and Cialis). These drugs work by preventing the breakdown of cGMP, thereby sustaining longer-lasting erections 1.