Losing an erection can be frustrating. Here is a guide to understanding some underlying causes and what to do about them.
Being able to get an erection but not keep it can be frustrating. You might feel like you can't last as long as you or your partner would like, or that there's a countdown as soon as sexual activity begins.
Here are some tips for understanding some possible underlying causes, as well as solutions that might help you maintain an erection.
Why can't I maintain an erection during sex?
Specific issues
There are several reasons why you might have trouble maintaining an erection during sex. Most people find that they face this question at some point in their lives.
Most of the time, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. The loss of an erection is very often due to common and everyday factors such as:
– Stress – Fatigue – Anxiety – Excessive alcohol consumption – Side effects of a medication you are taking
Some people will experience it much more often than others.
Signs of underlying health issues
If you regularly lose your erection during sex, it could be a sign of an underlying health problem. It can be a physical or emotional health issue and may require treatment in the form of medication or lifestyle changes.
The main physical reasons why you might lose your erection during sex are:
– High cholesterol – High blood pressure – Blood circulation problems (narrowing of blood vessels in your penis) – A physical problem with the shape of your penis, such as Peyronie's disease – Side effects of medication prescription you are taking – Premature ejaculation – Hormonal problems
It can also be caused by psychological reasons :
– Stress – Performance Anxiety – Emotional or mood problems – Lack of sexual desire.
Erectile dysfunction is the condition in which you repeatedly struggle to get or maintain an erection. It is very common and does not last forever.
Most of the time erectile dysfunction is easily treated with medication or counseling. If you are worried about losing your erections during sex, ask your doctor for advice.
How can I better maintain an erection?
Some remedies for maintaining an erection work better than others, depending on the cause. As with any health condition, it helps if your treatment is agreed with a doctor.
The physical causes
The main treatments for erectile dysfunction include:
– Medicines called PDE-5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Spedra) – Medicines to help lower your blood pressure – Statins, to help lower your cholesterol levels – Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if the cause is low testosterone- a change in the current medicine if side effects on your erection.
Psychological causes
Treatments for erectile dysfunction may include:
– Behavioral and cognitive therapy – Couples therapy – Meditation to reduce stress and anxiety – Lifestyle change
In addition to treatment for physical or psychological causes, it may be useful to modify certain lifestyles:
– Lose weight, if you are overweight – Eat a healthy balanced diet – Quit smoking – Exercise regularly – Get enough sleep each night – Reduce alcohol.
any changes you can make can help you maintain your erection better.
Can drugs like Viagra help me maintain an erection?
Overall , yes.Viagra (or sildenafil) has proven to be a very effective drug for many cases of erectile dysfunction. The other prescription drugs available have also been proven to work.
But, treatments like Viagra won't suit everyone.
You cannot use Viagra if you:
– are allergic to its components. – have or have had a serious heart or liver problem – have recently had a heart attack or stroke – have low blood pressure
The easiest way to find out whether or not a drug like Viagra is right for you is to have yourself assessed by your GP. If they think it might help you and it's safe for you to take, they'll write you a prescription.
Is my relationship the reason I can't keep an erection?
No, not necessarily. It is possible, and very common, for people to lose erections even when they are fully aroused and want to continue having sex with a partner.
Your relationship may play a role. For example, if you don't feel safe, comfortable, or attracted to your partner, it could make it harder to get or keep an erection.
Or, if you're having relationship or emotional issues that have caused you or your partner high stress, that could also be the cause.
If you are able to talk to your partner about your concerns, that could really help. Good communication is important for a healthy sexual relationship.