"Why can’t I maintain an erection?" and "Why do I struggle to get an erection?" These questions may lead to various concerns, but understanding the potential causes is crucial. Whether it's difficulty in achieving or sustaining an erection, the underlying factors are often similar.
12 significant causes of erectile dysfunction and erection loss
Identifying these factors can guide discussions with healthcare providers and pave the way for appropriate solutions:
1. Cardiovascular Issues: Conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure can impede blood flow to the penis, affecting erection quality.
2. Kidney Diseases and Diabetes: Chronic conditions such as diabetes can damage nerves and impair blood flow crucial for sustaining erections.
3. Neurological Disorders: Diseases like multiple sclerosis can disrupt nerve signals necessary for achieving and maintaining an erection.
4. Hormone Imbalances: Fluctuations in testosterone levels can impact libido and sexual function, contributing to erectile difficulties.
5. Injuries: Penile injuries or conditions like Peyronie’s disease can affect erectile function and cause discomfort during intercourse.
6. Smoking and Nicotine Use: Smoking and nicotine consumption can damage blood vessels and hinder erectile function.
7. Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can interfere with arousal and make it challenging to maintain an erection.
8. Overweight or Obesity: Being overweight or obese is linked to a higher risk of erectile dysfunction.
9. Steroid Use: While initially boosting sex drive, long-term steroid use may increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.
10. Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, including antidepressants and blood pressure drugs, can affect sexual function and lead to erection problems.
11. Recreational Drug Use: Substances like cocaine and marijuana can interfere with erectile function and overall sexual performance.
12. Psychological Factors: Depression, anxiety, and stress can all contribute to erectile difficulties, affecting both libido and performance.
How to Not Lose Erection During Sex?
Lifestyle Changes:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Monitor and manage blood pressure.
- Adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Prioritize mental health and seek treatment when needed.
- Incorporate aerobic exercise into your routine.
- Consider checking testosterone levels if experiencing low sex drive.
- Improve sleep quality with consistent sleep habits.
- Limit pornography consumption.
Specific Habits to Adjust:
- Quit smoking and avoid nicotine products.
- Moderate alcohol consumption to no more than two servings per day.
While occasional erection loss may not signify erectile dysfunction, persistent issues warrant attention. Embracing lifestyle changes and seeking appropriate treatment can significantly improve erectile function and overall sexual satisfaction.
Making these changes doesn’t guarantee that you will have stronger erections. The best way to fix a problem is to work on its root cause; a sexologist doctor can help you!
Dr. Sudhir Bhola is an Ayurvedic Sexologist doctor who has been a successful expert on erectile dysfunction for many years. One can take online or offline consultations to seek help from him.