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Sex—we all enjoy it in one way or another.
But what if during the crucial moment when you need it the most, you’re unable to sustain the action?
Believe it or not, this phenomenon is pretty common. It doesn’t make it any less disconcerting though.
When you cannot achieve or maintain an erection during sex, such a phenomenon is often associated with erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction is a prevalent condition that’s marked by a persistent inability to sustain or get an erection.
It’s a medical condition that can chip away at one’s self-confidence and mental health. It also may indicate underlying health problems that would need to be addressed by a local men’s clinic.
This article will delve into the mechanism behind an erection and possible reasons why you’re suffering from erection problems. It’ll also show you ways you can boost your sex life naturally.
Let’s begin.
The Biological Phenomenon Behind Erections
As humorous as erections may be perceived, the science behind erections is nothing short of fascinating.
It first begins when a man perceives a source of sexual stimulation, whether it’s a person, an erotic media, or a fantasy. When this sexual stimulus enters the man’s mind, whether through sight or thought, the brain signals to the body and the penis that it is aroused.
These signals subsequently open the blood vessels and cause the erectile tissue to draw in more blood. This blood remains in the erectile chambers and gets trapped, causing the penis to balloon and form an erection.
Once the man is sexually satisfied (or when he’s not aroused anymore), the blood will flow out of the penis and it will return to its flaccid state.
In healthy adult males, the events depicted above show a normal and healthy functioning of a penis’s erection cycle. However, many factors can get in the way of that, causing a failure for the erection to start despite sexual arousal.
Why Do I Lose Erections In The Middle of Sexual Intercourse?
Erectile dysfunction during intercourse isn’t a simple black-and-white matter; it’s a multifaceted issue that can be attributed to various physiological, psychological, and environmental factors. It may also stem as a result of chronic health conditions.
As such, it’s important to be aware of the various causes of it. This way, you can have a more comprehensive understanding of this sexual dysfunction and consequently get the right ED treatment to improve your sexual health for good.
With that said, here are some potential reasons why you may face ED even when you’re sexually aroused.
1. Physiological Causes
When you get older, you become more prone to cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and heart disease. Neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis can also cause long-term erection trouble.
These conditions can negatively affect your sexual performance and can cause blood flow directed towards the penis to be heavily restricted. This, in turn, makes it harder for men to achieve erections suitable for sex.
2. Psychological Issues
In some cases, the cause of your erectile problems could be psychogenic in nature. In one study, people with depressive symptoms are more likely to develop erectile dysfunction than mentally healthy people.
Furthermore, people who face performance anxiety—or a type of anxiety that causes one to fail to perform a task (i.g. get hard for sex)–may also likely suffer from keeping an erection suitable for sexual activity.
People who face relationship-related mental health concerns even without any underlying health condition, are also likely to have a difficult time mustering enough sexual desire to want to have sex.
3. Bad Lifestyle Choices
Bad habits and choices can gradually erode one’s capability to maintain a satisfactory erection.
For instance, people who take illegal drugs and binge alcohol are more susceptible to facing erectile issues, as well as a slew of other health issues, down the line.
People who don’t get enough sleep and eat an unhealthy diet are also prone to facing diminished sexual excitement.
4. Hormone Imbalance
If you can’t keep an erection but are otherwise free from any medical conditions, it could be because of underlying hormonal imbalances.
Some men with low testosterone values are at increased risk of developing low libido and low testosterone-related erectile dysfunction.
A lot of cases of low testosterone are asymptomatic, so it’s best to check in with a doctor so that they can evaluate your health through verified medical checkups.
Furthermore, an imbalance in hormones can indicate thyroid disorders, which would need medical attention.
5. Medications
Certain medications come with unwanted side effects, such as erectile dysfunction. As such, it’s important to note any developments of erectile problems following the ingestion of these medications:
- Antihistamines
- Diuretics
- Antiarrhythmics
- Antihypertensives
- Parkinson’s disease drugs
- Antidepressants
If you are taking any of these prescription medications and are experiencing sexual health problems, raise your concerns with a doctor.
How To Maintain Optimal Erection Health
Sexual health is an integral part of overall well-being. If you want to keep it in top shape, you’ll need to consider implementing positive lifestyle habits and medical treatments to achieve a long-lasting erection.
Here are some good treatments and lifestyle changes to consider to improve your erections.
- Avoid overindulging in bad food: Avoid eating in excess, and consider exploring a mediterranean diet. Choose to eat healthy food items that are low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium .
- Get the appropriate therapies: If you’re suffering from mental health conditions, consider talking with a mental health professional. ED patients can also consider undergoing ED treatment and RestoreWave therapy to manage their condition.
- Care for your underlying condition: If you have an underlying condition that’s causing your bad erectile symptoms, then consider getting that treated alongside your ED symptoms.
- Talk with a medical professional: Booking an appointment can help you get customized treatment fit for your condition.
Jumpstart Your Sex Life with Proper ED Treatment at Cincinnati’s Proactive Men’s Medical Center
Loss of libido causing you to fall into a depressing spiral? Our medical professionals can help.
At Proactive Men’s Medical Center located in Cincinnati, we are committed to delivering the best men’s health treatment plans for you to rise above your condition, such as erectile dysfunction treatment, RestoreWave therapy, PE therapy, and adrenal fatigue treatment.
Contact our men’s health specialists today, your initial consultation and first treatment are completely free.
