If you are struggling to reduce your tobacco or alcohol use, talk to a healthcare provider. They may recommend medication or lifestyle therapies to help you cut back on your consumption. This can improve your sexual performance while preventing serious health complications. Many factors contribute to erection problems, including diet, exercise, medication, age, and underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, depression, and sleep disorders. Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile dysfunction.
Having trouble getting an erection before sex can be frustrating and embarrassing for many men. However, there are several ways to help improve your chances of achieving an erection when you need it most. Here are some tips to help you get in the mood and ready for action:
Anecdotal reports and expert opinion in sexual medicine indicate that having erections — with or without sex — helps preserve male sexual function. And of course, there’s no downside to having sex; it certainly won’t hurt a man’s chances of avoiding ED. These eight foods all have some research pointing to their positive effects on male fertility, sexual health, or prostate health, but most of the research is limited. L-arginine is thought to help blood vessels in the penis relax so that blood flow to the area can increase. While this doesn’t mean spicy food increases testosterone levels, the chemical capsaicin found in hot peppers may have some bedroom advantages.
Concerns about a partner’s expectations and personal worries may contribute to sexual performance anxiety. Various tips can help a person cope with sexual performance anxiety and related erectile dysfunction (ED). The duration of an erection, as well as its quality, can vary based on physical and psychological factors, including age, stress, health conditions, and medications.
Men who have trouble getting erections have sex less often than men with normal sexual function, several studies have shown. Nutrient- and antioxidant-rich tomatoes offer several potential benefits related to sexual health, fertility, and prostate health. One small study found that people assigned male at birth who preferred spicier food had higher testosterone levels in their saliva than those that preferred milder flavors. Apple peels, in particular, contain the active compound ursolic acid.
Anything that blocks these impulses or restricts blood flow to the penis can cause ED. Erectile dysfunction (ED) happens when a man has ongoing problems getting and keeping an erection. The problem is reported by 1 in 5 men, and that number gets bigger with age.
PE may resolve by itself, or it may require treatment options that will vary due to the underlying cause. These can include therapy, topical drugs, or using different sexual methods. ED occurs when a person is unable to get or keep an erection long enough for sexual activity.
Manage Stress
Stress is a common cause of erectile dysfunction, so it’s important to find ways to relax and unwind before engaging in sexual activity. Consider practicing meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to help lower your stress levels.
Stay Active
Regular exercise can help improve blood flow to the penis, which is essential for achieving and maintaining an erection. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day to help keep your body in peak condition.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Your diet can also play a significant role in your ability to get an erection. Make sure you’re eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support overall sexual health.
Get Enough Sleep
Lack of sleep can negatively impact your sexual performance, so make sure you’re getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night. This will help ensure your body is well-rested and ready for action.
Consider Supplements
If you’re still having trouble getting an erection, consider talking to your doctor about taking supplements such as L-arginine or ginseng, which have been shown to help improve erectile function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to get an erection before sex?
A: The time it takes to achieve an erection can vary from person to person, but typically it should happen within a few minutes of becoming sexually aroused.
Q: What if I still can’t get an erection?
A: If you’re consistently having trouble getting an erection, it’s important to talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the issue.
