Older adults who feel they or their partner can’t carefully administer an injection should consider other options, whether due to lack of dexterity or other reasons. For older adults who find that PDE5 inhibitors don’t produce the results they want or who don’t like their side effects, self-administered penile injections may be a preferred option. For example, vardenafil usually works faster than the other medications, while tadalafil’s effects last longer. If you’re a smoker, it’s likely the habit is contributing to a softer erection. If you’ve been going through a stressful period, you may find your erections are softer than before. This is because they strengthen the muscles needed to get hard, but the true key is aerobic activity.
Ensuring good quality sleep may help reduce the chance of erectile dysfunction and improve sexual function. People can improve their sleep by keeping their sleep schedule consistent, their sleep environment dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature, and avoiding screen use before sleep. A 2020 animal study looked at the link between testosterone levels and sleep. The study showed that sleep restriction reduced testosterone levels, which play an important role in sexual behavior and libido. However, results from animal studies may not be fully applicable to humans. Recreational drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and cannabis can also interfere with your erections by restricting blood flow and damaging blood vessels.
Tips for Achieving a Strong Erection
These medications all work in the same way by helping the muscles of the penis to relax and fill with blood prior to and during sex. Approximately 40% of people with penises have some experience of ED by age 40, and by age 70, nearly 70% of people with penises are impacted to some degree. At age 40, 5% of males are diagnosed with complete ED, but this number increases to 15% by age 70. The study, published in the July 2008 issue of the American Journal of Medicine, tracked 989 men in their 50s, 60s, and 70s for five years.
Having trouble getting or maintaining a strong erection can be frustrating and impact your confidence. Here are some tips to help you achieve a good erection:
For instance, a minor physical condition that slows your sexual response might cause anxiety about maintaining an erection. The resulting anxiety can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction. The physical transformations the body undergoes with age have a major influence on sexuality. This Special Health Report, Sexuality in Midlife and Beyond, will take you through the stages of sexual response and explain how aging affects each. You’ll also learn how chronic illnesses, common medications, and emotional issues can influence your sexual capabilities.
Usually, the hardest part of diagnosing erectile dysfunction is overcoming that embarrassment that comes with talking about your ED. But once you talk to your doctor, you’ll find that it’s common, and a diagnosis can happen quickly. For many people, a physical exam and answering some basic questions about your medical history is all that is needed. If you have chronic health conditions or your doctor suspects an underlying condition might be involved, you could need further tests or a consultation with a specialist such as me.
Making lifestyle changes can be hard, but starting with small changes and building from there may benefit your health. You may want to get help from family, loved ones, friends, and other trusted people in your community. You can also get information from your health care professionals. Some blood pressure drugs can make it hard to get an erection. But doctors say many cases of ED that get blamed on these drugs are actually caused by arterial damage resulting from high blood pressure (also called hypertension).
- Stay Active: Regular exercise can improve blood flow to the penis, helping you achieve and maintain a good erection.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can improve overall health, which can in turn improve your sexual function.
- Manage Stress: Stress and anxiety can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or therapy, can help improve your ability to achieve an erection.
FAQs About Getting a Good Erection
Q: Are there any medications that can help with erectile dysfunction?
A: Yes, there are several medications available by prescription that can help with erectile dysfunction, such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra.
Q: What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my erections?
A: In addition to staying active, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can also improve your ability to achieve a good erection.
