Yes, men who can’t achieve erections may still have orgasms. Instead, the penis is composed of three sponge-like cylindrical chambers, which gradually fill with blood when you feel aroused. When it comes to size, the majority of them fall into the average range — and the size has no bearing on what it can do or the pleasure you can give and get from it. You can, but most of the methods available only offer a temporary, marginal increase in size. Beware of miracle methods advertised online, like pills and oils, that can do more harm than good to your penis and your pocketbook.
Getting a good erection is important for a healthy sex life and overall well-being. There are various factors that can affect the quality of your erections, such as lifestyle choices, health conditions, and psychological factors. Here are some tips to help you achieve and maintain strong erections:
Experiencing difficulty with erections from time to time is usually no cause for concern. But ongoing issues can cause stress, it can affect self-confidence, and it can contribute to relationship problems. It involves your brain, your hormones, your nerves, your muscles, and your blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or maintain an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse. There are many different causes, which may include conditions that affect your blood vessels, neurological conditions, mental health conditions and injuries.
A rigidometer could show a man objectively how hard his penis is — hard enough for penetration, maybe, but not as hard as it could be. An endothelial function test could tell him about how close or far away he is from heart disease. Either number could be an incentive for him to improve his sexual or cardiovascular health. If you’re having difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for further discussion.
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. Lamm says he has been able to perform about 1,000 of these tests a year on patients, and he’s hoping that the data will help him find an optimal range related to hardness and heart disease risk. By definition, having ED means a man cannot get an erection hard enough for penetration or one that lasts long enough for him to reach orgasm. But in Lamm’s opinion, wellness isn’t “the absence of illness.” There are shades of gray between excellent sexual function and dysfunction.
If your ED is impacting your mental health or your relationship, your doctor may also recommend that you and your partner visit a psychologist or a sexual therapist. What your treatment ultimately looks like depends on the cause and severity of your erectile dysfunction, as well as any underlying health condition that may be present. Your doctor will be able to work with you to find the right solution. If the root of your ED is physical, your doctor or another healthcare provider may point out certain lifestyle-related risk factors like smoking or an unhealthy diet that you can change. They may also change medications that you are taking for another health condition that may be causing your ED, such as some antidepressants and high blood pressure drugs. Problems with maintaining an erection is a common symptom of erectile dysfunction (ED), and can be frustrating to deal with when trying to engage in any type of sexual activity.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, a family doctor or an internist is usually a good place to start. Providers and medical researchers estimate that erectile dysfunction affects over 50% of people who identify as male between the ages of 40 and 70. And those numbers may be higher — many don’t seek help for the condition due to embarrassment or shame. An erection can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. There isn’t really an average time for how long an erection should last. In general, though, the average amount of time a person has an erection during sexual intercourse before they ejaculate is about seven minutes.
1. **Exercise Regularly:** Physical activity can help improve blood flow and circulation, which is essential for getting a good erection.
2. **Eat a Balanced Diet:** A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help support overall sexual health.
3. **Manage Stress:** High levels of stress can contribute to erectile dysfunction, so finding healthy ways to manage stress is crucial.
Medical Considerations
1. **Consult Your Doctor:** If you are experiencing ongoing issues with getting or maintaining an erection, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
2. **Medication Review:** Some medications can affect your ability to get a good erection, so make sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
3. **Consider Therapy:** Psychological factors like anxiety or depression can impact your sexual performance, so therapy may be beneficial.
FAQs
Q: Can age affect my ability to get a good erection?
A: Yes, as men age, they may experience changes in their sexual function, including difficulties with erections. However, there are steps you can take to support sexual health at any age.
Q: How can I talk to my partner about my erection issues?
A: Communication is key in any relationship. Be open and honest with your partner about your concerns and work together to find solutions that work for both of you.
By making healthy lifestyle choices, addressing medical considerations, and seeking support when needed, you can increase your chances of getting a good erection and enjoying a satisfying sex life.
