You’ll wear an elastic band around the base of your penis to keep the erection while you have sex. 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. Even less strenuous, regular exercise might reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.
A 2023 study of male students found that those with poor sleep quality had a 59.9% higher prevalence of mild ED and a 19% prevalence of moderate ED, compared to those with good sleep quality. Taking a break and going outside can also be more calming than you think. One study found that that just minutes of walking in nature per day could cut your stress hormone levels by roughly 10%. Erectile dysfunction affects 1% of men in their 40s, 17% of men in their 60s, and nearly 50% of men who are age 75 or older, according to Harvard Health. If an ED ring is “stuck” and cannot be removed, blood circulation can become strangulated and lead to tissue death or nerve damage.
Research involving over 20,700 men over 40 suggests that exercise can help prevent erectile dysfunction, while a lack of physical activity can negatively affect erectile function. If a penile implant is properly cared for, it may last you the rest of your life. But this largely depends on the device you choose and your age at the time of surgery. As with all surgeries, there are risks to penile implant surgery.
For many men, the ability to get an erection on command may seem like an elusive dream. However, with the right techniques and mindset, it is possible to gain more control over your body’s responses. Whether you want to impress a partner or simply feel more confident in the bedroom, learning how to get an erection at will can be a valuable skill to have.
If the nerve damage is permanent, you’ll need treatment to get an erection. But sometimes surgery causes temporary ED that gets better on its own after 6 to 18 months. Sexual dysfunction and ED become more common as you get older. This doesn’t mean growing older is the end of your sex life.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into specific methods, it’s important to understand how erections work. When you become sexually aroused, your brain sends signals to the nerves in your penis, causing the muscles to relax and allow blood to flow in. This influx of blood creates pressure, resulting in an erection. By understanding this process, you can begin to take control of it.
“Using ED medications to enhance your sexual performance when you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead you to make choices that harm your sexual and overall health,” Dr. Bole stressed. Something you saw, felt, smelled, heard, or thought makes your nerves send chemical messages to the blood vessels in your penis. The arteries relax and open up to let more blood flow in; at the same time, the veins close up.
Mental Techniques
There are several evidence-backed ways to improve erectile function, all of which we discuss in this article. Some options include exercising, stopping smoking, eating a healthy diet, and using prescription medication such as Viagra. Being overweight can be a risk factor for diabetes, and uncontrolled blood sugar levels from diabetes can cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels.
No matter which of these medications you take, seek immediate medical attention if you develop vision or hearing loss or an erection that lasts for more than four hours, a condition called priapism. After orgasm, the muscles of the penis relax, releasing blood back into the circulation system. As a result, the erection comes down, the penis is soft and limp, and the person’s urogenital system returns to its pre-arousal state. If you have long-term ED, a penile implant could help you have sex again.
One of the most effective ways to get an erection at will is through mental stimulation. By focusing on arousing thoughts or fantasies, you can trigger the brain to send signals to your penis, initiating the erection process. Visualization techniques can also be helpful in this regard. Imagine yourself in a scenario that turns you on, and let your body respond accordingly.
Additionally, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common inhibitors of sexual arousal. By clearing your mind and focusing on the present moment, you can create a conducive environment for getting an erection.
Physical Techniques
In addition to mental stimulation, there are physical techniques that can help you achieve an erection at will. Kegel exercises, which involve contracting and releasing the pelvic floor muscles, can improve blood flow to the penis and enhance erectile function. By incorporating these exercises into your daily routine, you can strengthen the muscles responsible for supporting and maintaining erections.
Furthermore, engaging in regular physical activity can have a positive impact on your sexual health. Exercise improves blood circulation, boosts testosterone levels, and enhances overall endurance, all of which are essential for achieving and sustaining erections. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day to reap these benefits.
By combining mental and physical techniques, you can increase your ability to get an erection at will. Remember that practice makes perfect, so be patient and persistent in your efforts. With dedication and perseverance, you can master the art of controlling your erections and enjoy a more fulfilling sex life.
