But if it happens to you more than half the time you have sex, talk to your doctor. Typically, an erection may last from a few minutes to half an hour. However, there is no set duration for an erection; many factors can influence how long a person’s erection lasts. If a person finds it difficult to become and stay hard, they may wish to speak with a doctor. Prescription PDE5 inhibitor medications, such as Viagra and Cialis, take effect quickly and can last for several hours. According to the UK’s National Health Service, losing weight may also help prevent erectile dysfunction.
People with diabetes can help treat erectile dysfunction by managing their blood sugar levels and blood pressure. A healthcare professional may suggest making lifestyle changes or taking medication to help relieve ED symptoms. Below are 14 options those looking to get harder erections can try. For example, if ED is situational and has to do with performance anxiety, it may resolve once you address your fears surrounding sexual performance. The same goes with ED resulting from lifestyle factors, like excessive alcohol consumption. Many people successfully cope with ED by communicating with their partners and a healthcare professional.
In most places — the United States included — Viagra and other ED medications are only available via prescription. To stay safest, make sure yours is prescribed and monitored by a physician. When ED doesn’t have a temporary cause and it’s serious enough to be actively treated with medication, it can tend to stick around for a very long time. They may be able to recommend an alternative if your current medication is causing ED.
One of the most common concerns among men is the ability to get an erection. While it is a natural physiological response, there are various factors that can affect this process. Let’s delve into some of the reasons why some men may struggle with getting an erection while others do not.
Physical Factors
If ED comes from a blocked artery leading to the penis, surgery can restore blood flow. Doctors don’t recommend it for older men with widespread narrowing of the arteries. Go to the emergency room if you have an erection that lasts longer than four hours. An erection lasting longer than four hours is a condition known as priapism. An erection begins with sensory and mental stimulation in your brain.
Physical health plays a significant role in a man’s ability to get an erection. Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure can all impact blood flow to the penis, making it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection. Additionally, certain medications and substance abuse can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.
These specialised tests involve injecting dye into the blood vessels of your penis and studying the dye on a scanner. These are likely to be used if you are being considered for surgery or if a problem has been detected with your blood vessels. An intracavernous injection test involves injecting a man-made (synthetic) hormone into your penis to increase the blood flow.
Another treatment called radial wave therapy has been shown to be ineffective for treating ED. At this time, these treatments aren’t FDA-approved for ED, and further research is needed. If medication doesn’t help, there are nonsurgical treatments like using a vacuum erection device (penis or penile pump) or getting penile injections. A suppository you put inside your penis can also be an option. An erection is reversed when muscles in your penis contract, stopping the flow of blood. The pressure decreases and the valves open, letting the blood flow out.
You may still be able to get erections, but they may be weak or short-lived. Then, at the height of sexual excitement, it sends signals to your spinal cord, which in turn sends signals to the muscles at the base of your penis. You should still take your medication, even if you think it’s causing your erection problems, until your doctor says otherwise.
Psychological Factors
Stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues can all affect a man’s ability to get an erection. Psychological factors play a crucial role in sexual arousal and performance. Seeking therapy or counseling can help address these underlying issues and improve erectile function.
- Can emotional stress impact a man’s ability to get an erection?
- What role does communication play in improving erectile function?
- Are there lifestyle changes that can enhance erectile function?
Treatment Options
There are various treatment options available for men who struggle to get an erection. From oral medications like Viagra to penile implants and vacuum devices, there are solutions that can help improve erectile function. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action based on individual needs.
In conclusion, the ability to get an erection is a complex interplay of physical and psychological factors. By addressing underlying health issues and seeking appropriate treatment, men can overcome erectile dysfunction and enjoy a fulfilling sex life.
