Losing Erection Making Sex Difficult? Reasons Why It Happens
An erection is caused by increased penile blood flow during sexual stimulation.
When a man experiences sexual arousal but loses his erection, his penis becomes flaccid or reverts to its non-erect state.
While it can be terrifying, losing an erection during sex is not uncommon.
This extensive article explores the topic of ‘losing erection,’ looking at the different reasons why it happens and how to prevent it from happening.
Causes of losing an erection
Men who have severe Erectile Dysfunction are unlikely to be able to keep an erection.
Those with moderate ED, on the other hand, may be able to sustain one.
However, the erection may not persist long enough to allow for pleasant sexual intercourse.
When someone loses an erection, it is not always obvious that he has Erectile Dysfunction.
If this occurs regularly, speaking with a doctor may be beneficial.
The most common cause of erection loss is an issue with the circulatory or neurological systems.
It can also be the consequence of a mental health condition or a medication side effect.
Among the potential reasons for losing an erection are:
Physical factors
Loss of erection causes include physical factors such as chronic diseases and medical disorders.
A sensory or mental sexual stimulation activates the nervous system, promotes blood flow in the penile arteries, and causes an erection.
This process can get hampered due to several health issues.
The chronic diseases that can affect the nervous or circulatory system, causing loss of erection, include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Hormone Imbalances
Medical disorders or conditions which increase the risk of ED include:
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Peyronie’s disease
- Injury
In most situations of ED, the best course of action is to see a doctor right away to determine the source of the ED.
It can cause ED by damaging the nerves and blood vessels responsible for erections.
Psychological or emotional factors
Emotional causes can affect sexual life at any age.
ED was thought to be only psychological at first, and when such causes are behind losing an erection, it is now called Psychogenic ED.
Psychological and mental health issues can impact the ability to remain hard while having sex.
This is because negative emotions can take away from the pleasure or stimulation of intimacy and stop erections.
Mental or emotional causes that can affect sexual function include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Low self-esteem
- Performance anxiety
- A sudden traumatic event
- Relationship issues
- Fear or guilt about sex
Whether having psychological troubles as a result of internal or external sources, seeing a therapist for assistance may be worthwhile.
There are even sex therapists who specialize in assisting men, women, and couples with sex-related issues.
Medications
Some medications can make losing erection common in an individual taking them for any health issue.
These medications pose a challenge to sustaining an erection by lowering sexual excitement or decreasing the usual ability of sexual function.
The medicines that can impact the ability to get erections include:
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines that are used to treat colds and allergies
- Appetite suppressants or weight loss medications
- Antihypertensives or blood pressure medications (like beta blockers and water tablets)
- Cancer medicines
- Hormone replacement medications
- Medicines for inflammation
- Antiandrogens, medications that affect androgen levels or cause hormone imbalances
- Medications for Parkinson’s disease
- Medications for stomach ulcers
- Prescription drugs used to promote sleep
- Sympathetic blockers
Though the list of medicines that can cause erection loss is long, the ED symptoms normally go away by stopping them or altering the dosage.
However, if one starts losing erection due to these medications, they should not stop taking them without consulting their doctor first.
The doctor is likely to adjust the dosages or change the medication.
Other than prescription and OTC medicines, an individual might be losing erection due to the use of recreational drugs or illegal substances.
Some recreational drugs affecting erections include:
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Marijuana
Consulting a health expert as quickly as possible is very important for people using illicit drugs or battling substance abuse.
Lifestyle
An unhealthy lifestyle can affect the body and health, including sexual health.
Some habits or lifestyle choices may make losing erection a possibility.
Such causes include:
- Unhealthy diet
- Nicotine use or smoking
- Drinking alcohol excessively
- Being obese or overweight
- Steroid usage or abuse
Eating a nutritious diet, reducing alcohol intake, and quitting smoking are a few ways that can help with erections.
How to prevent losing an erection
An individual can start losing erection at any time, and talking to a doctor for a strategy to combat the issue might help.
Losing erection can be effectively managed using proper methods.
The appropriate treatment depends on the root cause of losing an erection and the severity of the condition.
Some management options have been discussed below:
Medications for ED
A doctor is most likely to prescribe ED medications to combat erection loss.
However, in some cases, they may suggest trying different medications to find the most suitable one for an individual.
ED medications such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, or Avaforce are typically used to help in managing erections.
These medications relax the smooth penile muscles and improve blood flow during sexual stimulation.
Getting a doctor’s prescription before buying any of these ED medications is important.
Diet modification
Several food items have been suggested to help improve erectile function naturally.
These foods include watermelon, pistachios, dark chocolate, spinach, and other leafy greens.
Food items with high content of flavonoids and antioxidants may assist in reducing the chances of losing erections during sex.
Men who have a healthy, nutrient-dense diet, including vegetables, fruits, and nuts, have lesser risks of issues like losing erections.
Also, as mentioned earlier, alcohol can cause loss of erection and should be limited.
Exercising regularly
Obesity is one of the biggest reasons for losing erections or ED.
It can disrupt the circulation system in the body, which can affect erections adversely.
The solution to erection loss in overweight or obese individuals is primarily to lose weight.
Exercising routinely can help avoid or minimize the risks of losing an erection or getting a weak erection.
Pelvic floor or Kegel exercises have been proven to help hold erections longer.
Conclusion
Increased penile blood flow causes an erection.
Losing an erection or inability to maintain an erection is a symptom of Erectile Dysfunction.
However, losing an erection is not always a sign of Erectile Dysfunction.
Although men with mild ED may maintain an erection, it may not persist long enough to fulfill sexual activity.
Various physical and psychological factors can cause erection loss.
Low Testosterone, some prescription medications, neurogenic illnesses, etc., can all cause erection loss.
Most often, an issue with the neurological or circulatory systems is the reason for a failed erection.
Medications like sedatives or antidepressants, smoking, or heavy alcohol use are all potential reasons for erection loss, too.
It is critical to realize that, in most cases, this is only a temporary setback that may be remedied.
Erection loss may be treated with a healthy diet, frequent exercise, and medications.
When erection loss is a persistent problem, one should seek guidance from a doctor for the most appropriate treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get over my fear of losing an erection?
To overcome the fear of losing an erection, you must address underlying worries, use relaxation methods, and communicate openly with your partner. Seek expert assistance, such as treatments, and prioritize enjoyment above performance.
Why do I keep losing an erection in bed?
Many things, including stress, anxiety, exhaustion, relationship problems, adverse drug reactions, and underlying medical disorders, can lead to the loss of an erection during sexual activity. The problem can be solved by locating and treating the precise cause with honest advice from an expert.
How do I cope with losing an erection?
When coping with losing an erection, it’s important to remember that losing an erection occasionally is normal and does not always indicate a serious issue. Open communication, understanding, and seeking professional advice can help address concerns and support both partners.
When should I see a doctor for a loss of erection?
If you are having persistent or repeated issues with sustaining an erection, you should seek the advice of a healthcare provider. They can do a physical exam and review your medical history to establish the root cause of your Erectile Dysfunction and propose a treatment strategy.
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