A decrease in erectile function can manifest itself in different ways. This definition also includes an erection that is insufficient for sexual intercourse, and the inability to maintain a stable erection to completion, and a complete lack of erection, as well as a decreased libido.
Every now and then, almost everyone encounters the problem of weak erection. Fatigue, anxiety, illness, quarrels with the partner do not contribute to the "mood". It is also not surprising that a strong dose of alcohol interferes with the process. But we can speak of the weakening of the erection as a systemic problem if one of every four attempts to establish a relationship ends in failure.
A weak erection is impossible to ignore, and it's not just the psychological side of the problem. Sometimes a weakened erection is the first sign of a serious condition that is best identified and treated early.
Why do men have erection problems
All the reasons why the erection weakens, can be very conditionally divided into two groups: psychological and physiological. If we compare a person with a computer, the first means a problem in the software and the second in the hardware.
Psychological reasons include:
- Stress (from any source: from work, conflict, insecurity or fear of the future).
- Chronic fatigue caused by hard work.
- The so-called expectation of failure syndrome, when, faced with a weak erection once, a man begins to panic for fear of a recurrence of the failure and thus aggravates the problem.
- Neurosis, depression, depressive states. These reasons border on the physiological, since depression is not always caused by psychological reasons, various disorders in the functioning of the central nervous system or the endocrine system can also lead to it.
Physiological reasons for a weak erection include:
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- Spinal cord and brain disorders.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Hormonal balance disorders (mainly thyroid diseases).
- Side effects of certain medications, primarily blood pressure-lowering medications, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and hormonal medications, as well as steroids.
- Unhealthy disease management lifestyle: addiction to alcohol, smoking and even more drugs, excess weight due to improper diet, sedentary lifestyle leading to poor blood circulation.
- Diseases of the prostate gland.
Sometimes a weak erection is the result of a combination of psychological and physiological problems, but such a situation is rare. This mixed type represents only 5% of all cases.
What to do if an erection has weakened
According to medical statistics, erection problems "get younger" year after year. Today, about 10% of young men experience a weak erection from time to time, and after 40 years, every second complains of this problem. At the same time, only 20% go to the doctor and start treatment. Most prefer to "cope" with the problem on their own: being nervous and soothing their partner's irritation, "flooding" unpleasant thoughts and suspicions with alcohol, seeking "folk" remedies (which are mostly ineffective or dangerous)or even pretend there is no problem. no.
When you have erection problems, the first step to solving them is not to seek advice on the Internet, but to make an appointment with a urologist or an andrologist. As already mentioned, a weak erection is a symptom of many dangerous diseases, from diabetes to cancer. The doctor will conduct the necessary examination (the choice of the diagnostic method depends on the general condition of the patient, complaints, anamnesis) and will identify the cause of a weak erection. Perhaps, in addition to actual therapy, the specialist will advise you to reconsider your lifestyle: start moving more, change your diet and give up bad habits. Despite all its banality, these are very good advice, and just following them can significantly improve the patient's condition.
There are also specific methods to improve erection, which can only be used after consulting a doctor.
Emergency measures
These include all "male power" pills based on sildenafil or tadalafil. These products generally improve blood flow to the pelvic organs, increase blood pressure, and make an erection possible. You should be aware that these drugs do not cure an erection, but only mask the problem for several hours; as soon as the action of the pill ends, the problems will return. Many patients find that resistance to these pills develops over time; that is, over time, to obtain an effect, it is necessary to increase the dose. Potency-enhancing drugs have an impressive list of contraindications, can be especially dangerous for hypertensive patients, and have side effects as well. You can't take them without consulting a doctor.
Tips from traditional medicine
In our country, trust in home remedies is traditionally very high. Some recipes are not really meaningless: herbs used in traditional medicine contain useful substances. But it is difficult for a layman to distinguish an effective recipe from a completely ineffective collection of herbs. Also, some methods can be dangerous.
Folk remedies for male strength include decoctions and infusions of ginseng, lemongrass, thyme, hawthorn flowers, extracts of ginkgo biloba, and yohimbe, as well as some other herbal preparations. Some herbs improve circulation and strengthen the cardiovascular system, while others contain high doses of zinc, which is necessary for men's health. They should not be considered as the basis of treatment; however, herbal decoctions are inferior to modern medicines in terms of effectiveness, they are not without side effects (although it is generally accepted that any natural remedy is absolutely harmless), they can cause allergies and give an undesirable reaction in combination with medications. Consult your doctor and, if you do not find any contraindications, take them as auxiliary therapy.
When resorting to home remedies, do not engage in hobby activities, buy them at a pharmacy where all products are certified. The Asian "miracle pills" that some "entrepreneurs" bring from China and Thailand are pure quackery. No one knows what they are made of, and to date there have been many cases of severe poisoning from such pills.
Approaches to official medicine
This is the most reliable group of methods, which includes various means. . . First of all, these are drugs: drugs that improve blood circulation and normalize blood pressure, anti-inflammatory drugs, and, if the dysfunction is caused by psychological reasons, sedatives. The choice of medications depends directly on the causes of the problem and the doctor will treat the underlying disease.
Exercise is also an effective method to improve erection. Physical activity normalizes the work of the heart and blood vessels, increases the level of endorphins, substances responsible for the feeling of joy, helps reduce weight.
Prostate massage is also an effective method to treat weak erection if the problem lies in this particular organ. Inflammatory processes in the prostate gland are a very common problem, and prostate massage helps eliminate them.
To temporarily solve the problem, you can maintain an erection by using a vacuum cylinder. The cylinder is placed on the penis, after which air is pumped out of the device. The vacuum dramatically improves the blood supply to the corpora cavernosa. After achieving an erection, an elastic ring is placed at the base of the penis to prevent blood from leaking. It is important to remember that the ring should not be worn for more than half an hour so that blood stagnation does not occur.
In recent years, shock wave therapy has been used to treat weak potency. Don't be intimidated by the name - this is an absolutely painless, non-surgical method in which sound waves of a certain length are exposed to tissues. As a result, the scar tissue that has arisen due to impaired blood flow is resolved and the natural mechanisms of vascular restoration are activated. After a course of treatment, the blood supply to the penis improves, the tissues become denser, and the erection is stable.
Surgical intervention is an extreme measure, but in some cases it is the only way to restore potency. The operation is done to repair damaged arteries, to block the veins through which blood is drawn from the penis.
Prevention of erection problems
The weakening of the erection over the years can be avoided by following simple rules.
Healthy food. Excess weight is an additional burden on the heart and blood vessels. Therefore, overweight people have weak erections more often than thin people. Include foods rich in zinc and vitamin E in the diet, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the reproductive system.
Stop smoking and drinking. Smoking has a detrimental effect on blood vessels and it does not matter if you smoke cigarettes or pipes. Much has already been said about the dangers of alcohol. However, a glass of good red wine will not hurt, on the contrary, experts have already shown that in moderation, red wine has a beneficial effect on the body. But the keyword here is moderation. This means that a glass will have to be limited.
A good rest. The constant lack of sleep is a scourge of the inhabitants of the big cities, not only affects the power, but also leads to chronic fatigue, metabolic disorders, depression, heart disease and neurosis.
Lack of stress. They are almost impossible to avoid, but you can learn to react to everyday problems more calmly. Psychotherapy, yoga and meditation classes will help here. Avoiding stimulants like coffee and energy drinks, especially in the afternoon, as well as a well-established regimen will help reduce nervousness.
Taking care of your health. Do not neglect regular visits to the urologist, even if there are no problems. Visit at least once a year, don't forget to get tested for STDs, dress for the weather, and always use condoms; many infections also lead to erection problems.
Prevent problems with erections are much easier than treating them. The good news is that, in the vast majority of cases, weak potency is curable. 95% of men who see a doctor on time return the joy of a fulfilling sex life after undergoing treatment.