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Erection problems are not to be ashamed of, and oftentimes, soft or weak erections are treatable.
Men are under an immense amount of pressure. Some of this is courtesy of our society, but we also place plenty upon ourselves as well. We have an inherent drive to be at our best, whether it be in the boardroom, on the company softball field, at dinner with clients, playing with and teaching our kids, or when we’re alone with our significant others. All this pressure means we can sometimes feel embarrassed or guilty if we aren’t at our peak performance—especially when it comes to matters of sex.
However, problems getting or maintaining a full erection is something nearly all men will face at some point or another in their lives. That’s why it is silly to tiptoe around the subject. A weak erection doesn’t make you less of a man or mean your best days are behind you. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
Erectile dysfunction problems are a fact of male life—and the fact that they’re so common means there are a number of medically-backed treatments that can help you combat it, and ensure you’re at your best when the time comes.
What Happens When I Have A Loss of Erection or Have Difficulty Maintaining an Erection?
At its most basic, a soft erection is the result of a simple biological action. Typically, once an erection is achieved, the blood vessels leading to your penis close off. Post sexual arousal, they open back up again to let the blood out, and the show comes to an end.
Obviously, this isn’t always the case. A weak erection is the result of those blood vessels not completely doing their job for a myriad of potential reasons. It may even surprise you how often ED problems can occur before there’s any cause for alarm; according to the Cleveland Clinic you can experience difficulty maintaining an erection in up to 20-25% of sexual instances without there necessarily being anything wrong.
It isn’t until men begin to experience this type of issue in at least 50% of sexual situations that you should set an appointment to meet with your doctor regarding which medically-backed solution might work best for you.
What Causes A Soft or Weak Erection?
The causes behind a soft or weak erection are varied. In addition, there usually isn’t just one to blame—in fact, most of the time there are multiple contributing factors. Here are some of the most common physical ailments that could lead to difficulty maintaining an erection:
- Elevated cholesterol levels
- Elevated blood pressure
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Alcoholism
- Liver or Kidney diseases
There other physical factors that could cause erectile problems in their own way, including:
- Beta-blockers, muscle relaxers, and antidepressant medications
- Substance abuse
- Long-term tobacco use
- Spinal or genital trauma or injury
Finally, there are psychological influences that also play their part in erection problems, such as:
- Insecurity over sexual performance
- Depression
- Relationship problems
- Prolonged non-sexual stressors
Clearly the potential causes vary wildly, which is why men young and old, and in varying states of physical fitness can all still experience ED problems like impotence. They don’t discriminate—and can happen to any of us at any time. The good news is that once your specific cause or causes are identified, treatment becomes far easier.
How Are Erection Problems Diagnosed and Treated?
When attempting to discern the root cause or causes behind your erection problems, your doctor will likely perform a full physical checkup, and ask you some potentially uncomfortable questions. Make sure you’re as honest and upfront with your answers as you possibly can be—or else you may not get the proper help you need. Your doctor may decide to do any or all of the following:
- Take your blood pressure
- Physically examine your penis
- Conduct a urinalysis or blood test
- Conduct an ultrasound of your penis
- Administer rigidity monitoring to test the strength of your erection
They may also elect to ask questions regarding the following:
- Your history with getting and maintaining erections
- Whether or not you have erections during sleep or in the morning
- Your smoking and drinking habits
- Your current state of mind and potential stressors
- Recommend a psychological evaluation to diagnose depression or emotional problems
Which Medically-Backed Treatments Can Improve Erection Problems?
When it comes to medically-backed treatments for difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, there are multiple well-researched options available. Injections into the penis are generally harmless despite sounding uncomfortable, and hormone therapy, oral medications and surgeries, including penile implants, are also available.
Less invasive though not necessarily less effective options involve lifestyle changes. Many are fairly straightforward and obvious:
- Quitting tobacco use
- Consuming less alcohol
- Increasing the hours and quality of sleep you get
- Changing your diet to one that reduces sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats
- Exercising more often – even if it’s just a daily walk round the neighborhood
- Communicating openly and honestly with your partner to re-establish an emotional connection
At the end of the day, as long as your causes are properly sussed out, your battle against soft erections or weak erections can be fought effectively. No matter your age, it is important to remember that there’s nothing to be embarrassed about if you experience erection problems. They can be overcome with the right medically-backed solutions.
The medical professionals at Preferred Men’s Medical Center specialize in treating conditions that impact men’s sexual health. Our specialized approach positions your unique situation at the centerpoint of our focus. We don’t just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as ED, Low Testosterone, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.