If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
You’ve probably heard about some celebrities claiming to have 7-hour sex sessions. You know you don’t last nearly that long, but what is a “normal” length of time to maintain an erection? We can tell you this off the bat: it’ll be nowhere near seven hours, and it’ll vary for every person. A penile erection can normally last anywhere from a few minutes to about half an hour.
On average, men have five erections a night while they’re sleeping, each lasting about 25 to 35 minutes ( Youn, 2017 ). Does that mean all of your erections should last that long? Read on to learn more about how long the average man can stay erect. An erection is the most obvious sign of sexual arousal for those with penises, and it’s important for a healthy sex life.
It’s a physical response to chemical reactions in the body. Erections are complicated—each one requires your heart, lungs, hormones, nerves, blood vessels, and mood to work together. One missed reaction in this chain can lead to erectile dysfunction or other problems with your sexual functioning. During sexual arousal, tiny blood vessels in the penis dilate, increasing blood flow.
Three tubes of spongy tissue (known as the corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum) fill with blood, and an erection occurs. After ejaculation, the extra blood drains away, and the penis reverts to its flaccid size and appearance. Then your penis enters a rest or refractory period before it can get hard again ( Panchatsharam, 2021 ).
- Age
- Health problems
- Side effects of medications
- Level of sexual stimulation or arousal
- Sexual activity—whether you’re masturbating or having sex
- Mental state—whether you are trying to become aroused vs. a surprise erection at work
There is a distinct upper end of the spectrum—erections can last too long. That’s a condition called priapism. If you ever have an erect penis that lasts more than four hours, seek medical attention to avoid permanent damage ( Deveci, 2019 ). Perhaps the best way to answer the question, “How long do normal erections last?” is with a question—why do you ask? If you’re concerned that your erections aren’t lasting as long as you like, read on.
- Reflexive erections happen spontaneously, without thinking about sex.
- Psychogenic erections occur in response to sexual stimuli, memory, or fantasy (Schmid, 2004).
- Nocturnal erections happen during sleep (i.e., “morning wood”)
If you find that you’re having difficulty getting an erection, your erections aren’t as firm as you’d like, or they don’t last long enough for satisfying sex, you might have erectile dysfunction or ED. ED is very common—it’s estimated that more than 30 million American men experience erectile problems ( Sooriyamoorthy, 2021 ).
- Oral medications for ED are safe and effective, especially the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors like sildenafil (brand name Viagra ), tadalafil (brand name Cialis ), and vardenafil (brand name Levitra) (Sooriyamoorthy, 2021).
- You might be having erection issues because your head isn’t in the game, or you’re not sufficiently in the mood.
Being stressed or distracted can affect the quality of your erections. Slowing things down and spending more time on foreplay might help. Your erections will be best when you’re healthy. Making simple lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet, might be enough to improve ED (Sooriyamoorthy, 2021).
Drinking too much and using tobacco products can definitely affect the quality of your erections. Knocking back too many might lead to occasional incidents of “whiskey dick.” Smoking can also lead to blood vessel damage and ED. It’s best to drink in moderation and avoid tobacco altogether (Sooriyamoorthy, 2021).
Talking openly with your partner about your sexual likes, dislikes, and fantasies can keep sex in a long-term relationship more exciting. Try not to bring conflicts into the bedroom—relationship issues can certainly contribute to ED. ED can be more than a problem with your sexual health.
- Devici,S. (2019). Priapism. In UpToDate. O’Leary, M.P., Hockberger, R.S., Givens, J. (Eds.). Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/priapism
- Panchatsharam PK, Durland J, Zito PM. (2021). Physiology, erection. In: StatPearls, Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513278/
- Sooriyamoorthy T, Leslie SW. (2021). Erectile dysfunction. In: StatPearls, Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562253/
- Yafi, F.A., Jenkins, L., Albersen, M., Corona, G., Isidori, A.M., Goldfarb, S., Maggi, M., et al. (2016). Erectile dysfunction. Nature Reviews: Disease Primers, 2, 16003. doi: 10.1038/nrdp.2016.3. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27188339/
- Youn, G. (2017). Why do healthy men experience morning erections? The Open Psychology Journal, 10 (1), 49–54. doi: 10.2174/1874350101710010049. Retrieved from https://openpsychologyjournal.com/VOLUME/10/PAGE/49/FULLTEXT/
Dr. Chimene Richa is a board-certified Ophthalmologist and Senior Medical Writer/Reviewer at Ro.
Contents
- 1 How long is normal to erect?
- 2 At what age men stop getting erect?
- 3 Should a man wake up hard?
- 4 Do condoms make guys go soft?
- 5 Can a man take Viagra everyday?
- 6 Why does my man lose his hard on?
- 7 Do guys stay hard all night?
- 8 Can guys control how fast they come?
- 9 Do guys last on their first time?
- 10 Is 5 inches erect ok?
- 11 Is 3 inches erect good?
How long can the average man stay erect without touching?
Erection without stimulation – Erections without stimulation such as those that occur physiologically in men overnight typically last about 10-15 minutes per event, and there can be up to 6 separate erections per night. Thus, an average erection without stimulation would not be expected to last longer than an erection with stimulation.
How long is normal to erect?
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Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm? Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. There’s no hard and fast rule for how long a penis should remain erect, explains urologist Jay Simhan, MD, associate chair of the department of urology at Einstein Healthcare Network in Philadelphia.
- Naturally, without being on any medications, the average erection for an average person would be roughly 10 minutes,” says Simhan.
- Of course, there are plenty of people that fall well above (or below) that average.” It’s hard to pin down a specific figure because there are many factors — physical and psychological — that can affect the duration of an erection.
How you’re feeling, for starters. If you aren’t sufficiently aroused, that can make it hard to, well, stay hard. Same goes for feeling stressed, anxious, distracted, or tired. Relationship woes or feeling uncomfortable with your body or your partner can also make your arousal — and boner — take a nosedive.
smoking alcohol substance usecertain over-the-counter medications, including cold and allergy drugsprescription drugs, including those for anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure low testosterone obesity premature ejaculation certain medical conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes
Yes, though what constitutes ‘too fast’ depends on whom you ask and what their desired endgame is. If you’re unable to stay erect long enough to have satisfying penetrative sex, then that’s considered too fast — assuming you and your partner care to have penetrative sex, of course.
- If you’re trying to conceive, then not being able to maintain an erection long enough to ejaculate would be considered too fast.
- Otherwise, how long your erection lasts shouldn’t matter.
- You don’t need an erection to have satisfying sex or to achieve orgasm, and sex isn’t just about penetration anyway.
*mic drop* If vaginal intercourse is your endgame, here’s some perspective: Research shows that P-in-V sex typically only lasts 5.4 minutes, Yep — 4 hours is too long, and it’s called priapism, Priapism is a medical emergency. Without treatment there’s a possibility of permanent erectile dysfunction (ED) and tissue death.
Ischemic priapism. This type typically presents with pain and an erect shaft with a soft glans — aka head. Non-ischemic priapism. This one isn’t painful, but while the shaft is erect, it isn’t fully rigid.
If you have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care center. A doctor or other healthcare professional can determine the type of priapism and the cause, as well as recommend appropriate treatment. Causes, BTW, are many and pretty random.
- They range from trauma to the area and underlying medical conditions, to certain medications, to the toxic effects from a scorpion or spider bite,
- See? Random.
- Yep, though how long it takes isn’t the same for everyone, says Simhan.
- He explains: “Erections are timed to decrease following orgasm in people with penises.
They then go through a period called ‘latency’ which prevents them from building another erection. Latency periods are short in young, healthy people and can be much longer the older they get.” Yes and no. You may be able to become erect more than once, but you likely won’t be able to ejaculate, or come, without experiencing a latency period.
- Remember: Orgasm and ejaculation are very different things.
- Biology dictates how much you can ejaculate in one session, but if you’re having a good time and enjoy what you’re feeling, you can definitely orgasm more than once,
- Sure, there are old tricks like the ‘start-stop’ method,” says Simhan.
- Or there are prescription medications that can be given to help patients who lose their erection too quickly due to early ejaculation.” The start-stop technique is also referred to as ” edging,” which involves stimulating the penis until you’re about to orgasm and then stopping all sexual stimulation until the urge passes.
Repeating this several times per sesh can help you learn to control and delay orgasm so your erection lasts longer. You can use this method with a partner or solo, There’s also the squeeze technique, which is pretty much the same idea, except that you hold the tip of the penis until the sensation to climax subsides.
Wear a cock ring,Use a penis pump,Use a climax control condom, which you can buy online, Masturbate an hour or two before penetrative sex.Try to hold off orgasm.
Absolutely! Everyone deserves a fulfilling sex life. If the duration of your erections is causing you stress, impacting your sex life, or preventing you and your partner from being able to conceive, make an appointment with a healthcare provider. They can help diagnose an underlying condition that may be impacting your ability to stay hard.
If you suspect a psychological issue could be to blame, like stress, anxiety, or relationship woes, ask your provider for a referral to a sex therapist, You can also find someone local through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT), Boners are as individual as the people they hang from, so don’t get too hung up on how long they’re ~supposed~ to last based on locker room talk or explicit videos.
Pleasure can be had and given even when your peen isn’t standing at attention. Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a Canada-based freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. When she’s not holed-up in her writing shed researching an article or off interviewing health professionals, she can be found frolicking around her beach town with husband and dogs in tow or splashing about the lake trying to master the stand-up paddle board.
How long should a man be hard in bed for?
Erections typically last a few minutes or, in some cases, up to about a half hour. If you have an erection that lasts more than a four hours (priapism) or one that’s unrelated to sex, talk to your doctor right away or seek emergency care.
At what age men stop getting erect?
There’s no specific age at which the penis suddenly stops working and erections no longer happen. And even though ED is common, not everyone experiences it.
Can a guy get off if he isn’t hard?
8. Are Orgasms and Ejaculation Different? – Yes. Typically, an orgasm is the pleasure you experience while ejaculating. Men can have an orgasm without ejaculation. On the flip side, men can ejaculate before orgasm. It is also possible to have an orgasm and ejaculation without an erection that is satisfying for sex.
How long should a man last before ejaculating?
Introduction – There are many myths and exaggerated expectations when it comes to sexuality. That’s also true for the question of how long it takes men to reach orgasm during sex. That depends on many factors and can vary from time to time. Measured on a stopwatch, it takes an average of 5 to 7 minutes for a man to reach orgasm and ejaculate.
- But the overall range is wide, from less than one minute to over half an hour.
- There are also many differences in whether and how much a relatively early orgasm affects a man, his relationship and sexual satisfaction.
- In studies, men tend to overestimate the time it takes until ejaculation by a quarter to one half of the actual time.
So it isn’t a good idea to go by what others claim. About 4% of men have almost no control over when they ejaculate. They then always (or nearly always) “come” very early – that is, before or directly after penetration. If these early orgasms become distressful, the problem is medically diagnosed as premature ejaculation.
Is it OK to erect daily?
Am I Getting Too Many Erections? – Because each guy is different, it’s impossible to say what’s a “normal” number of erections. Some guys experience many erections each day, whereas others may not experience any. Hormones fluctuate with age, sexual maturity, level of activity, and even the amount of sleep a guy gets.
What is the longest time to erect?
How long erection lasts? – Its difficult to calculate erection time but the time duration of an erection can occurs between few minutes to 40 minutes. This is estimated from the time when the maximum hardness is attained. The duration of time depends erections deponds on various factors,some are given below:
- Age
- Health status
- Sexual activity frequency
- Type: Masturbation or Intercourse
- Physical and Mental State
At what age are men better in bed?
03 /6 When are males most sexually active? – In their 20s, both men and women tend to be more sexually active, but this does not always equate to a more fulfilling sex life. Male sex desire peaks in their 20s and declines with age and testosterone levels.
Erectile dysfunction and other forms of sexual dysfunction rise as sex drive declines with age. In other words, as males get older, they tend to have less sex and more sexual issues. When it comes to sexual satisfaction, none of it counts. Despite the fact that men’s sexual function declines with age, particularly after the age of 50, research has shown that sexual enjoyment is not purely age-related.
The same study found that while overall sexual satisfaction was best in men’s 20s, it was virtually as high in men’s 40s and 50s. Only after age 60 did sexual satisfaction indicate a considerable decline. Men may reach their sexual peak in their 20s, again in their 40s, and then again in their 50s, according to certain theories.
Should a man wake up hard?
If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Men are supposed to wake up with an erection every morning. Seriously, if you’re in “good health,” your body is hard-wired for “morning wood.” If you don’t regularly wake up with that familiar morning erection, it could indicate that your testosterone levels, blood flow, or something more serious is off.
Nocturnal erections (erections that happen while you’re sleeping) are part of having a penis—and they start young. Healthcare providers have noted erections in fetuses during ultrasounds, and even young boys experience erections throughout childhood, long before the onset of puberty.
- In fact, nocturnal erections—also known as “sleep-related erections” (SREs) or “nocturnal penile tumescence” (NPT)—and morning erections are so ordinary that their presence (or absence) can be an essential indicator of a man’s overall health.
- Healthy men typically experience morning wood throughout their lives.
If you aren’t getting normal morning erections, talk to your healthcare provider, as this could be a sign of a more serious problem. While there’s no shortage of evidence for the existence of morning and nocturnal erections, nobody knows the exact reasons for morning erections.
Here’s what we do know about erections and sleep. Men typically have five nocturnal erections during an eight-hour sleep cycle, with each erection lasting about 25 minutes. That’s about one erection every 90 minutes. It didn’t take long for researchers to note that this pattern was strikingly similar to another 90-minute cycle that occurs during sleep—REM (rapid eye movement) phase sleep ( Youn, 2017 ).
Researchers have known about the relationship between REM sleep, or the dreaming phase of sleep, and nocturnal erections for years, fueling several decades of speculation about what really happens during REM sleep to cause erections. Essentially, men slip into REM sleep about an hour and a half after dozing off.
Each episode of REM sleep corresponds with an erection lasting 20 to 25 minutes (Youn, 2017). Despite this relationship between REM sleep and erections, scientists still don’t know why morning wood happens—but they have some ideas. Nocturnal erections may be caused by norepinephrine production slowing down during REM sleep ( Becchetti, 2016 ).
Norepinephrine is the chemical primarily responsible for keeping the penis relaxed ( Panchatsharam, 2021 ). In other words, the part of the brain that maintains norepinephrine levels gets turned down during REM sleep. This lets the testosterone-related excitatory mechanisms take over, leading to an erection.
- Another theory is that you get morning wood because your body produces more nitric oxide during REM sleep.
- Nitric oxide is responsible for making the blood vessels of the penis relax, allowing all the extra blood needed to cause an erection to enter the penis ( Brown, 2012 ).
- The bottom line is that no one really knows what role REM sleep plays in nocturnal penile tumescence.
Why do men get nighttime erections (many times) a night? Are morning wood and REM sleep linked, or is it just an interesting coincidence? There are a lot of theories. So many things have to go right for you to achieve a strong erection, You have to release hormones on-demand and dilate arteries to carry blood to the penis.
- Your nervous system has to transmit signals perfectly, and your mind has to be in harmony with your body.
- There’s a lot that can go wrong.
- If you’re having difficulty getting erections, it could be due to several serious health risks.
- The blood vessels of the penis are also small compared to other areas of the body.
That means other underlying conditions can show up first as erectile dysfunction (ED). ED could indicate high cholesterol levels, stress, type 2 diabetes (or prediabetes), hypertension (high blood pressure), depression, sleep disorders, heart disease, hormone issues, side effects of medication, consequences of lifestyle choices, emotional issues, or more ( Sooriyamoorthy, 2021 ).
Erectile dysfunction isn’t just a problem for older men, An increasing number of young men are diagnosed with ED every year. Studies estimate that as much as 30% of young men (under 40 years old) experience erectile dysfunction ( Nguyen, 2017 ). ED may be due to multiple issues like stress or decreased sex drive, combined with medical issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, among others.
The good news? There is help available if you experience ED. Learn more about treatments here, Pay attention to your morning wood. The loss of that familiar morning erection could be more than just a problem with sexual health—it may be the first sign of a significant medical problem ( Capogrosso, 2017 ).
Becchetti, A., & Amadeo, A. (2016). Why we forget our dreams: Acetylcholine and norepinephrine in wakefulness and REM sleep. The Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 39, e202. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X15001739. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28347366/ Brown, R.E., Basheer, R., McKenna, J.T., Strecker, R.E., & McCarley, R.W. (2012). Control of sleep and wakefulness. Physiological Reviews, 92 (3), 1087–1187. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00032.2011. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22811426/ Capogrosso, P., Ventimiglia, E., Boeri, L., Capitanio, U., Gandaglia, G., Dehò, F., et al. (2017). Sexual functioning mirrors overall men’s health status, even irrespective of cardiovascular risk factors. Andrology, 5 (1), 63–69. doi: 10.1111/andr.12299. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28642047/ Nguyen, H., Gabrielson, A.T., & Hellstrom, W. (2017). Erectile dysfunction in young men-a review of the prevalence and risk factors. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 5 (4), 508–520. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.05.004. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28642047/ Panchatsharam PK, Durland J, Zito PM. (2021). Physiology, erection. In: StatPearls, Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513278/ Sooriyamoorthy T, Leslie SW. (2021). Erectile dysfunction. In: StatPearls, Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562253/ Youn, G. (2017). Why do healthy men experience morning erections? The Open Psychology Journal, 10 (1), 49–54. doi: 10.2174/1874350101710010049. Retrieved from https://openpsychologyjournal.com/VOLUME/10/PAGE/49/FULLTEXT/
Dr. Chimene Richa is a board-certified Ophthalmologist and Senior Medical Writer/Reviewer at Ro.
Do condoms make guys go soft?
Losing an erection during sex with condoms is normal – Listen. Carefully. This is so, so normal. Contrary to popular belief, penises are not invulnerable sexual robots and condom-related erectile dysfunction is very common. The problem is we aren’t particularly skilled at sharing our sexual hang-ups and you’re left thinking you’re the only person in the entire universe who struggles to keep an erection when using condoms.
Can a man take Viagra everyday?
Can you take Viagra every day? The short answer is yes; you can take Viagra or its generic form, sildenafil, every day.
Why does my man lose his hard on?
Dinner went well, she invites you upstairs, the clothes come off and things are off to a great start. You’re moving, you’re grooving, your head is in the game and then next thing you know, you’re as soft as the pillow you’re laying on. Bummer man, but don’t sweat it quite yet.
Just about every guy will fail to perform at some point in life, and losing an erection is nothing you should feel ashamed or embarrassed about. Feeling concerned, however, is totally appropriate — especially if the problem happens more than once. You can lose your erection during sex for a lot of reasons, from sexual performance anxiety to alcohol consumption.
Sometimes even an underlying health issue may make it hard for you to maintain an erection — yes, even when you’re hot and bothered and feel sexual desire in your heart and loins. Getting this problem solved is a multi-step process. Below, we’ve explained how to get from where you are to full mast by understanding:
- How and why erectile dysfunction can occur
- The symptoms of ED you might experience
- Reasons you may lose your erection during sex
- Options for treating weak or inconsistent erections, improving your sexual performance and enjoying more satisfying sex with your partner.
Why can’t I get fully erect at 25?
If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
No matter your age, not being able to get an erection when you want one is frustrating. But, if you’re in your 20s or 30s and find that you’re unable to get or maintain an erection, you may be wondering if what’s going on down there is normal. Erectile dysfunction (ED) in younger men is much more typical than previously thought.
In fact, some estimates show that up to 30% of men under 40 experience erectile dysfunction ( Nguyen, 2017 ). That said, if you’re a previously healthy guy, erectile dysfunction in younger men could be a sign of a more serious health condition. Let’s dive a bit more into some stats surrounding ED in young men and some of the causes of erectile dysfunction in your 20s.
- ED occurs when you can’t get or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfying sex.
- That might include erections that don’t last as long as you want or aren’t as firm as you’d like.
- It’s the most common sexual dysfunction,
- In fact, it’s estimated that 30–50 million American men have experienced it ( Sooriyamoorthy, 2020 ).
But, how common is erectile dysfunction for men in their 20s? Several studies conducted in the past decade have found a sharp increase in the number of men under 40 reporting ED—a condition once considered exclusive to older men, For example, an Italian study published in 2013 noted that, out of 439 men who had erectile dysfunction, 114 (26%) were younger than 40 ( Capogrosso, 2013 ).
And nearly half of those young men had “severe” ED, according to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), a 15-item questionnaire that assesses erection frequency and quality. So, is something causing ED to skyrocket among young guys in their 20s? The answers are complicated. Researchers haven’t definitively determined that the rising numbers of young men reporting ED are caused by something specific that’s going on in that age group, but there are several theories.
A possible cause is that the increase in ED among younger men is due to the development of effective treatments for the condition. After all, Viagra was only introduced in the mid-’90s. That has led to greater awareness of ED, enabling young men to reach out to their healthcare providers, whereas in previous generations, they might have suffered in silence.
- Awareness aside, some psychological and physical causes of ED may also be to blame.
- Some scientists think the rise of internet porn might be affecting young men’s psychological approach to sex and dampening their sex lives.
- However, a 2019 review of studies found insufficient evidence to support that hypothesis ( Dwulit, 2019 ).
Other potential psychological causes that do have science to back them up include self-esteem issues, performance anxiety, general anxiety, or depression ( Rew, 2016 ). If you’re pretty sure your mental health isn’t causing your ED, there are certain physical causes of erectile dysfunction in younger men.
Obesity, alcohol or tobacco use, and drug abuse may play a role. Additionally, ED can occur as a side effect of certain medications, including antidepressants (Rew, 2016). Aside from these lifestyle factors, some medical conditions can also cause ED. ED can be an early sign of a more significant health condition such as heart disease, low testosterone, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes (Sooriyamoorthy, 2021).
Because the blood vessels in the penis are smaller than in other parts of the body, ED symptoms sometimes occur before more serious problems strike, such as a heart attack or stroke (Sooriyamoorthy, 2021). So, when an otherwise healthy man in his 20s experiences ED, it could be cause for concern.
This is why it’s essential to talk with a healthcare provider as soon as possible if you’re a younger man with erectile dysfunction. Treating your ED will ultimately depend on its cause. Medications, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes may all be helpful. Let’s dive into each of them now (Sooriyamoorthy, 2021): Prescription medications for ED are highly effective.
Several are available, including sildenafil (brand name Viagra; see Important Safety Information ), tadalafil (brand name Cialis ; see Important Safety Information ), and vardenafil (brand name Levitra). If low testosterone is responsible for your erectile dysfunction, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can boost your testosterone levels via injection, a wearable patch, or gel applied to the skin.
- For some young men with ED, this non-surgical option—more commonly known as a ” penis pump “—may prove to be helpful.
- Essentially, you place a cylinder over your penis and make sure it’s sealed tightly.
- Then, you use a vacuum pump that causes an “artificial” erection that can last for up to 30 minutes.
Some men have found natural remedies for ED to be effective. Some studies have shown that certain supplements (such as DHEA, ginseng, L-arginine, L-carnitine, and Yohimbe) may be helpful. Aside from supplements, your erections will be best when you’re healthy.
Making simple lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and limiting your alcohol consumption, might be enough to improve your ED. For severe ED, when all other treatment options have failed, a surgically placed penis implant has been effective in restoring sexual function.
For many younger men, talking about erectile dysfunction can be difficult. But rest assured that you are far from alone, and your healthcare provider can help you find a solution that’s right for you—and can potentially catch other health problems that may be causing your ED.
Capogrosso, P., Colicchia, M., Ventimiglia, E., Castagna, G., Clementi, M.C., Suardi, N., et al. (2013). One patient out of four with newly diagnosed erectile dysfunction is a young man—worrisome picture from the everyday clinical practice. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 10 (7), 1833–1841. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12179. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23651423/ Dwulit, A.D., & Rzymski, P. (2019). The potential associations of pornography use with sexual dysfunctions: an integrative literature review of observational studies. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8 (7), 914. doi: 10.3390/jcm8070914. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31247949/ Janjgava, Sh., & Doliashvili, T. (2016). Erectile dysfunction as a predictor of cardiovascular disease. Georgian Medical News, (261), 36–41. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28132040/ Nguyen, H., Gabrielson, A., & Hellstrom, W. (2017). Erectile dysfunction in young men – a review of the prevalence and risk factors. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 5 (4), 508–520. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.05.004. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28642047/ Nunes, K.P., Labazi, H., & Webb, R.C. (2012). New insights into hypertension-associated erectile dysfunction. Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension, 21 (2), 163–170. doi: 10.1097/mnh.0b013e32835021bd. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22240443 Rew, K.T., & Heidelbaugh, J.J. (2016). Erectile dysfunction. American Family Physician, 94(10), 820–827. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27929275/, Sooriyamoorthy, T., & Leslie, S. (2021). Erectile Dysfunction., In: StatPearls, Retrieved Dec.8, 2021 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32965924/
Dr. Chimene Richa is a board-certified Ophthalmologist and Senior Medical Writer/Reviewer at Ro.
Do guys stay hard all night?
If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
You’ve probably heard about some celebrities claiming to have 7-hour sex sessions. You know you don’t last nearly that long, but what is a “normal” length of time to maintain an erection? We can tell you this off the bat: it’ll be nowhere near seven hours, and it’ll vary for every person. A penile erection can normally last anywhere from a few minutes to about half an hour.
On average, men have five erections a night while they’re sleeping, each lasting about 25 to 35 minutes ( Youn, 2017 ). Does that mean all of your erections should last that long? Read on to learn more about how long the average man can stay erect. An erection is the most obvious sign of sexual arousal for those with penises, and it’s important for a healthy sex life.
- It’s a physical response to chemical reactions in the body.
- Erections are complicated—each one requires your heart, lungs, hormones, nerves, blood vessels, and mood to work together.
- One missed reaction in this chain can lead to erectile dysfunction or other problems with your sexual functioning.
- During sexual arousal, tiny blood vessels in the penis dilate, increasing blood flow.
Three tubes of spongy tissue (known as the corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum) fill with blood, and an erection occurs. After ejaculation, the extra blood drains away, and the penis reverts to its flaccid size and appearance. Then your penis enters a rest or refractory period before it can get hard again ( Panchatsharam, 2021 ).
- Age
- Health problems
- Side effects of medications
- Level of sexual stimulation or arousal
- Sexual activity—whether you’re masturbating or having sex
- Mental state—whether you are trying to become aroused vs. a surprise erection at work
There is a distinct upper end of the spectrum—erections can last too long. That’s a condition called priapism. If you ever have an erect penis that lasts more than four hours, seek medical attention to avoid permanent damage ( Deveci, 2019 ). Perhaps the best way to answer the question, “How long do normal erections last?” is with a question—why do you ask? If you’re concerned that your erections aren’t lasting as long as you like, read on.
- Reflexive erections happen spontaneously, without thinking about sex.
- Psychogenic erections occur in response to sexual stimuli, memory, or fantasy (Schmid, 2004).
- Nocturnal erections happen during sleep (i.e., “morning wood”)
If you find that you’re having difficulty getting an erection, your erections aren’t as firm as you’d like, or they don’t last long enough for satisfying sex, you might have erectile dysfunction or ED. ED is very common—it’s estimated that more than 30 million American men experience erectile problems ( Sooriyamoorthy, 2021 ).
- Oral medications for ED are safe and effective, especially the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors like sildenafil (brand name Viagra ), tadalafil (brand name Cialis ), and vardenafil (brand name Levitra) (Sooriyamoorthy, 2021).
- You might be having erection issues because your head isn’t in the game, or you’re not sufficiently in the mood.
Being stressed or distracted can affect the quality of your erections. Slowing things down and spending more time on foreplay might help. Your erections will be best when you’re healthy. Making simple lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet, might be enough to improve ED (Sooriyamoorthy, 2021).
- Drinking too much and using tobacco products can definitely affect the quality of your erections.
- Nocking back too many might lead to occasional incidents of “whiskey dick.” Smoking can also lead to blood vessel damage and ED.
- It’s best to drink in moderation and avoid tobacco altogether (Sooriyamoorthy, 2021).
Talking openly with your partner about your sexual likes, dislikes, and fantasies can keep sex in a long-term relationship more exciting. Try not to bring conflicts into the bedroom—relationship issues can certainly contribute to ED. ED can be more than a problem with your sexual health.
- Devici,S. (2019). Priapism. In UpToDate. O’Leary, M.P., Hockberger, R.S., Givens, J. (Eds.). Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/priapism
- Panchatsharam PK, Durland J, Zito PM. (2021). Physiology, erection. In: StatPearls, Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513278/
- Sooriyamoorthy T, Leslie SW. (2021). Erectile dysfunction. In: StatPearls, Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562253/
- Yafi, F.A., Jenkins, L., Albersen, M., Corona, G., Isidori, A.M., Goldfarb, S., Maggi, M., et al. (2016). Erectile dysfunction. Nature Reviews: Disease Primers, 2, 16003. doi: 10.1038/nrdp.2016.3. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27188339/
- Youn, G. (2017). Why do healthy men experience morning erections? The Open Psychology Journal, 10 (1), 49–54. doi: 10.2174/1874350101710010049. Retrieved from https://openpsychologyjournal.com/VOLUME/10/PAGE/49/FULLTEXT/
Dr. Chimene Richa is a board-certified Ophthalmologist and Senior Medical Writer/Reviewer at Ro.
Why do I last 2 hours in bed?
Help: I last too long in bed The question: Most guys wish they could last longer, but with me it’s the opposite. I’ve lost partners over the fact that it always takes me a really, really long time to achieve orgasm. What’s a guy to do when he “takes forever”? Dear Takes Forever, It is important to keep in mind that a sense of “normal” is entirely singular; delayed orgasm is a call you are making as it is running interference in your sex life.
- Your first step: If you have not consulted a doctor – at least not recently – it is time to do so.
- There are a number of questions to ask yourself to determine whether this is a physiological or a psychological issue – or, more likely, both.
- And yes, let’s dim the lights in this examination room; it’s a little Marathon Man,) The Mayo Clinic’s website attributes delayed ejaculation to a number of possible sources.
Physical factors can include medications (particularly antidepressants such as Zoloft and Prozac), as well as any operations, injuries, infections or birth defects that may be impeding your performance. When I ask Cory Silverberg, certified sexuality educator and sexuality guide for About.com, about the psychological side of delayed orgasm, he responds: “This is a common issue.
- Most men have this experience at some point.” Yes, those noxious emissions of modern living, stress and fatigue, can be factors – as can that killjoy of the bedroom, performance anxiety – but, at a more subterranean level, issues of self-worth and attraction may also be at play. Mr.
- Silverberg asks: “What are the messages you grew up with? Do you have a sense you aren’t worthy of pleasure? No doubt, people withhold from themselves.” Alongside your self-study, there are a couple of temporary measures you can take.
Ducky DooLittle, in her book Sex with the Lights On, makes two excellent suggestions: pillows for comfort and a thick water-based lubricant, which “can cut down on friction and make longer bouts of intercourse a lot more pleasurable.” Of course these are balms.
- What matters most is the transparency you exhibit with your partners – and with yourself.
- As you have made clear with your paramours: Just as a lover is not responsible for the other’s happiness, she is not responsible for the other’s orgasm.
- People come with instructions: their own.
- Claudia Dey is the author of How to Be a Bush Pilot: A Field Guide to Getting Luckier (claudiadey.com).
: Help: I last too long in bed
Can guys control how fast they come?
Self-help – There are a number of self-help techniques you can try before getting medical help. These include:
masturbating 1 to 2 hours before having sexusing a thick condom to help decrease sensationtaking a deep breath to briefly shut down the ejaculatory reflex (an automatic reflex of the body, during which you ejaculate)having sex with your partner on top (to allow them to pull away when you’re close to ejaculating)taking breaks during sex and distracting yourself by thinking about something completely different
If you’re in a long-term relationship, you may benefit from having couples therapy. You’ll be encouraged to explore issues that may be affecting your relationship and be given advice on how to resolve them. You may also be shown techniques that can help you “unlearn” the habit of premature ejaculation.
Do guys last on their first time?
Having sex for the first time can be a big decision. It might feel awkward, exciting, confusing, or a combination of all those feelings and more. But it’s so important to remember that everyone’s experience with first-time sex is different, and that the definition of sex and “losing your virginity” varies from person to person.
What matters most is that you and your partner both consented to sex and that you’re using protection, Your first sexual experience with a partner might involve vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or no penetration at all. You might orgasm the first time you have sex, or you might not, and that’s totally normal.
It can take time to understand and learn what you like and don’t like sexually, and what turns you on. While everyone’s experience varies, hearing about others’ experiences can help you determine if you’re ready and navigate your own first time. To help you understand what it might be like, below, 16 guys get real about the first time they had sex — including how it happened and how they felt afterward.1.
I had just turned 17 and my girlfriend and I had been dating for a few months when we decided it was the right time. After waiting two or three nights out of anxiety, we were finally able to share the experience. We waited for her parents to go to bed, and after what seemed like hours, they did. We fumbled around with the condom in the dark, but eventually realized it would be easier with the lights on.” — Jay, 18 2.
” I was 18 and in my first semester of college. The girl I lost my virginity with was a good friend of mine. One night, we were both coming back from a party. In the Uber home, we started flirting and making out. When we got back to her dorm, we went at it.
- Five minutes in, we heard a voice say, ‘What are you guys doing?!’ It was her roommate — sitting upright, staring at us from her bed.
- We were so busy hooking up that we forgot to check if she was asleep.” — Jake, 19 3.
- We had been hooking up and hanging out for about three weeks when I was 21.
- We got really serious, really quickly, basically spending all our weekends and some weekday time together.
She was staying at my family’s house for the weekend — the first time either of us had met another’s parents — and when we realized everyone had left for a few hours one morning, we gave sex a shot. We didn’t really know what we were doing, but it wasn’t awkward at all because we trusted each other a lot.
We laughed when we decided to leave the bedroom doors wide open, since it was important to hear people coming back. At the time, I was pretty pumped. And sweaty. Two days later, we became official.” — Landon, 22 4. ” I met a girl off of Tinder. On our third date, we were watching movies at her place and getting along well.
We just cuddled, kissed, and went slowly from there. I never told her it was my first time because of male stereotypes — I didn’t want to seem inexperienced. I thought telling girls that I had never had sex would hurt my chances. I was nervous and excited at the same time, and it didn’t last very long.
- She might have known that I was a virgin (or thought I was bad).” — Isaiah, 20 5.
- I lost my virginity when I was 18 years old.
- As a guy, you feel a certain pressure to lose your virginity, but I still wanted my first time to be special.
- She was a junior in college and I was freshman.
- We met when she started hitting on me at a diner after a party.
We started hooking up every weekend. Three weeks later, we came back to my room and things were different. Neither of us planned to have sex, but it happened. It was good, but I was so nervous, I didn’t truly enjoy it. Afterwards, she told me I was amazing.
Although I didn’t realize my romantic dream, I didn’t and still don’t care. We continued hooking up for the next few months until one day she told me she was getting back together with her ex-boyfriend. To this day, I still haven’t told her that she took my virginity.” — Tyler, 21 6. ” We were both 13.
I made her laugh and she thought I was cute, so we started dating. A month later, we decided to have sex. I wasn’t really ready, but I just went with it. I had no idea where to put it. It felt amazing, but I regret the timing, the girl, and not using a condom.” — Jon, 20 7.
- It was the first week of classes during my freshman year of college, and I had been interested in a girl in my dorm since orientation.
- We had already been making out semi-regularly.
- Our make-out session was more intense than usual, so I asked if she wanted to have sex, and she nodded.
- If I’m being honest, I had a hard time getting started, but she was patient and helped guide me through it.
I was afraid the entire time that she wasn’t enjoying herself, and to make it worse, I finished very quickly. Looking back on it, I wish that I had waited until I was more certain that I was actually interested in her. A lot of my relationship with her beforehand was me thinking about losing my virginity, which certainly didn’t help.” — Caleb, 20 8.
“I was visiting my girlfriend in college my freshman year. We had been dating for four years. It hurt for her at first. I wish it didn’t. But we did what we could — we were comfortable with each other, so we were both patient. ” — Xander, 20 9. ” I was 16 and had been in a committed relationship with the same girl for nearly two years.
We had spoken about it for months. Finally, it happened one night in her bedroom when her parents were out. We made sure to use a condom. Even though I’m no longer with her, I have no regrets about it because at the time, it was right. I do, however, wish we hadn’t built it up to be something that it really isn’t and wish we hadn’t treated it as a massive milestone.” — Jack, 19 10.
I was 17 and with my girlfriend of four and a half years. It was the first time for both of us. It was after school on a Friday. We made plans to meet at her parents’ apartment in the city. When I got there, the lights were dimmed, candles were lit, and she was in lingerie. She told me she wanted it to be special for the both of us.
The experience was amazing, and there’s never going to be another time like it. I was with the person I loved the most and couldn’t have asked for it to be any better.” — Matt, 19 11. “I lost it to my girlfriend when I was 18. We were together for a year or two and I loved her.
At the time, I was nervous — like, what if I’m not big enough or what if I finish too quickly? But I enjoyed the experience. It was a rush of emotions.” — Danny, 19 12. “I was 17. We were working on a summer play together, and there was definitely some will-they-or-won’t-they chemistry between us. We hung out a few times, and eventually, the subject of sex came up in conversation.
I said that I was a virgin. She said she was fine with that, even though she wasn’t a virgin. I was pretty happy afterward (as most guys are), but I wasn’t going around boasting or anything. Our relationship eventually turned rocky — pretty typical for a high school relationship — but I’d like to think we’re friends now.
- I try to keep in touch.” — Jack, 22 13.
- It’s awkward because it’s a different experience than anything in your life up until that point.
- It’s a fairly simple concept, but when it’s your first time, everything is difficult. I was 20.
- I was in a long-distance relationship with a girl I hadn’t actually met in person up until that point.
We didn’t really know each other physically, and that probably contributed to the awkwardness. I don’t have any regrets, but it could have turned out better. I was pretty nervous.” — Kyle, 21 14. “I was dating this girl for a few months when I was 13. She was great — funny but shy, cool but aloof, and she liked all the same music I did.
- One night, when it was pouring rain, she came over.
- She couldn’t get a ride, so she walked three miles.
- That made me think maybe she wanted to have sex, which was absolutely terrifying.
- We had never done that before.
- We’re both shaking — her from the freezing New England rain, me from pure fear.
- I’m pretty sure I used some stupid line, like, ‘We should get you out of those wet clothes’ or ‘Let’s warm you up, babe.’ She handed me a condom, and neither of us could figure out how to put it on, so I called my more experienced friend and had him talk me through it.
Eventually, I got it on.” — Ari, 16 15. “I was 17. I had hooked up a couple times with a girl who was a year older than I was. She asked me to pick her up at a party. I didn’t really know what her intentions were, but after she got in the car, she told me to park at a nearby park.
We got in the backseat of the car and then things just escalated pretty quickly from there. I was happy to get it over with, especially since a couple of my friends had already lost their virginity. My only regret is that I didn’t use a condom.” — Drew, 19 16. ” I had met a girl online and hung out with her once before we decided to have sex.
I was so excited to finally lose my virginity. I was 18 at the time. I put on a condom and tried to stick it in, but a few seconds later, she was in pain. I pulled out, got dressed, and hurried out. I felt so embarrassed on the way home. To this day, I still greatly regret losing it in that way. Hannah Orenstein is the author of several novels, including Meant to Be Mine (out June 7, 2022), Head Over Heels, Love at First Like, and Playing with Matches. She’s also the Deputy Editor of Dating at Elite Daily. She lives in Brooklyn.
Is 4 inches erect average?
Average penis sizes around the world – What is the average size? Here are some of the key facts from 16 different studies around the world :
As many as 45% of men believe they have a small penis.Average length when flaccid was from 7 to 10 centimetres (2.8 to 3.9 inches).Flaccid circumference/girth was between 9 to 10 centimetres (3.5 to 3.9 inches) when flacid.Erect the average length ranged from 12 to 16 centimetres (4.7 to 6.3 inches).When erect the circumference was around 12 centimetres (4.7 inches).
Is 5 inches erect ok?
My penis size is 5″ inch. Is this enough for healthy and satisfaction women. I want to, Health Query Yes. The average size of penis is 5.54 inches (14.07 cm) length and 3.11 inches (7.9 cm) girth are enough to perform a successful sexual intercourse. When the length of the erect penis is below 4.5 or 4 inches then we call it micro penis. 5 person found this helpful ✕ Health Check 360 1 Normal size of penis in flaccid stage varies from2.8 inch to3.9 inch with average length of 3.5 inch in length 2. Normal size in erect state varies from 4.7 inch to6.3 inch with average length of 5.1inch. Natural way to increase size of penis 1.Take Multivite capsule containing Gingko Biloba extract like one capsule of Revital daily 2.Take water melon 3.stop smoking 4.Regular exercise 5.lose belly fat 6.Take whole grain food, bean, legume,fish,lean meat, fruit, vegetable,Healthy oil 7.Avoid refined/processed food, excess sugar, starch, hydrogenated oil 1 person found this helpful Yes. The average size of penis is 4 inches long and it is good enough to satisfy a woman. So in your case, your penis has the perfect length. Satisfaction, however, has very little to do with the size of the penis, instead it is the proper stimulation of the clitoris that does magic. 0 person found this helpful Suggestions offered by doctors on Lybrate are of advisory nature i.e., for educational and informational purposes only. Content posted on, created for, or compiled by Lybrate is not intended or designed to replace your doctor’s independent judgment about any symptom, condition, or the appropriateness or risks of a procedure or treatment for a given person.
Is 3 inches erect good?
Does 3 inches penis enough for good sex? 1 Normal size of penis in flaccid stage varies from 2.8 inch to3.9 inch with average length of 3.5 inch in length 2. Normal size in erect state varies from 4.7 inch to6.3 inch with average length of 5.1 inch.3.A person is said to have micro penis when erect length is less than 2.8 inch.4.Penis Augmentation by vacum therapy/ injection/surgery is considered when erect length is 2.8 inch.5.Consult sexologist for advice. 0 person found this helpful ✕ Health Check 360 For penis size : There is NO medicines ( tablets? capsules? goli, bati, oil, tail, cream, powder, churan, vaccum pumps?tension rings?rings, exercise, yoga, or any other type of medicines or procedures) available in the world that could Increase the size of the penis (i.e. 0 person found this helpful You have asked solutions for 2 problems. First lets discuss solutions for, There are few changes you can make to get rid of erection problems: 1. Water: When the water intake is less, body pH is disturbed which leads to improper distribution of nutrients.
- Nutrient supply to the penis is also reduced leading to erection problems.
- So drink 3 liters of water daily.2.
- It helps to increase the blood circulation of the reproductive organs and is also a good nerve stimulant.
- It also has anti-cholesterol properties.3.
- It has a good stimulating property.
- Everyday 2 cloves can be taken after meals which will be most beneficial.
Some solution for increase penis size: 1. Flaccid or erect, size depends on the amount of blood in the organ. Less blood means a smaller penis. narrows the arteries, including those that carry blood into the penis. Smoking limits blood flow into the organ, which makes it smaller.2.
Exercise regularly. Exercise improves arterial health, allowing more blood into the penis. But exercising the penis itself is pointless. The sex media sometimes refer to the penis as the “love muscle, implying that like the biceps, certain exercises can buff it up. But there are different kinds of muscle tissue.
The penis contains smooth muscle, not the kind that gets bigger with exercise.3. Lose the pot belly. Exercise, less and cheese, and more plant foods help men lose weight, which also helps size. A big belly encroaches on the base of the penis, making the organ look smaller. 1 person found this helpful Dear user, average penis size in india is 3 to 4 inches and it is very much normal to have good sex. Infact, the size of penis doesn’t play a major part when it comes to satisfy your partner. It is the proper stimulation of clitoris that gives pleasure to women.
Take care.0 person found this helpful Suggestions offered by doctors on Lybrate are of advisory nature i.e., for educational and informational purposes only. Content posted on, created for, or compiled by Lybrate is not intended or designed to replace your doctor’s independent judgment about any symptom, condition, or the appropriateness or risks of a procedure or treatment for a given person.
: Does 3 inches penis enough for good sex?
Why am I taking long to erect?
Like the stock market and foreign car engines, erections are mysterious things that seem to have a mind of their own. When they don’t happen, it can be disappointing, at the very least. Decreased blood flow, typically because vessels that supply blood to the penis have narrowed, is often the cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) in older men.
Emotional issues are more commonly at the root of it for younger men. It happens to most men from time to time. But if it happens to you more than half the time you have sex, talk to your doctor. Probably not. Most cases of ED are caused by physical problems alone or in combination with emotional ones. Just about any medical condition that affects your nerves or blood vessels could hurt your ability to have erections.
High blood pressure, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, kidney disease, and diabetes can all lead to ED. In fact, over 50% of men with diabetes find themselves in that situation. Hormonal issues such as low testosterone levels can also factor in, more often for older men.
- Prostate cancer treatments including surgery and radiation may be the culprit.
- If you have erections in the morning or while sleeping, the problem probably isn’t physical.
- Stress, anxiety, and depression can cause ED, too.
- Talk to your doctor about your symptoms.
- They may want to run some tests to help figure out what’s going on.
Maybe. Several types of medications, like blood pressure drugs (especially beta-blockers) and certain antidepressants, can make it tough to get an erection. If you think your medicine may be causing your problem, don’t just stop taking it. Talk to your doctor.
- You may need to switch to something different, or consider taking an ED medication, too.
- Absolutely.
- Being overweight, getting too little exercise, and smoking all can work against the good blood flow that is key to erections.
- For some men, a little alcohol may help take the edge off.
- Yet too much, as Shakespeare wrote, “provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance.” Some “causes” you may have heard about are just myths: Bike riding and tight underwear don’t cause erectile dysfunction.
Aging doesn’t cause ED, but the problem is more common in older men. It may take longer to get an erection, and you may need more touching and foreplay. About 4% of guys in their 50s and almost 17% in their 60s are unable to get erections, according to the National Institutes of Health.
- About half of men older than 75 are affected.
- Treatments can help men of any age.
- Experts agree: If you smoke, stop.
- Get your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels under control.
- Then talk to your doctor about your options.
- ED medications – sildenafil ( Revatio, Viagra ), tadalafil ( Adcirca, Cialis ), and vardenafil ( Levitra, Staxyn ) – can often help whether your problem is performance anxiety or poor blood flow.
Self-injections, vacuum devices, and squeeze pumps implanted under the skin are other options to boost your response. If your testosterone is low, replacement therapy may help, though it won’t necessarily solve the ED. Counseling can help you work through any relationship or emotional troubles you may be facing.
- Eep your partner informed about your erection problems and treatment.
- Impotence affects both of you.
- If you have a documented medical condition that’s causing your ED, insurance will usually cover at least some of it.
- Sex therapy and medications that have not been approved by the FDA, however, are generally not covered.
Ask your insurance provider if the treatment you’re considering will be covered.