Why Can’t I Get Fully Hard

An estimated 322 million men worldwide will be suffering from erectile dysfunction by 2025, according to a study published in Nature. Despite being common, some men are still clueless about the numerous causes of erectile dysfunction. This article discusses why a man might be unable to get an erection and what can be done about it. 

I Can’t Get Rock Hard Anymore 

Men dread reaching a point in their lives where they think, “I can’t get rock hard anymore.” Not only can erectile dysfunction cause conflict and tension in a relationship, but it can also lead to breakups or divorce. Men often end up panicking and resorting to buying over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like Viagra or attempting to self-medicate with testosterone. However, these aren’t guaranteed to restore erections because erectile dysfunction has multiple causes. A man usually has more than one contributing factor, each requiring its own treatment. 

Why Can’t I Get Hard 

You might be wondering, “So why can’t I get fully hard?” It depends on your specific circumstances. Your bedroom struggles could be due to physiological, psychological, or lifestyle factors such as: 

Clogged Blood Vessels 

The first thing you should check if you’re experiencing a weak erection is whether you have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is often a symptom of cholesterol plaque in your veins and arteries, which can restrict blood flow to the penis. The plaque doesn’t have to be in the penile vessels; it could be anywhere along the circulatory pathway from the heart to your pelvis. Additionally, high blood pressure alone can harden your blood vessels, preventing vasodilation (widening), which is necessary for an erection. 

Chronic Diseases 

Several diseases can cause erectile dysfunction. Some of the chronic diseases that contribute to erectile dysfunction include diabetes, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Each of these diseases requires specific care. For example, diabetes will require medication and adjustments to glucose consumption, while testicular and prostate cancer may require radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. 

Hormonal Imbalance 

A common culprit behind erectile dysfunction is low testosterone. Testosterone is critical for various sexual functions in males and for other biological processes such as blood production and muscle growth. If there is a problem with testosterone, a man may experience erectile difficulties, ejaculatory issues, low libido, and infertility. Often, other hormones are also out of balance, such as prolactin and cortisol. Hormonal imbalances can stem from mental health issues or pre-existing conditions like hypothyroidism. 

Penile Damage 

Any injuries to the penis can inhibit erections. Peyronie’s disease, for instance, results from scarring in the penis, which interrupts blood storage during the erectile process. Damage can also occur due to accidents or surgery. For example, prostatectomy, a procedure that removes the prostate, may inadvertently sever a bundle of nerves critical to the erectile process. Accidents in the bedroom can also happen, such as penile fractures during sex due to improper positioning. 

Depression & SSRIs 

Depression is one of the top psychological disorders linked to erectile dysfunction. Physically, depression can result from hormonal imbalances, such as low serotonin levels. Serotonin is also linked to another sexual disorder called premature ejaculation. Premature ejaculation can indirectly cause erectile dysfunction as men may subconsciously train themselves to reach orgasm before losing their erection. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants can also cause erectile dysfunction as a side effect. 

Performance Anxiety 

Performance anxiety is another psychological trigger for erectile dysfunction. If you’re overly worried about your sexual performance, you might lose arousal during sex or struggle to experience sexual desire. General anxiety can also contribute to erectile dysfunction as a disturbed mind can disrupt hormonal balance. Fatigue, a common symptom of anxiety, can make it difficult to achieve an erection due to low energy levels. Prescriptions for anxiety can similarly cause erectile dysfunction. 

Excessive Stress 

Stress results in an upsurge of cortisol levels in the blood. Cortisol is inversely related to testosterone, which means the more cortisol you have, the less testosterone will circulate in your body. Chronic stress leads to consistently elevated cortisol levels, throttling testosterone production. Chronic stress can stem from emotional dysregulation caused by workplace issues, relationship problems, or other negative life circumstances. 

Cigarette Use 

Cigarettes contain various toxic chemicals that can interfere with your hormonal regulation. A good portion of these chemicals is considered carcinogenic, meaning they increase your risk of developing any kind of cancer. Even if you use a vape, you can still get erectile dysfunction because nicotine can cause your blood vessels to narrow. Research shows that nicotine is correlated with erectile dysfunction. Note that tobacco is also linked to other sexual dysfunctions and chronic diseases. 

Alcohol Consumption 

Alcohol is another substance that can wreck your erection. Even if you don’t drink regularly, consuming too much in one session can still result in short-term erectile dysfunction or what people call “whiskey dick.” Your risk of erectile dysfunction increases with the alcoholic content of your drink, which means it’s better to avoid hard drinks like whiskey and rum. Alcohol also increases your angiotensin levels, which prevents your blood vessels from dilating. 

Why Can’t I Stay Hard 

You might be confused if it’s still erectile dysfunction when you can start an erection but lose it before you’re ready to. Yes, that’s still erectile dysfunction. The reason you can’t stay hard is often due to the causes of erectile dysfunction explained above. However, it could also be due to a venous leak. Even if you can start an erection, blood can still flow backwards if the swelling isn’t putting enough pressure on the veins. 

How To Get a Harder Erection 

Erectile dysfunction is treatable and can often be improved with minor changes to your lifestyle. Knowing how to get rock hard naturally can boost the effectiveness of your treatment. Here’s a quick guide combining medical care and a healthy lifestyle to strengthen your erection: 

1.Treat Underlying Conditions 

While there are over-the-counter drugs you can take to fix your erection, we don’t recommend them because erectile dysfunction is often a symptom of a more serious disease that you might not be aware of. For example, if you temporarily restore your erection with PDE-5 inhibitors, an underlying condition like diabetes could progress and lead to permanent consequences. It’s best to consult a doctor and undergo laboratory testing. 

2.Get Enough Quality Sleep 

Your testosterone is at its highest after you wake up, which is why you can experience erections called morning wood even if you’re not feeling aroused. However, this only happens if you get enough hours of sleep. If you’re sleep-deprived, your body won’t produce enough testosterone, and your cortisol levels will be high throughout the day. It’s also important that your sleep is restful, which means you need uninterrupted sleep. 

3.Try the Mediterranean Diet 

Nutrition can be overwhelming for beginners as there’s so much information and so many diet fads nowadays. However, one tried and tested diet you can follow is the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet recommends eating vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes daily. Stick to olive oil and have fish or eggs a few times a week. Meanwhile, red meat should be eaten rarely and only in small portions. 

4.Reduce Stress Levels 

Stress doesn’t only kill your erection. It can also cause chronic diseases if prolonged. It can also lead to chronic inflammation and the metabolic syndrome, physiological conditions that are not necessarily a disease which can cause erectile dysfunction. Exercises like meditation and Pilates can help keep stress at bay. You can also employ therapeutic techniques to be less emotionally reactive to negative situations. 

5.Avoid Drinking/Smoking 

Just like stress, smoking and drinking can cause serious diseases that may lead to death if left unmanaged. It’s best to avoid drinking and smoking altogether. If you’re struggling with heavy alcohol use, consider speaking to an addiction therapist and finding new coping mechanisms with fewer health consequences. Gradually decreasing your consumption is also better to avoid mental shock or withdrawal symptoms. 

6.Consult Men’s Health Experts 

Consulting a general practitioner will help address chronic conditions that may be causing your erectile dysfunction. However, you might also consider going to clinics that focus on treating sexual disorders, as GPs might miss some factors causing erectile dysfunction, such as dietary deficiencies or mental health disorders. 

Conclusion 

Contrary to what one might think, erections are delicate. A single issue in your biological processes could be enough to thwart your erectile capacity. To save yourself from the frustration and cost of trial and error, and the risk to your overall health, we urge you to speak to our team of experts. Book an appointment with us to renew your sexual health and rekindle intimacy in your relationship!