Why does an erection subside during intercourse?

Why does an erection subside during intercourse?

Just when everything was going well, and you thought you were about to have a special moment, suddenly your erection fades, causing frustration and confusion for both you and your partner.

If such a setback can cause a great moment of solitude, know that you are far from being the only one to whom this happens, since according to a survey by IFOP, 64% of men experience erection problems during their lifetime.

Let's say it right away, having erections that regularly fall or are not hard/rigid enough to have intercourse represents a form of erectile dysfunction, that is to say, recurring erection problems. Don't panic, it's not necessarily permanent and above all, it can be treated with a reflection on your lifestyle or even with appropriate medications, available by prescription. If needed, therapies with a psychologist, sexologist, and psychiatrist are available.

You are probably wondering what causes these sudden losses of erection. Let's review the possibilities:

Why does your erection subside during intercourse?

Erectile dysfunction: physiological causes

Illnesses, physical injuries, alcohol or medication consumption... The physiological causes of erectile dysfunction during intercourse can be numerous. Sometimes it may be the combination of several risk factors. (1)

Cardiovascular diseases

As we have mentioned, a satisfactory erection depends on the ability of your penis to fill with blood, which in turn depends on an effective arterial flow. Logically, if you have cardiovascular problems, this can lead to a decrease in your erectile abilities. Coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, arteritis, diabetes... These are all poor cardiovascular conditions that could explain your loss of erection during intercourse. Talk to a doctor or your primary care physician about it.

Neurological problems

Stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease... Neurological problems are often associated with erectile dysfunction. These can also be a symptom of early multiple sclerosis. (2)

Physical traumas

Yes, your erectile dysfunction could be the result of an injury or surgery. A spinal fracture, perineal, pelvic injury, or urethral trauma... All these traumas can cause erectile dysfunction. Bladder or rectal surgery, prostate removal, or radiotherapy in the pelvic area often lead to erectile dysfunctions that can manifest as a loss of erection during sexual intercourse.(3) (4)

Hormonal disorders

A low level of testosterone can explain your erectile dysfunction. This is called hypogonadism. It can be caused by various factors, such as the improper use of anabolic steroids, thyroid diseases, or the use of anti-HIV medications.

If your erections often subside during intercourse, consider getting your testosterone levels tested. It's worthwhile to fill out the ADAM questionnaire to find out if you're at risk of hypogonadism (3) (4)

Erectile dysfunction: chemical and organic causes

Harmful substance consumption

You know, what you put into your body is not always without consequences.

While it is commonly accepted that tobacco is bad for health, you might not know that it is one of the recurring and major causes of erectile dysfunction. By affecting your arterial flow, it could be the cause of your erection loss during intercourse. Over the course of the evening, you have consumed alcohol, you are looking forward to a special moment but it does not go as planned. Alcohol, especially excessive consumption, is strongly advised against if you wish to have a satisfactory erection.

Cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, barbiturates, synthetic drugs... The list of recreational drugs to avoid is long.

.Taking certain medications

Every medication has possible side effects. And some can cause erectile dysfunction.

Blood pressure medications, when associated with cardiovascular disorders, can have detrimental effects on your sex life. Similarly, antidepressants, anxiolytics, neuroleptics, and anti-HIV treatments can be responsible for your erectile dysfunction. If these problems are recent and coincide with the start of a new treatment, discuss it with your prescribing doctor who may be able to adjust the dosage.(5)

Lifestyle.

Like any organ, the penis functions well if your lifestyle promotes its health.

Engaging in regular physical activity, for example, reduces the prevalence of erectile dysfunction, especially in men over 50 years old. Your diet is also crucial. Maintaining a BMI referred to as 'normal' would decrease the likelihood of experiencing erectile dysfunction. According to the scientific committee of the RNPC network (7), overweight men are 2.5 times more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction: psychological causes

You're in the moment, having a good time, and suddenly the thought of your performance causes your erection to subside? This is very common and stems from the 'cult of performance' associated with male sexuality, which can cause stress in many men.

Sexuality is not a competition. If your erections are not as strong and lasting as you would like, there are many ways to find pleasure. Demystifying penetration can help you gain perspective.

Anxiety, distress, low self-esteem, decreased libido... A depressive state can also cause erectile dysfunction.

Problems between partners or within your relationship can also contribute to erectile dysfunction. Communicating with your partner is important and can prove to be lifesaving.

How can you stop losing your erection during intercourse?

If the causes of your erectile dysfunction are varied, there are also multiple ways to improve it, offering several treatment options, even combining them.

Psychological, medicinal... Let's review your options.

Adopt a healthier lifestyle

We have seen it, your habits play a decisive role in your sexual vitality.

Reducing alcohol abuse and quitting smoking are initial steps for improvement. Engaging in regular physical activity, getting good sleep, and adopting a better diet is also beneficial. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish... All are foods that promote satisfactory erectile function.

Make sure to avoid the consumption of recreational drugs, as they are bad for your health and sexual vitality.

Have your medications prescribed

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are the classic treatment for erectile dysfunction, which promote blood flow to your penis by acting on its smooth muscles. Viagra®, Cialis®, Levitra®, Spedra®... All four PDE5 inhibitors are available by prescription, for use as needed, or daily for Cialis® 5mg. They should be taken on average 1 hour before sexual intercourse, and, when combined with sensory stimulation, have an effectiveness duration ranging from 4 to 36 hours for Cialis®.

Start sexual therapy

If you feel that your erectile dysfunction stems from a sense of unease that you tend to ignore, talking to a professional can significantly improve your sex life.

Various therapies can be considered, whether it's to treat depression, chronic anxiety, or performance stress. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and taking care of it can resolve many personal issues.

Let's summarize what you need to remember about your erectile dysfunction during intercourse:

It's something that happens frequently to many men, and there are solutions.

When there is a complete inability to achieve an erection, one must question its origin to rule out any suspicion of a more serious problem.

This can be improved by transitioning to healthier lifestyle habits.

Medications, which are very easy to take, are available by prescription to address this issue.

Your mental health is important! If you feel depressed, talk to a professional. And if it's your erectile dysfunction that's bothering you, it's also crucial to talk about it. Solutions are available.