Why can't I get an erection?

Are you unable to achieve a satisfactory erection? Here might be why

You feel like it, your head is exactly where it should be, you're full of good intentions and yet it doesn't work? Experiencing an erection problem can be particularly frustrating and cause a lot of misunderstanding for both you and your partner. However, it happens much more often than people think. According to a survey by the IFOP (French Institute of Public Opinion) as many as 64% of men experience erectile dysfunction during their lifetime. Among them, 72% will never consult a practitioner due to the shame of discussing a common problem. If you haven't yet taken this step, here are some pieces of information that might guide you.

Erectile dysfunction: physiological causes

What happens in your private life can actually alert you to more serious issues. Specifically, an erect penis swells and stiffens due to arterial blood flow. If this does not work, or works poorly, there may be other problems, which can be of different natures:

Cardiovascular diseases: high blood pressure, coronary diseases, arteritis, heart failure, diabetes...

Neurological disorders: epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease...

To ensure that your erectile problems are not a sign of any of these diseases, talk to a doctor or your primary care physician!

Erectile dysfunction: psychological causes

A physical problem can have a psychological cause, you surely know that. Well, it's the same for erectile dysfunction, various discomforts can be at the root of erection problems.

Depression, anxiety, distress... You struggle to stay present in the moment, perhaps even your libido is not at its best, and your body is reflecting that. The good news is that these issues can be resolved. With the help of a professional, your intimate life can also improve.

Performance culture, low self-esteem, fear of underperforming... Perhaps your erectile problems stem from the act itself and the fear of not measuring up? Solutions are available.

Erection problems: multiple daily causes

You probably know that bad consumption habits can lead to many physical discomforts. Well, they can also affect your sex life.

Tobacco, alcohol, drugs... All substances that can significantly reduce your sexual vigor.

Anxiolytics, antidepressants, neuroleptics... Some medications can cause more or less significant erectile dysfunction.

Poor diet, lack of physical activity... Bad lifestyle habits can also explain your health issues.

Are you unable to achieve an erection, or are you unable to maintain it? Is the rigidity of your erection insufficient? Here are several treatment options to address this disorder that is disrupting your intimate life.

Erection-enhancing drugs

There are several available, all of which can be obtained by prescription. They are often recommended to be taken on average 1 hour before sexual intercourse and have an effective duration ranging from 4 to 36 hours. When combined with sensory stimulation, these medications, known as PDE5 inhibitors, help increase blood flow by acting on the smooth muscles of the penis. Highly effective, they are generally the first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction.

. Viagra® (Sildenafil)

. Cialis® (Tadalafil)

. Levitra® (Vardenafil)

. Spedra® (Avanafil)

Change your lifestyle habits

In practical terms, your penis is an organ that requires good arterial flow and healthy habits. If you're experiencing erection problems, improving your lifestyle could be a way to make things better.

Eating healthy, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a normal weight... Generally speaking, improving your physical fitness can only be beneficial.

Reducing alcohol, quitting smoking, avoiding recreational drugs... As we have seen, all these substances are bad for your sexual vitality, it can only be good to avoid them.

Start therapy

If you're feeling depressed, undervalued, it can have serious consequences on your sex life. Talking to a professional can be a first step towards improving your erection problems. Seeing a psychologist or sexologist is not shameful, on the contrary, taking care of oneself is empowering.

The causes of your erectile dysfunction are therefore multiple, but so are the possible treatments. The first thing to do is to identify the origins. If you have come this far, you are ready to take this step :)