As men age, they commonly experience trouble getting and maintaining an erection. While it's a common issue, it can be distressing, affecting your confidence and relationships. There are many different factors that in combination contribute to trouble getting hard, but the good news is there are several things you can do to address the issue and get back to enjoying your sexual activities. Here are some recommendations:
Adopt a healthy lifestyle
The most common causes of erectile dysfunction involve your lifestyle habits. This means you must take care of your overall health by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
This includes eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and drug use. You should also manage any underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, which can contribute to erectile dysfunction, to prevent further damage.
Have a male perineal massage
There are instances when erectile dysfunction is caused by physical factors such as muscle tension and poor blood flow to the pelvic area. A male perineal massage can help improve blood flow and alleviate muscle tension in the pelvic area.
This massage involves the stimulation of the prostate gland, which can help to release any trapped fluid and improve blood circulation.
Engage in more foreplay
Foreplay is building sexual tension and intimacy before engaging in sexual intercourse. It has the potential to enhance sexual excitement and boost circulation to the reproductive organs. Some techniques used during foreplay include kissing, touching, and oral sex.
Possible medical treatments
There are some potential medical treatments that can help with ED, but you must always contact a healthcare professional before getting them. Here are a few therapies they may recommend:
Sildenafil
Sildenafil is a medication that increases blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get an erection. While this medication effectively treats erectile dysfunction, it should not be taken without consultation with a healthcare provider. Sildenafil can interact with certain medications and medical conditions, so you must ensure it is safe for an individual.
Penile injections
This method involves injecting medication directly into the penis to improve blood flow and promote an erection. While it can be effective, it can also be painful and carry the risk of infection, so discuss this option with your doctor before trying it.
Penile implants
A penile implant is a procedure that involves placing a device in the penis to allow for an erection. This approach aids in achieving and maintaining an erection, but it is a surgical procedure with potential risks and complications. It should be considered only after other treatment options have been tried and failed.
Vacuum erection device
A vacuum erection device (VED) creates an erection using vacuum pressure. This approach can be effective, but it requires some training and practice. It may also cause discomfort or bruising.
Final thoughts
Erectile dysfunction is a common issue that affects many men. While it can be distressing, there are several things you can do to address the issue and get back to enjoying a healthy sex life.
If these measures don't work, several medical treatments are also available, including medications, injections, and surgery. Whatever the cause of your erectile dysfunction, talking to your doctor is the first step toward finding a solution.
