The Not So Serious Reasons You Can’t Get an Erection

man sitting on the table in doctor's office wearing a hospital gown

It’s not always erectile dysfunction

We know you’ve been there. You’re unable to stay hard down there and your mind is running frantically trying to figure what could be going wrong. Whether it’s the embarrassment in the moment or the fear of a serious problem, no man wants to find themselves in that position. The good news is that in most situations, your inability to get hard or stay hard isn’t a serious problem and shouldn’t be equated to a possible ED diagnosis. More times than not, the reason is harmless.

Think before you drink

One of the most common reasons is too much alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant, and when you’ve had too much of it, it can decrease the blood flow to your penis. So unsurprisingly, “heavy drinking proportionately increases your risk of erectile dysfunction,” according to Men’s Fitness. If this happens often, you may want to consider cutting back on the drinks and staying hydrated while you’re out on the town. The effect alcohol has on your central nervous system will alter your ability to perform, but it can easily be avoided.

Assess your medications

Don’t drink? The problem may be your medication. According to Men’s Health, certain meds such as high blood pressure medications, like beta-blockers and diuretics can impact your nervous system and blood vessel walls in such a way that will decrease blood flow down there. Other health issues or lifestyle choices can also play a role in your inability to get hard, such as a vitamin D deficiency, diabetes, or if you smoke often.  

Allow time to recharge

That’s not it? Recent masturbation could play a role. Most men need about 30 minutes to recuperate before going at it again. If you’ve taken care of yourself solo too soon before getting in bed with your partner, you may need to be patient before that next round. Above all, stress and exhaustion can be a massive factor in your difficulty getting an erection. Stress is exhausting both mentally and physically. If your head isn’t in the right place, your body will follow suit so take a breather if you’re feeling overwhelmed in your day to day life.

When in doubt, consult your doctor

If none of these reasons sound like they could be your answer, consult with your doctor to see if there’s a more serious reason you can’t get an erection. Upscript’s U.S. licensed physicians are available to discuss your concerns with you and find out if sildenafil is right for you. Learn more here: https://www.getafrezza.com/