What's going on when I can't get an erection?

Erectile dysfunction may be caused by psychological stress, vascular disease, hormone imbalance, nerve damage, drug side effects, etc. It can be improved through psychological consultation, drug treatment, lifestyle adjustment, device assistance, surgical treatment, etc.

1. Psychological pressure:

Chronic anxiety, depression, or partner tension can inhibit the conduction of sexual arousal. Work stress or sexual trauma may lead to abnormal regulation of erectile signals by the cerebral cortex, manifesting as on-the-spot erection difficulties. This type of situation can be alleviated through psychosexual counseling or behavioral therapy involving both partners.

2. Vascular disease:

Atherosclerosis or hypertension can reduce blood supply to the corpus cavernosum, and microvascular disease caused by diabetes may also affect blood filling. Such patients are often accompanied by reduced morning erections and require drug treatment to improve blood circulation. In severe cases, vascular reconstruction surgery is required.

3. Hormone imbalance:

Low testosterone levels directly affect sexual desire and erection hardness, and thyroid dysfunction or pituitary tumors can also interfere with hormone secretion. Blood tests can confirm the diagnosis, and hormone replacement therapy can effectively improve symptoms, but regular monitoring is needed to avoid side effects.

4. Nerve damage:

Diseases such as lumbar disc herniation and multiple sclerosis can block erectile nerve conduction, and prostate surgery may also damage the pelvic nerve plexus. Such patients require nerve repair treatment or vacuum negative pressure device assistance, and recovery time usually takes 3-6 months.

5. Drug effects:

Antidepressants, antihypertensive drugs, etc. may interfere with the physiological process of erection. For common drugs such as paroxetine, metoprolol, etc., it is recommended to consult a doctor to adjust the medication plan to avoid other health risks caused by stopping the medication without authorization.

It is recommended to increase the intake of arginine-rich foods such as deep-sea fish and nuts, and to perform Kegel exercises regularly to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Avoid long-term cycling that oppresses the perineum, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to improve vascular function. If symptoms persist for more than 3 months or are accompanied by chest pain, blurred vision, etc., you need to immediately go to the urology department or men's department to check for potential risks such as cardiovascular disease. Nocturnal penile erection monitoring and blood flow ultrasound can help identify the type of cause.