What’s the reason for the recent inability to have an erection?

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by psychological stress, chronic illness, hormone imbalance, medication side effects, or poor lifestyle habits.

1. Psychological pressure:

Chronic anxiety, depression, or partner tension can inhibit the neurotransmission of sexual arousal. Work pressure or financial burden may cause the body to be in a continuous state of stress and affect the congestion function of the corpus cavernosum of the penis. Some people have psychological shadows after their first failure, forming a vicious cycle. Psychological counseling and relaxation training can improve symptoms, and the support and cooperation of a partner is particularly important.

2. Chronic diseases:

Diseases such as diabetes and hypertension can damage vascular endothelial function and reduce blood supply to the penis. About 40% of patients with cardiovascular disease have erection problems, which are related to blood vessel narrowing caused by atherosclerosis. Such patients are often accompanied by symptoms such as numbness of the lower limbs and chest tightness, and need to control the primary disease to improve sexual function.

3. Hormone imbalance:

Decreased testosterone levels directly affect sexual desire and erection quality. After the age of 35, men’s testosterone decreases by 1%-2% every year, and some people will experience menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and loss of body hair. Abnormal thyroid function can also interfere with sex hormone metabolism. Laboratory tests can confirm the diagnosis, and hormone replacement therapy is required if necessary.

4. Drug effects:

More than 200 drugs, including antidepressants and antihypertensive drugs, may interfere with erectile function. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may delay ejaculation, and beta-blockers may reduce blood flow to the penis. Strictly follow the doctor's instructions when adjusting the medication regimen, and do not stop medication on your own.

5. Living habits:

Long-term smoking can damage blood vessel elasticity, and alcohol abuse can inhibit central nervous system excitability. Lack of exercise leads to poor pelvic blood circulation, and obese people are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome. It is recommended to do 150 minutes of aerobic exercise every week and keep your BMI between 18.5-23.9.

Improving erectile function requires comprehensive conditioning. 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 excessive masturbation and staying up late, and try taking a hot bath to relax before sex. If the symptoms persist for more than 3 months, you should go to the men's clinic for professional examinations such as nighttime erection monitoring and blood flow Doppler to rule out organic diseases. Middle-aged and elderly patients need to pay special attention to checking for cardiovascular risks and use phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor drugs under the guidance of a doctor if necessary. Partner participation in the treatment process can significantly improve recovery outcomes.