What does hardness° mean?

Hardness° usually refers to the hardness level of a man's penis when erect. In medicine, a four-level classification method is commonly used to evaluate erectile function. The hardness classification mainly includes level 1, which is as soft as tofu, level 2, which is slightly hard like a peeled banana, level 3, which is as hard as a peeled banana, and level 4, which is as hard as a cucumber. The ideal sex life needs to reach level 3-4 hardness.

1. Hardness classification:

Medicine divides erection hardness into four levels: Level 1 hardness means the penis is enlarged but unable to erect, similar to the softness of tofu.； Level 2 hardness allows for erection but not enough for penetration, similar to the touch of a peeled banana ； Level 3 hardness is insertable but not completely hard, similar to a peeled banana. ； Level 4 is completely hard, similar to the hardness of a cucumber. Clinically, it is believed that level 3-4 hardness can ensure a satisfactory sex life.

2. Influencing factors:

Erection hardness is affected by vascular function, hormone levels, nerve conduction and psychological state. Endothelial dysfunction leads to corpus cavernosum hypocongestion ； Decreased testosterone levels affect sexual desire and erection maintenance ； Chronic diseases such as diabetes may damage nerve conduction ； Psychological factors such as anxiety and depression inhibit the erectile reflex through the cerebral cortex. About 50% of men over 40 years old have varying degrees of decreased hardness.

3. Detection method:

In addition to subjective description, hardness can be objectively detected through the nighttime erection monitor NPT. Fix the sensor ring at the base of the penis and monitor continuously for 3-5 nights to record the number, duration and hardness of erections. RigiScan equipment is commonly used in hospitals to detect hardness exceeding 70%, which is considered normal. You can do a stamp test at home, stick the stamp around the penis before going to bed, and check the breakage in the morning to initially judge the hardness of the night erection.

4. Improvement measures:

Mild loss of stiffness can be improved with aerobic exercise, a Mediterranean diet, and pelvic floor muscle training. Brisk walking or swimming for 150 minutes a week can enhance blood vessel function ； Omega-3 fatty acids in nuts, deep-sea fish help improve blood flow ； Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles that control erections. Moderate to severe patients need to use phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor drugs under the guidance of a doctor, and those with chronic diseases need to simultaneously treat underlying diseases.

5. Indications for medical treatment:

If the hardness cannot reach level 3 for more than 3 months, or if the morning erection disappears or sexual desire decreases, you need to see a doctor. Decreased stiffness in patients with cardiovascular disease may be an early sign of vascular disease. Patients with diabetes and hypertension should have their erectile function evaluated annually. A sudden drop in erectile hardness may indicate poor blood sugar and blood pressure control. Men over 50 years old are recommended to use erection hardness as one of the health monitoring indicators.

Maintaining a regular sexual life will help maintain the vascular function of the penis. It is recommended to have moderate sexual activities 1-2 times a week. Adding citrulline-rich foods such as onions and watermelon to your diet can promote the synthesis of nitric oxide and improve blood flow. Avoid long-term cycling that puts pressure on the perineum, and quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to reduce blood vessel damage. Participating in treatment with partners can relieve psychological pressure, and provide psychological counseling if necessary. The problem of hardness involves multiple physical and psychological factors, and a personalized plan needs to be formulated after comprehensive assessment.