Erectile dysfunction is a common problem in men of all ages. Although many men do not talk about it, studies show that up to 30 million people suffer from this condition. Not many men would go to their doctors to consult about the condition because they may be afraid or too embarrassed. However, not knowing what’s causing erectile dysfunction can affect your marriage or relationship.
Why Can't I Get Hard?
Here are some common reasons:
1. Heavy Drinking
Drinking can give you the confidence to romance your partner, but too much alcohol can cause you to fail when you need your confidence the most. Even one night of heavy drinking can make it difficult for you to achieve or maintain an erection. Furthermore, chronic drinking can lead to persistent erectile dysfunction. Fortunately impotence caused by heavy alcohol drinking is temporary, except when it has caused some medical problem that can interfere with your ability to sustain an erection.
2. Drugs
Why can't I get hard? Taking illegal drugs or even some prescription drugs can cause erectile dysfunction. Drugs that are known to cause sexual dysfunction include cocaine, heroin and oxycontin. Even weed which is thought to be harmless can cause impotence. The only solution is to sober up. If you are taking a drug for a medical condition that causes impotence, ask your doctor if there is a substitute.
3. Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue can reduce your sex drive and affect your ability to achieve an erection. The whole body can give up when exhausted, especially if you don’t get enough sleep. So if you want to get top performance, get some sleep and recharge.
4. Certain Medications
Many men are taking medications for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and depression. These drugs can affect their sex drive and cause impotence. Why can't I get hard? You may be taking anti-anxiety meds like Valium, anti-depressants like ZoloftorProzac, high blood pressure medicines like Diuril or over-the-counter medicines like Sudafed for colds or Zantac for heartburn—all of which can reduce erections. Don’t stop your medications without asking your doctor first. Remember that treatment for your medical condition is important, so it is best to consult your doctor about the side effect of impotence.
5. Stress
Stress is the main cause of up to 20% of cases of erectile dysfunction. Stress causes a lot of medical problems, including gastrointestinal problems, insomnia, allergies, heart disease and sexual dysfunction. Fortunately, most of these problems are reversible, including impotence, when stress is relieved. Try to practice some relaxation techniques to reduce stress in your life and get your sex life going.
6. Performance Anxiety
Impotence can result from a poor self-image, obsession over one’s virility and performance anxiety. Although people think that women are more prone to anxiety when it comes to self-image, it is also a fact that men can suffer from similar anxiety and even experience panic when it comes to impressing their new partner. The best thing to do is to enjoy each other’s company first and to try to boost each other’s confidence. This will help reduce the pressure on sexual performance and create a more relaxed atmosphere when making love.
7. Smoking
Studies show that smoking is associated with up to 40% of erectile problems. Other studies also indicate that men who quit smoking are more likely to regain their sexual function than those who continue smoking. Cigarette smoking can damage your blood vessels, which can affect your ability to achieve an erection. To solve your erectile dysfunction, quit smoking. There are many health benefits from quitting smoking, but to many men, this might be the most important one.
8. Relationship Problems
Problems within a relationship can affect one’s ability to perform physically. If you are constantly fighting as a couple or there is some relationship issue that lowers your sex drive, your ability to get aroused can suffer. After all, you cannot just switch gears from fighting to love-making. The only way to get over this problem is to deal with your relationship problems in the best way to find solutions. Hopefully, this will lead to greater understanding and better sex life.
9. Underlying Health Conditions
Serious health problems can cause erectile dysfunction. Some studies suggest that an erection problem in a young man can be the first indicator of diabetes, heart disease, thyroid problems or other serious health conditions. But don’t worry, because most of these conditions get better with medical treatment, especially if diagnosed early. Erectile dysfunction is also reversed when these problems are treated adequately.
10. Too Much Masturbation
One common cause of failure to achieve erection during sex is too much masturbation. It may seem ironic, but watching porn and masturbation can reduce your ability to get an erection because your brain becomes desensitized to dopamine, a hormone that is released during masturbation. So if you want to get a hard-on naturally, stop watching porn and enjoy a real sex life with your partner within a few weeks.
What to Do If I Can't Get Hard
As you have learned the answer to the question "why can't I get hard", you may be wondering what you can do to remedy the situation. Erectile dysfunction is usually a temporary problem that can resolve by improving your lifestyle. This includes smoke cessation, drinking alcohol moderately, getting enough rest, avoiding stress, stopping illegal drug use and refraining from excessive masturbation. Manage any medical problem that may be related to your erectile dysfunction (ED). If these measures don’t work, talk to your doctor. You may need some treatment such as:
- Medications for ED, which include Viagra, Cialis or Levitra
- Self-injections or vacuum devices and implanted squeeze pumps that boost your erection
- Testosterone replacement therapy which may help improve erection
- Counseling to improve personal and relationship problems