Why can't I 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, physical therapy, surgical intervention, etc.

1. Psychological pressure:

Chronic anxiety, depression, or partner tension can inhibit the conduction of sexual arousal. Work stress or traumatic sexual experiences may lead to abnormalities in the cerebral cortex's regulation of erectile signals. This kind of situation needs to be alleviated through sexual psychology consultation or joint treatment with partners, and if necessary, combined with anti-anxiety drugs.

2. Vascular disease:

Atherosclerosis or hypertension can reduce blood supply to the corpus cavernosum, and microvascular disease caused by diabetes may also lead to insufficient erection hardness. Such patients are often accompanied by the disappearance of morning erections and require drug treatment to control blood sugar and blood lipids and improve blood circulation. In severe cases, vascular reconstruction surgery is required.

3. Hormone imbalance:

Low testosterone levels can directly affect sexual desire and erectile function, and thyroid dysfunction or pituitary tumors can also interfere with sex hormone secretion. It manifests as loss of sexual desire and fatigue, which can be adjusted through hormone replacement therapy, but prostate-specific antigen and other indicators need to be monitored regularly.

4. Nerve damage:

Diseases such as lumbar disc herniation and multiple sclerosis can damage the erectile reflex nerve pathways, and pelvic surgery or trauma may also damage nerve conduction. Such patients are often accompanied by perineal numbness and require neurotrophic drugs combined with low-frequency electrical stimulation treatment.

3. Drug side effects:

Some antihypertensive drugs, antidepressants, and hormonal drugs can interfere with the physiological process of erection. It manifests as new erectile difficulties after taking medication, which can usually be relieved by communicating with a doctor and adjusting the medication regimen. Do not stop taking medication on your own.

It is recommended to maintain 3-5 times of aerobic exercise per week to improve vascular function, and add deep-sea fish, nuts and other arginine-rich foods to the diet. Avoid staying up late and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, and smokers should quit smoking as soon as possible. Partners should provide full understanding and support and jointly establish a regular rhythm of sexual life. If the symptoms last for more than 3 months or are accompanied by chest pain and other physical signs, you need to go to an andrology or cardiovascular specialist in time to check for potential diseases.