Erectile dysfunction: Home Doctor & Self Therapy

Most men experience occasional difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection, often because of stress, fatigue, drinking too much alcohol, or a recent illness. Temporary erectile dysfunction is unlikely to be a cause for concern if you are still able to achieve an erection by masturbating or if you sometimes wake with an erection. Long-term erectile dysfunction can be due to illnesses, such as diabetes and circulatory diseases, or drugs, such as blood pressure medications and antidepressants. It may also be caused by anxiety or depression, or relationship problems. As you get older, it may take longer to get an erection and it may be less firm.

See your doctor first

Make an appointment to see your doctor if:

● You suffer regularly from erectile dysfunction or if you are taking a prescribed drug that may be causing the problem

What you can do yourself

There are several things you can do that may help you overcome temporary erectile dysfunction.

● Don’t judge yourself harshly. If you are stressed or tired, for example, because of money concerns, work, or recent illness, tackle the underlying problem.

● If you are in a long-term relationship, talk to your partner. Share your worries, and work together to try to solve the problem. It may help if there is less pressure on you to “perform,” so if erection problems are making you nervous about sexual intercourse, try ways of sharing intimacy that reduce sexual anxiety (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, below).

● To help relieve anxiety, try practicing deep breathing and muscle relaxation exercises.

● Reduce your alcohol intake; even better, avoid it altogether. Drinking too much alcohol can cause difficulty in achieving an erection; recreational drugs can have a similar effect.

● Stop smoking, or at least cut down if you smoke heavily. Young men who smoke double their risk of long-term erectile dysfunction in later life.

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE

Reducing sexual anxiety Worrying about getting an erection can set up a cycle of “performance anxiety.” One of the best ways to reduce anxiety is to take things slowly.

● Take the pressure off. Take turns exploring your partner’s body using stroking and massage. You should agree there will be no touching of genitals or breasts at this stage. This will help you both relax.

● After several of these sessions, allow genital and breast stimulation, too, but refrain from intercourse.

● Continue relaxed and leisurely stroking and massage until you begin to get erections again and feel comfortable about proceeding to intercourse.

Taking time: Spend plenty of time touching and stroking your partner’s body. Take things slowly, and learn to relax.