The penis can soften during intercourse due to physical factors, such as vascular problems, and psychological factors, such as anxiety and stress. Lifestyle habits, medication use, and illicit drug consumption also influence erectile capacity. Learn more!
The penis can go soft during sex in two moments: either it didn’t get hard, or it got erect but didn’t maintain rigidity throughout the act.
When this happens, it’s commonly referred to as “failing” or “losing it,” and it’s important to clarify that this can happen at any stage of life and should not be a cause for embarrassment.
The problem arises when the penis fails to get hard or goes soft during intercourse more often than desired, even when there is sexual arousal, affecting sexual quality of life.
Hit play and keep reading to understand why this happens and what can be done to reverse this situation.
What causes a man to fail during sex? Understand why the penis softens during intercourse
There are physical and psychological factors that can prevent a man from achieving or maintaining an erection during sex. These become more frequent with age, mainly due to deteriorating vascular health.
Some of the factors related to possible erectile dysfunction include:
1. Vascular dysfunction
The vascular mechanism is affected by the body’s natural aging process, particularly after the age of 60. When there is insufficient blood flow to pressurize the penile cylinder, or when venous leakage occurs, it’s impossible to maintain an erection.
2. Anxiety and stress
3. Lifestyle
Factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and lack of sleep, as well as chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, tend to harm cardiovascular health. Reduced blood circulation and potential damage to blood vessels make it harder to maintain an erection.
4. Medications
Certain medications can alter vascular function, contributing to reduced circulation within the penile cylinder.
Additionally, medications such as antidepressants can interfere with hormonal regulation and consequently reduce libido, delaying orgasm and affecting erectile function.
5. Illicit drugs
When smoking, inhaling, or using certain illicit drugs, users impair the nervous system’s ability to regulate erections, affecting sexual function.
How to avoid “failing”?
First, understand that losing an erection during intercourse is normal. By following the tips below, you can reduce the chances of losing an erection, especially for men with erectile dysfunction.
1. Invest in exercises and treatments to control anxiety
Performance anxiety can harm erections in men with both organic and psychological erectile dysfunction.
The more a man worries about failure, the more tense and anxious he becomes during sex. To ease the mind, it’s best to focus on other activities, such as physical exercise, meditation, or practices that help relieve anxiety. Severe cases can be treated clinically with therapy or medication.
2. Take erection pills correctly
Men diagnosed with erectile dysfunction and currently undergoing treatment with oral medications must follow their doctor’s recommendations to achieve the desired effect.
For example, Sildenafil needs to be taken on an empty stomach, minutes before intercourse, for better absorption. Tadalafil, on the other hand, can be taken continuously, depending on the prescription.
3. Practice exercises that improve circulation
Physical exercises are essential for good blood circulation. Walking, weight training, and swimming are suitable options for all ages.
Additionally, penile exercises prescribed by a urologist can be done. These are performed using a vacuum pump and with penile physiotherapy movements, done by the patient at home.
Recommended medical treatments
There is always a treatment for cases where there is a loss of erection during penetration or intercourse.
Available treatments are recommended for mild, moderate, or severe erectile dysfunction, with the potential to improve sexual quality of life. Find out more:
1. Oral medications
Oral medications like Sildenafil and Tadalafil represent the first line of treatment for this condition. Pharmacological treatment enhances blood flow to the penile area, leading to an erection.
2. Penile injection
The penile injection, usually based on Alprostadil, is applied directly to the base of the penis by the man, leading to an erection immediately. Self-injection is an alternative to oral treatment.
3. Penile prosthesis implant
Surgery for penile prosthesis implantation, whether malleable or inflatable, is the third line of treatment, recommended for severe cases with significant vascular impairment or fibrosis.
The man can manipulate or inflate the prosthesis to achieve an erection for as long as desired.
What is the best treatment to prevent “failing”?
The most suitable treatment, which can help prevent the feared “failure,” should be recommended by a urologist after an open conversation with the patient and an analysis based on clinical and imaging tests.
That’s why it’s crucial to pay attention to the signs of erectile dysfunction. If difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection is becoming more frequent and related to other symptoms like premature ejaculation, low libido, and weaker erections, seek help.
Count on Dr. Paulo Egydio to help you find the answers you need and regain your sexual life. Contact us and talk to us to discover how we can help improve your confidence.
Learn more:
- Male Self-Care: Why Is It Important for Health?
- Learn All About Enlarged Prostate: Causes, Diagnosis, and Recommended Treatments
- Does Stress Decrease Libido? Learn How to Identify and Treat It
- What Is Ejaculation? Answers to Your Main Questions
- Consequences of Male Sexual Abstinence and the Problems It Can Cause
- 10 Tips for Penis Care to Maintain Health and Prevent Infections and Diseases
- See What Causes Erectile Dysfunction and Available Treatments
- Prostate Surgery: What to Expect, Risks, and Recovery
- Gut Health and Sexual Function: The Connection
