Can You Still Get Hard If You Have Erectile Dysfunction?

Is your inability to stay hard making you and your partner feel unsatisfied in the bedroom? Have you ever wondered, “Why can I only get a semi-hard on?”

While some men may simply not feel in the mood, others do feel sexual desire, but have nothing to show for it. This is erectile dysfunction in action.

Affecting over 150 million men worldwide, individuals affected with erectile dysfunction find it strenuous to get or maintain an erection. Moreover, ED affects nearly half of all men aged 40-70 years to some level.

But, even while many cases of ED include those with a complete absence of an erection, there are still cases where ED patients can muster up an erect penis without external intervention.

Yes, you read that right. You can still have an erection even with ED.

Let’s delve deeper into the inner workings of erectile dysfunction and how one can have an erection despite the sexual disorder.

Erectile Dysfunction: What Is It?

Erectile dysfunction is a sexual disorder that makes getting and maintaining an erection difficult for men.

It may not be an issue if it is once in a blue moon, but any repeated occurrence is a cause for concern.

Another reason to take it seriously is that ED can also be a sign of an underlying health condition and a risk factor for heart disease.

Men with ED often find themselves with the following symptoms:

• Trouble getting an erection
• Difficulty maintaining the erection
• Lowered sex drive

Consider speaking to an ED doctor for diagnosis and possible treatments that you may find suitable.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a disorder that may be caused by a variety of factors, both physical and mental.

Some of the common causes of ED include:

• Cardiovascular disease: Underlying heart problems like high blood pressure may also manifest symptoms such as erectile dysfunction.
• Diabetes: Diabetes affects your blood vessels which carry blood to your penis, affecting your erectile function.
• Hormonal imbalances: Low testosterone or hypogonadism is another condition that may lead to erectile dysfunction with a severe reduction in libido.
• Neurological conditions: Certain neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, can affect the nerves that control an erection.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as SSRIs used for depression can contribute to your erection woes.
• Psychological factors: Psychogenic issues and other mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and chronic stress impact your erectile function.
• Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle and unhealthy vices like smoking, excessive drinking, and a sedentary lifestyle can adversely affect your sexual health.

It is imperative to consult a local erectile dysfunction specialist in Tampa for more information on treating erectile dysfunction.

5 Types of Erectile Dysfunction

Whether you’re able to get hard or not can be pinpointed to the exact type of erectile dysfunction you’re facing. Thus, diagnosing erectile dysfunction accurately is a crucial step.

There are 5 main types of ED:

• Organic ED: This type of ED is caused by a physical problem such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, or nerve damage.
• Psychogenic ED: This type of ED is caused by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or depression.
• Mixed ED: When both organic and psychogenic causes are involved, ED is referred to as mixed.
• Secondary ED: This type of ED is caused by an underlying condition or a side effect of certain medications.
• Venogenic ED: This type of ED is caused by the inability of the veins to trap blood in the penis, which leads to poor erections.

2 ED Types That Allow for Erections

Of the five ED types, you may have brief erections if you have venogenic ED or psychogenic ED.

In venogenic ED, your penis finds it difficult to hold back the blood. That is, as blood flows into your penis, it drains out. This may lead to a short period of erection which dies down soon.

On the other hand, psychogenic ED only affects your erections when you are conscious of it.

If being with your partner doesn’t cause feelings of stress and anxiety, for instance, you may be able to get and achieve a suitable erection. However, if you have a different partner or the circumstances are unfavorable, you may be unable to get hard.

Lastly, erection quality in all types can differ from person to person. Some early cases can still give rise to erections, although they may not be enough for sexual intercourse.

Regardless of your ED diagnosis, contact an ED clinic for guidance. They can help lead you down the path of sexual wellness.

4 Ways to Overcome Erectile Dysfunction

ED treatment is dependent on the root cause of the condition.

Some ways to restore blood flow and treat erectile dysfunction include the following:

1. Sex Therapy

Sex therapy or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help individuals and couples address and overcome sexual problems.

These trained therapists can help individuals and couples identify the underlying psychological, emotional, and relationship issues that may be contributing to sexual problems.

2. Vacuum Erection Devices

Vacuum erection devices (VED) are devices that utilize suction to draw blood into the penis with the help of a vacuum.

Though the initial stages may be uncomfortable, it’s one of the safest modes of treatment, boasting an efficacy rate of 70% to 80%.

3. Penile Implant Surgery

Penile implants are rigid or inflatable rods that can help you gain an erection. These implants are inserted into the penis to help facilitate the erection process.

Although many men do not wish for surgery, penile prosthesis implantation procedures are found to have very high satisfaction rates of about 90%.

4. RestoreWave Therapy

Commonly referred to as shockwave therapy or acoustic wave therapy, RestoreWave therapy involves the use of low-intensity sound waves to regenerate plaque in the erectile tissues.

This viable therapy allows patients to enjoy up to 2 years without erection problems and without active maintenance.

Regain Your Sexual Ability with Medical Guidance from the Top Men’s Clinic In Tampa, Florida

While some forms of ED may still grant erections, you don’t want your moments of intimacy to be at the mercy of chance.

Don’t wait until it’s too late, maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent ED by exercising regularly, eating nutritious food, and sleeping well.

If you’re presently suffering from erectile dysfunction, contact Prestige Men’s Medical Center in Tampa, FL, for medical treatments such as erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment, andropause treatment, and premature ejaculation (PE). Book your consultation today.