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What Could Cause Erections That Don’t Stay Firm During Sex, And How Can This Be Treated?
Hello Doctor, I am facing an issue with my erection. My penis does not get fully hard, and even when it does, it becomes soft very quickly during sex. This is affecting my confidence. I don’t have any major health issues, but I want to know what could be causing this and how I can fix it. Please guide me.
posted on
Mon, 24 Mar 2025
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 12 Sep 2025
Answered on
Tue, 30 Sep 2025
Last reviewed on
Hello,
When erections don’t stay firm, it’s often because of reduced blood flow and stress, both physical and emotional. Stay away from stuff that increases your stress. Do regular walking, spend time exercising to boost circulation and testosterone, listen to good music, or read. Breathing exercises are also helpful. You are encouraged to reduce performance pressure and focus on intimacy, not just performance.
Many men improve with lifestyle changes and stress reduction. Avoid taking alcohol, cut down on smoking, and stay away from recreational drugs. Maintain a healthy weight; obesity will affect erection. Taking PDE5 inhibitors is helpful. However, you are advised to get clinically examined by a GP as ED may also be indicative of a developing cardiac condition (CAD).
Get tests done to rule out high blood pressure, lipid function tests to detect cholesterol/triglycerides, and blood tests, fasting and PP for sugar levels. Hormone check for testosterone and thyroid. Exercise regularly. Sleep well — poor sleep lowers testosterone. Do blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar levels and hormone check (testosterone, thyroid), periodically.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
When erections don’t stay firm, it’s often because of reduced blood flow and stress, both physical and emotional. Stay away from stuff that increases your stress. Do regular walking, spend time exercising to boost circulation and testosterone, listen to good music, or read. Breathing exercises are also helpful. You are encouraged to reduce performance pressure and focus on intimacy, not just performance.
Many men improve with lifestyle changes and stress reduction. Avoid taking alcohol, cut down on smoking, and stay away from recreational drugs. Maintain a healthy weight; obesity will affect erection. Taking PDE5 inhibitors is helpful. However, you are advised to get clinically examined by a GP as ED may also be indicative of a developing cardiac condition (CAD).
Get tests done to rule out high blood pressure, lipid function tests to detect cholesterol/triglycerides, and blood tests, fasting and PP for sugar levels. Hormone check for testosterone and thyroid. Exercise regularly. Sleep well — poor sleep lowers testosterone. Do blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar levels and hormone check (testosterone, thyroid), periodically.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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