How To Know If You Have Erection Issues: A Checklist!
If you’re feeling uncertain or embarrassed about erectile dysfunction, this checklist will tell you how to know if you have erection issues.
After all, sometimes it is just an off night, and sometimes it just isn’t happening- no matter how turned on you are, no matter how sexy the situation.
It can be frustrating and shameful, and I want you to realize it is actually quite common.
Some research says that 15 to 30 million people with penises have erection issues in some form at any given time.
The causes can be physiological or psychological, and many causes of erectile dysfunction can be treated with mindset rephrames, lifestyle changes, and even medication changes.
The recurrence of erectile dysfunction also increases with age, though people of any age can have it.
The main thing to remember is that you have no need to be embarrassed, and there is no need to give up on an amazing, fulfilling sex life if you struggle with erection issues!
Who Can Help You With Erection Issues
If you’re wondering how to know if you have erection issues, you may want to chat with your medical doctor.
As erection issues can be a symptom of more serious conditions, it is worth ruling out potential health risks.
If the doctor clears you medically, your erection issues may be the result of a past psychological trauma or current pattern of behaviors.
At that time, the help of a clinical sexologist, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, or someone who specializes in systemic therapy may be helpful.
Symptoms of Erection Issues
Some of the basic symptoms of erection issues or erectile dysfunction include:
- Frequent and persistent trouble getting an erection
- Frequent and persistent trouble keeping and maintaining an erection
- Low libido
None of these are particularly fun, though it is important to keep track of your erection issues and ask yourself: is this something that happens almost every time I try to have sex, or is it just a blip?
- Do you get hard easily while masturbating? Your issues may be intimacy or psychologically based.
- Do you struggle to get hard most of the time, even when sexually aroused/horny? You may have physical health problems that need investigating!
As with most things, self-diagnosis can only go so far, so use this checklist to get started on the frequency and context of your erection issues. This will help you discuss in detail with a professional.
Health Concerns That Are Related to Erection Issues
The penis is a vascular organ and requires uninhibited blood flow to create and maintain an erection.
It makes sense that any health condition that affects how your blood flows or affects your nerves/neurons will impact your erections!
In fact, many cardiologists refer to erectile dysfunction as the “canary in the coal mine” as a warning symptom of heart issues.
Our bodies are a holistic system of organs, blood vessels, muscles, nerves and tissues, and health problems rarely affect only one area of the body!
The mind and body are also intrinsically connected, and any problems you may be having psychologically can affect your erections in unexpected ways.
Some medical issues that can cause chronic or temporary erection issues include:
- Heart Disease
- Clogged blood vessels
- High Blood Pressure
- Obesity or weight gain
- Diabetes or Parkinsons
- Multiple Sclerosis or autoimmune issues
- Tobacco use
- Alcoholism & substance abuse
- Medications (including yet not limited to prostate cancer/enlarged prostate, antihistamines, cancer treatment, or blood pressure).
- Hormone issues such as low testosterone or high cortisol
Some examples of psychological problems that may cause erectile dysfunction include:
- Mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD
- Stress or disconnection
- Chronic exhaustion
- Comparing partnered sex to solo sex (or masturbation)
- Using pornography as sex education
- Grief or sudden life changes
- Relationship stresses
- Unrealistic relationship expectations
What Can You Do About Erection Issues?
Seek help:
The most important first step in addressing erection issues is to give yourself a pat on the back for seeking help. You deserve an awesome sex life, and erection issues are not a sign of weakness or make you any less “manly” (if that is how you identify). It can be frustrating, and know that health professionals see this DAILY! Really… ALL. THE. TIME! So don’t be embarrassed! Get help from your family doctor, urologist or therapist to not only treat the issue with possible medications, but the root of the issue in your mind.
Confide in your partner(s):
If you have a close, personal relationship with a supportive partner, it can be a relief to share your frustrations and fears. This can be especially helpful if they feel they may be at fault.
If attraction is not the issue for you, reassure them that you find them attractive and sexy. If you suspect your erection issues stem from something psychological or traumatic, perhaps explore sharing those thoughts and feelings with your partner in a safe, guided environment such as with a sex therapist.
Adjust your lifestyle:
your doctor may advise you to adjust your lifestyle. If you’ve gained a lot of new weight around the midsection, your heart may be working harder to circulate blood and you could be at the mercy of hormonal imbalance.
Going for regular walks, reducing your intake of saturated fats and doing things that relieve stress (laughing, relaxing, reading, edging) can help with circulation, stress and blood pressure. Remember, you are beautiful at any size, and you don’t necessarily need to lose weight to improve your health! Just get that blood pumping and that blood pressure down!
Find support:
Instead of endlessly searching the internet for terrifying diagnosis, find chat rooms and online threads and support groups for those dealing with erection issues.
It is important to know you aren’t alone, and you may find great references and advice from others.
Erection issues and impotence in general are stigmatized, and there is no reason this should continue.
There are so many variables at play with our wonderful, dynamic bodies, and as a generally ableist society, it is widely accepted that penises need to be hard to have amazing sex lives.
This simply isn’t true, so if you struggle with erection issues that don’t seem to go away, know that you can have a satisfying sex life. Find out more from our webinar or schedule a session.
About Life Coaching and Therapy
Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!
Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.
LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.
