Bent and erect cucumber held by woman
Vladimir Gjorgiev

Erectile dysfunction: what to do

Erectile dysfunction got you down? Have no fear: Love Matters tells you what you can do to get back into action…

  1. Communicate with your partner
    If you think you have erectile dysfunction (ED), it’s good to start talking about it with your partner. Remember it affects you as well as your lover, so it’s essential to let them know what’s going on. It may be embarrassing, but the first step to solving your problem is admitting you have one, and then being open about it. This helps especially if you think your erection problems may have psychological causes.
     
  2. See a doctor
    Physical causes are behind nearly 75 percent of cases of ED, and can often be treated. Now, you need not suffer just because you’re too reluctant or embarrassed to talk with your doctor about it. Not only will they help you find out the causes, they can also give you the right treatment. Seeing a doctor is also important because a lot of ed problems are caused by potentially deadly conditions, such as kidney disease, vascular disease, neurological disease or diabetes. A doctor can also help you to opt for further treatment.
     
  3. Get to the root of the problem
    Figuring out what’s causing your erection problems is essential to curing it. In older men, blood vessel problems are often the main reason behind erection troubles, while ED in younger men tends to be the result of psychological problems such as stress, depression or performance anxiety. Certain medications or low testosterone may also be the culprit.
     
  4. Make some lifestyle adjustments
    Making a few lifestyle changes could be the first step in successfully getting rid of erectile dysfunction. And sometimes quitting smoking, exercising regularly and reducing stress may be all you need. Even for those who need additional treatment, a healthy lifestyle usually boosts its effectiveness.
     
  5. Consider medication
    There are a few medicines in the market that help get rid of erection problems. All of them work in pretty much the same way: they cause blood vessels to expand and increase blood flow to the penis. Viagra is the most common drug prescribed for erectile dysfunction. But be careful – you could suffer from some side-effects, so before you go ahead and take any medication, be very sure to speak to a doctor and find out what is right for you.
    Read how popping Viagra for fun can cause problems
     
  6. The all-natural route
    For centuries, natural remedies like acupuncture, Gingko biloba and Ginseng have been used to treat erection troubles, but the evidence to support their effectiveness is not very strong. Some natural remedies such as Arginine and Horny Goat Weed and some other supplements have shown positive results in the lab, but it’s always best to make sure there’s no underlying medical condition before starting down the naturopathic route.
     
  7. The penis pump
    Euphemistically referred to as Erectile Dysfunction Vacuums, penis pumps have their drawbacks, including rare cases of pain or bleeding, but they are safe for most men and have a reportedly high satisfaction rate. They’re not a good fit for everyone, however. Those with sickle cell anaemia or other blood disorders, or those taking blood-thinning medications, face potential risks when using the pump, and should consult their doctor beforehand. The easiest way to acquire one in India is by ordering online. Once in your hands, the mechanism is pretty basic: insert penis into the cylinder. Pump. Apply constriction ring to maintain an erection. Voila! Successful erection!
     
  8. Penile implants
    There are obvious drawbacks with this route, including price, the risk of infection during surgery, and the possibility of the implant malfunctioning, but for those who’ve run out of all the other options, or who’ve had reconstruction surgery because of Peyronie’s disease, penis implant is an alternative, permanent solution to erectile dysfunction.These implants are either bendable or inflatable. With the bendable one, you only need to adjust the penis into position. It does, however, remain permanently semi-rigid when not in use…

Understandably more popular, the inflatable penis implant allows you to pump up an erection whenever it’s party time! Penile implants are the most invasive and least popular treatment for erectile dysfunction, but couples who’ve gone through it have a reportedly high satisfaction rate. Although it’s a fairly new procedure to many Indians, there have already been some penile implant surgeries in the country and is definitely gaining steam.

Before you purchase any medicines, penis pumps or implants, make sure you get in touch with your doctor. Only your doctor can diagnose the cause of your erectile dysfunction and can help you get the right treatment.

Find out what are the signs that you might be suffering from erectile dysfunction.

If you have a question about erection problems, leave a comment below, ask a question via our forum Let’s Talk, or send us a direct message via Facebook

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Recent Comments (57)

  1. can dysfunction of erection
    can dysfunction of erection led to impotent

  2. I have a problem especially
    I have a problem especially when it comes to morning sexafter relessing for the first time i take long to gain the next erection.What csuses that?

  3. Should I go to any hospital
    Should I go to any hospital and face the doctor, or how do i start telling the doctor?

    1. Hi Jackson,

      Hi Jackson,

      Doctors listen to any medical problem one has and then advice accordingly. So if you have a medical issue feel free to visit one.

  4. Thanks so much but how does
    Thanks so much but how does one know tht they have erectile disfunction?

  5. Am suffering from it n need
    Am suffering from it n need help pliz

    1. Hey bro,did you get helped…
      Hey bro,did you get helped if not dm me

      1. Hi Maina, 

        Talk to us. What…

        Hi Maina, 

        Talk to us. What’s your question? Also, feel free to contribute to the discussion. We are happy to engage with you. 

  6. The fore skin on ma penis iz
    The fore skin on ma penis iz pink n da base black. wt could b da problem. im HIV negative n free frm stds

  7. can STI cause erecticle
    can STI cause erecticle dysfunction?

    1. Thank you for your…
      Thank you for your contribution.

  8. I spend night with ma…
    I spend night with ma girlfriend but when I jaculated I took short time after that when urinating I urinated yellow urine for almost a week what can it be? Or iz it of masterbation that I masterbate after every two weeks,at now am 21 years.

    1. Hi Marcon, Urine will…
      Hi Marcon, Urine will usually have abit of yellow pigment, if you are however dehydrated the color will be darker. Try increasing your water intake do address the dehydration. If there’s no change when you are taking 6 glasses of water you may want to visit a medical centre foe a check up.

  9. Last time I had sex i dint…
    Last time I had sex i dint last hence not satisfying my lady… Is it normal or rather what can you advise on how to last longer

  10. Can masturbating cause…
    Can masturbating cause erectile dysfunction.

  11. When I go to bed during sex…
    When I go to bed during sex i find my self spending litle time than i expected.what should i do to extend my time in bed whith my patner

  12. I have prolems with my…
    I have prolems with my arteries from smoking

    1. Hello Ronald, seek medical…
      Hello Ronald, seek medical advice in the health facility near you.

  13. Hello Ronald, seek medical…
    Hello Ronald, seek medical advice in the health facility near you.

  14. Hi what is the relationship…
    Hi what is the relationship between mastabation and erectile dysfunction?

    1. Hi Hamphrey, there is really…

      Hi Hamphrey, there is really no relationship between masturbation and erectile dysfunction (ED). Erectile dysfunction maybe the result of a side-effect of drugs and medications, or caused by neurological problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or hormonal imbalances, such as not enough testosterone. It also has psychological causes including, stress, relationship problems or when a man feels insecure about themselves. The first important step is to find what is causing the ED and then find a solution to this. Check out this article for more information;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/making-love/sex-problems-how-to-overcome-them/erectile-dysfunction-top-five-facts

  15. If you experience weak…
    If you experience weak erection very rarely, probably it is considered as normal. But if you feel your penile organ lacks energy whenever you undergo sexual stimulation or foreplay on repeated occasions, it is the high time to visit your family physician.

    1. Thank you for your…

      Thank you for your contribution Gregory.

  16. After ejaculating during sex…
    After ejaculating during sex, it took a longer time for my penis to rise unlike before, when it rose, I wanted to go another round but it fall down again, pls what causes this kind situation

    1. Hello Valentine, it’s…

      Hello Valentine, it’s completely normal for men to have what is called the refractory period, where the penis cannot get hard after ejaculation. Honestly, your body is just telling you that it needs some time. There is no real way to change it or make it happen less, so just try to work with your body. If you are really hoping to have more sex, then take the time to recharge and focus on your partner. This is a good time to focus on them and give them pleasure. You will become hard again in no time and continue. 

  17. My penis is smaller but wen…
    My penis is smaller but wen am aroused it gets longer than the normal size, but doesn’t point up straight, instead it faces down, and it doesn’t stay hard for long

    1. Hey Willis, it is normal for…

      Hey Willis, it is normal for a penis to grow bigger when one gets an erection. It is also normal for the penis not to point straight ahead, some point up or to the right or left. I am not sure how long you mean when you say it doesn’t stay hard for long, but if one is unable to maintain an erection they may be experiencing erectile dysfunction which maybe caused by either psychological or medical issues. Have a look at the following article for additional information;- 

      https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/male-body/penis-shapes-and-sizes

      https://lovemattersafrica.com/making-love/sex-problems-how-to-overcome-them/erectile-dysfunction-top-five-facts

  18. Hello,i rearely experience…
    Hello,i rearely experience mrng erections then after ejaculation waterlike fluid still comes out og my pennis ..plz help

  19. I only have erection in the…
    I only have erection in the morning but when it’s time to perform it won’t stand and small libido any remedy for that?

    1. Hi Edeh, if you get…

      Hi Edeh, if you get erections in the morning it means your penis is okay. However, during sex, erection will happen when one is aroused. When it doesn’t happen it could be as a result if either psychological issues or a medical issue. It is normal for this to happen to a man at some point in their sexual life, however when this happens all the time it maybe important to seek medical advice. Have a look at the following article for additional information;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/making-love/sex-problems-how-to-overcome-them/difficulties-with-sex-men

  20. Am always having quick…
    Am always having quick ejaculation during sex with my partner and she doesn’t come to her organism for some time and it has been issues between us, then I went to get this drugs called ” Sansu “. I used it for the first time and I didn’t come till the next morning and my partner was so happy,cos she came to her organism like three times before morning. since then I used to apply it when we want to make love, but for a while now am beginning to experience Erection Dysfunction. Is it the curse of the drugs application on my penis that is making me have ED or what????

    1. Hi Kross, having erectile…

      Hi Kross, having erectile dysfunction means that a man either can’t get an erection or can’t keep his erection during sex, is this what you are experiencing? It is normal for a man to fail to get or main an erection at some point, it should be concerning if this happens all the time they try to have sex. I am not able to tell whether what you are experiencing has been caused by the drug you have been using, if this is however happening each time you try to have sex, it is important that you consult a health care provider fir advice. Have a look at the following article for additional information;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/making-love/sex-problems-how-to-overcome-them/erectile-dysfunction-top-five-facts

  21. What’s the safest period to…
    What’s the safest period to have sex and avoid pregnancy?

    1. Hi Ronaa, safe days are one…

      Hi Ronaa, safe days are one of the most unreliable ways to prevent pregnancy, and we really don’t recommend it at all. When your safe days are really depends on the length of your cycle. Technically speaking, the first seven days before and after your period, as well as the time of your period, are relatively safe. But, if you have a shorter cycle (shorter than 28 days), or an irregular one, this will vary. Also keep in mind that sperm can survive for up to five days and longer inside the body- so even if you have sex on a ‘safe’ day, you can still get pregnant, because the sperm survived until your ovulation date. So you see, it’s a very inaccurate. And lastly, of course this won’t protect you from STDs. Only condoms will. So we really recommend a more reliable method. Check out the following article for more information;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/birth-control/types-of-birth-control/safe-days-pros-and-cons

  22. I’ve been leading a life…
    I’ve been leading a life full of stress..I’ve been dating very beautiful ladies that I really love but they have been damping me I think since I was at the university still and broke..this has been leaving me so heartbroken that the only way to save myself is by regular masterbation until now my sperm count has seriously reduced and I also suffer from immature ejaculations..is this going to affect my fertility?and how can I get out of these situations?pliz help.

    1. Hi Tiger, so sorry about…

      Hi Tiger, so sorry about this. Masturbation, however, doesn’t cause infertility or premature ejaculation. Have a look at this article for more information;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/making-love/ways-to-make-love/masturbation-myths-busted Also, if you feel that masturbation is getting in the way of important tasks like school or work, you could be addicted and it is important to consider what could be leading to the masturbation including what could be triggering the behaviour. Check out this article;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/making-love/ways-to-make-love/i-am-addicted-to-porn-and-masturbation

  23. hi it’s Emma I got a problem…
    hi it’s Emma I got a problem one time with my girl friend when I released the first time I failed to gain back completely we tried everything but nothing much more

    1. Hi Emma, it is completely…

      Hi Emma, it is completely normal for men to have what is called a refractory period, where it cannot get hard after ejaculation. Honestly, your body is just telling you that it needs some time. There is no real way to change it or make it happen less, so just try to work with your body. If you are really hoping to have more sex, then take the time to recharge and focus on your partner. This is a good time to focus on them and give them pleasure. You will become hard again in no time and continue. 

  24. Some say its caused by too…
    Some say its caused by too much mustaurbation

  25. when i go for the first…
    when i go for the first attempt the second one won’t erect again and if it happens it will dis erect while on it what might be the problem

    1. This is completely normal…

      This is completely normal for men to have what is called a refractory period, where it cannot get hard after ejaculation. Honestly, your body is just telling you that it needs some time. There is no real way to change it or make it happen less, so just try to work with your body. If you are really hoping to have more sex, then take the time to recharge and focus on your partner. This is a good time to focus on them and give them pleasure. You will become hard again in no time and continue.

  26. My fiancé is experiencing PE…
    My fiancé is experiencing PE and it’s really affecting us,pls what’s the solution?

    1. Hello Magdalene, it could be…

      Hello Magdalene, it could be caused by any number of things in which case he might have to see a medical practitioner for a proper diagnosis and advice on the way forward.

  27. What causes premature…
    What causes premature ejaculation and how can I be helped?

    1. Premature Ejaculation is…

      Premature Ejaculation is caused by a number of reasons including fear, anxiety or even stress. Anxiety that one will not perform can make him ejaculate much earlier or stress from home or work. In other cases, particularly in young men it could be the result of sexual inexperience, and so as the young man gets older he also gains more experience in controlling ejaculation.

      There are a few things one can do to improve control and last longer. In the short term, you can take short breaks during intercourse, you can also apply firm pressure underneath the penis during intercourse to push blood out of the penis hence decreasing sexual tension, distract yourself to think about other non-sexual things or use penis desensitizers. Penis desensitizers come in the form of sprays and creams that can be applied on the penis minutes before intercourse and they help to delay ejaculation. Sometimes a condom can help reduce the sensitivity on the penis.

      In the long term one can ensure they eat healthy and avoid lots of processed foods, begin to exercise which improves blood flow in the body, reduce or eliminate the use of alcohol including smoking and more importantly reduce stress during intercourse. Foreplay will also play a critical role in preparing your partner and getting them closer to an orgasm.

      The following articles provide more information;-

      https://lovematters.co.ke/our-bodies/male-body/premature-ejaculation-top-five-facts
      https://lovematters.co.ke/making-love/sex-problems-how-to-overcome-them/how-to-overcome-premature-ejaculation

      Love Matters Team.

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