This week a reader confides that he finds it hard to get a hard on.
Dear TGUK
I’m finding it hard to get a hard on, what can I do?
Jeff
Dear Jeff
First of all, don’t give yourself a hard time about not being able to get a hard on. It happens to the best of us at the worst of times – and stressing about it can actually make the situation worse. So take a moment and breathe.
It sounds as though you’re suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED). Lots of things can cause ED; from being too stressed out at work to money worries. Even lifestyle choices such as too much alcohol or drug taking can hinder a strong erection.
Also, you don’t say, but if you’re on any kind of prescribed medication you might want to check and see if any side effects listed by the meds, include ED. Do not come off any prescribed meds with out talking to your GP first.
There are a variety of things you can do to try to get your little Mr back up and working again, but first of all, see whether you can get an erection when you’re by yourself – or during your sleep.
There’s a very simple test to see whether you get erections during your sleep. One of the tests is the famous stamp test. If you can still get a row of stamps that are joined by a perforated edge you can perform this in the comfort of your own home.
Before you go to bed put a row of four or five joined stamps around the shaft of your flaccid penis and seal by moistening the two ends together. If any of the perforations between the stamps is broken in the morning you’ll know that you are getting nocturnal erections, because your enlarged penis will naturally break the perforations between the stamps. This test can help you rule out a more serious erectile dysfunction, because you know that you can physically have an erection.
If this is the case take a look at external factors such as your work load or your alcohol consumption. As frustrated as you might be, you just might need to take your time with this.
If you don’t break the perforations, then you might consider getting an appointment with your GP, who should be able to help you find a medical solution.
There are a number of other at home tests you can do like the Rigiscan and The Penile Plethysmograph.
You could try Viagra or a herbal supplement available in Holland and Barratt called Horny Goatweed.
If your problem is being caused by wearing condoms then you can get in touch with the Terrence Higgins Trust. They can actually send you a variety, for free, to check out which ones work for you.
If you would like condoms then contact Joe Perez at THT, jose.perezdelacruz@tht.org.uk
It’s important not to let this ruin your sex life – there are many options available to you – and you can even have sex without having a full erection or taking the pressure off yourself by focusing on your partner rather than your erection.
Talking your issues over with your partner may also help as well. It’s important to keep communication open between partners if you’re going through a tough time.
Wish you will Jeff and keep in touch to let us know how you’re getting on.
ALSO READ: How to last longer in bed. 10 tips for you to try and extend your staying power.
ALSO READ: Why does my foreskin smell?
ALSO READ: Feed Your Penis – some power packed recipes to help your stamina and erections strength!
OTHER QUESTIONS: HIV | WILLY WONDERS | HOLES | DOING IT | STIs | LUMPS & BUMPS | BACK TO SEX CLINIC HOME PAGE
Got a problem you’d like advice on?
