Are you trying to figure out what causes soft erections? Read this article to learn more about ED and important contributing factors you should know.
Do you know how common erectile dysfunction (ED) is?
While ED is thought to be somewhat common, researchers have found a wide variation when determining how prevalent it is. They discovered that prevalence rates ranged between 3% and 76.5%.
One reason for this is cultural norms. In some regions, some men just aren’t comfortable reporting erectile dysfunction symptoms.
Now, if you can relate to feeling embarrassed, it’s good to remember that you’re not alone. It can happen to any man, and you can do something about not getting erections or having soft erections.
That being said, you can help yourself by trying to understand what could have caused this condition. Let’s talk about the top 5 causes of ED.
1. Metabolic Disorders
Errors in metabolism, especially those that involve the endocrine glands, can affect sexual function, reproduction, mood, and so on. For example, diabetes can result in complications such as nerve damage and impaired blood flow, which are contributing factors for ED.
There’s some good news though if you have diabetes. As long as you control your blood sugar levels and follow your doctor’s advice, you can reduce your chances of getting ED.
2. Heart-Related Conditions
Cardiovascular issues can cause ED. Keep in mind that erections are dependent on strong steady blood flow to the penis. With clogged blood vessels, such as in the case of atherosclerosis, achieving an erection would be difficult.
Other heart conditions that increase your risk of ED are high cholesterol and hypertension. Now, if you’re already taking medications for a heart condition, you need to consult your doctor before taking ED drugs to avoid dangerous drug interactions.
You can check out these tips to know more about taking ED medication safely.
3. Mental Health Issues
Don’t forget that there’s a cascade of reactions that lead to a man getting an erection. These involve the brain, nerves, emotions, blood vessels, etc.
A problem with any of these can result in ED. There are cases too when physical and psychological factors combine to make ED worse.
Let’s say a minor physical problem causes you to lose an erection. The resulting anxiety can worsen ED.
If you know or suspect that a psychological issue such as anxiety or depression is causing your ED, don’t hesitate to get the right support or treatment.
Having low testosterone can lead to many health issues including hair loss, low sex drive, and ED. Your doctor can confirm this by ordering a blood test.
If the results show that you do have low levels of testosterone, your doctor will prescribe medications or recommend treatment such as TRT (testosterone replacement therapy). Once your hormone levels are back to normal, your ED symptoms will either get better or go away altogether.
5. Lifestyle Factors That Cause Soft Erections
Abuse of drugs, alcoholism, and smoking can impair your ability to get and keep an erection. A sedentary lifestyle can also be a contributing factor, especially if it causes you to be overweight.
You see, when you’re carrying extra pounds, your body ends up converting testosterone to estrogen. If you don’t want to take ED medications, you can start by trying lifestyle modifications such as eating right and working out.
Making healthier choices can go a long way in preventing or alleviating the symptoms of ED.
Want to Know More About ED?
Now that you’ve learned about the causes of soft erections, it’s best to consult a doctor if you’re experiencing ED symptoms.
For more ED-related tips and advice, check out our other recent posts.
