Men and AMAB people who have difficulties with erections often face several issues at once. Besides the body behaving not how they expect it to, they start worrying about the relationships with their partner. Self-esteem also takes a blow often in such instances. This article is for those who are wondering why erection go away so fast. We explain how erections normally occur, the possible causes of issues, and treatment options.
What is Erection
Erection is the engorgement of the penis caused by the blood rushing in. The organ becomes larger and firmer, standing up. In most cases, it is a response to tactile or psychological stimuli.
How an Erection Occurs
When the person experiences arousal (triggered by a touch, a thought, an image, something you hear or smell, etc.), the brain sends nerve signals through the spinal cord. The nerve signals reach the genitalia and cause smooth muscles, including those in the blood vessels, to relax. This causes vasodilation—an occurrence when vessels widen, allowing blood to rush in.
The inflow of blood fills up the corpora cavernosa—a tissue in the penis that has a spongy structure. This creates inner pressure that makes the penis harder and larger—i.e., erection.
What is Erectile Dysfunction
A colloquial name for erectile dysfunction (ED) is impotence. When hearing the word, people often imagine that it means complete inability to reach an erection. However, the medical interpretation includes all occurrences when a penis is not hard enough to conduct a satisfactory intercourse. This means that people who can get an erection but lose it too quickly can also be diagnosed with ED.
Causes of Rapid Erection Loss
When asking “Why do I lose my erection fast?”, the best course of action is to have an honest discussion with your healthcare provider. Through physical exams, blood tests, and specialized questionnaires, your doctor will help you root out the cause of the issue and work on it.
Causes of ED may have a physical or psychological origin. Sometimes, it is a combination of both.
Medical Causes
Impaired blood flow
A common reason why one loses an erection is poor circulation. A healthy erection requires normally functioning blood vessels. Certain medical issues that affect the cardiovascular system and impair blood flow can cause ED. Some examples include:
- Atherosclerosis—when plaques in the artery’s inner lining make it thicker or harder.
- Hypertension (abnormally and chronically elevated blood pressure) damages the walls of blood vessels so they cannot dilate properly, thus, obstructing blood flow.
- Diabetes—high blood sugar leads to narrowed and damaged blood vessels.
Hormonal imbalances
Low testosterone is not an uncommon problem among AMAB people, considering that its levels tend to decline with age. Insufficient T is linked to decreased libido, ED, and other reproductive issues.
Other endocrine-related disorders may also negatively affect testosterone levels, blood circulation, and mental health, contributing to the development of rapid erection loss.
Alcohol or drug abuse
Long-term and excessive consumption of alcohol harms the cardiovascular system, leading to hypertension and heart disease. Additionally, alcohol causes dehydration, which further impairs blood flow, and acts as a CNS depressant, inhibiting the transmission of nerve signals. Certain drugs have similar effects.
Obesity
Obesity (extremely high BMI) is associated with hypertension, low testosterone levels, diabetes, etc. It is an acknowledged risk factor for atherosclerosis and other circulatory diseases.
Medications
Certain medications can affect libido and erections as a side effect. This goes for some antidepressants, anxiolytics (drugs against anxiety), antihypertensive drugs, including diuretics, etc.
If you suspect that your current medications are causing adverse reactions, consult your doctor. Do not stop your therapy abruptly as it may trigger stronger side effects.
Psychological Causes
Even those who have perfect physical health can struggle with ED. The question “Why does my erection go away quickly?” may be a signal to take a look at your mental health and dynamics in your relationships.
Chronic stress, anxiety and depression
Being chronically stressed spikes one’s cortisol, which antagonizes testosterone levels. Moreover, erectile dysfunction is listed as one of the symptoms of chronic stress. It also may lead to depression—another possible cause of ED.
Anxiety disorders interfere with nerve signals sent by the brain to trigger or maintain the erection. Anxiety takes a lot of mental resources as well, making it difficult to focus on the pleasant process of sex.
Body image issues, performance anxiety, poor self-esteem
For those who worry a lot about how they look or perform in bed, sex may become a source of additional stress that triggers loss of libido and erection. This, in turn, can further damage the person’s self-esteem creating a negative circle of a kind.
Intimacy problems with a partner
Unresolved conflicts, trust issues, or triggered trauma can damage one’s sexual life. The absence of a healthy communication model exacerbates the situation.
Treatments of Rapid Erection Loss
Losing an erection during sex is surely frustrating, but there are a lot of options that can help you enjoy intimacy again. Talk to your doctor to determine which one suits your situation the best. Sometimes, a comprehensive approach is needed.
Testosterone replacement therapy
For AMAB people whose testosterone levels are running below normal, HRT may be a solution. Testosterone replacement medications come in various forms, including topical and nasal gels, oral pills, injections, etc.
ED medications
PDE5 inhibitors are FDA-approved medications for the treatment of ED. They promote vasodilation—widening of blood vessels—to improve blood flow and, thus, promote erections.
The most common drugs of the groups are (brand names in brackets):
- Sildenafil (Viagra);
- Tadalafil (Cialis);
- Vardenafil (Levitra).
Managing mental health issues
If you struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, solving these issues will improve your quality of life and prevent a lot of subsequent problems with your health, relationships, and general well-being. Therapy and stress management practices are wonderful tools to achieve this goal.
Improving communication with a partner
Mutual understanding and support in relationships have a vital role in solving many problems, health ones included. You can start with an honest and respectful discussion with your significant other. Couple counseling will help establish better communication and work on relationship issues if those are present.
Improving general health
If you have an ongoing health condition, addressing it properly will likely improve your sexual life. Do not forget about lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a balanced diet and physical activity, ditching bad habits, and getting enough sleep.
Summary
If the question “Why do I lose erection so easily?” becomes relevant for you, it is best to have an honest conversation with your partner and your healthcare provider. Support from your companion and a medical professional will help you determine the cause of the issue and resolve it successfully.
FAQ
Why do I lose my erection so quickly?
ED can originate from medical, psychological, and relationship issues. Consult your primary physician to determine the optimal plan of action.
Why does my boyfriend not stay erect?
Fast erection loss is a variant of erectile dysfunction and can be caused by many factors. We recommend consulting a doctor to find the cause correctly.
How long should a hard erection last?
There is no established standard; a healthy erection lasts till orgasm or the end of a state of arousal.
How can I get a super hard erection again?
Talk to your doctor to identify the cause of the issue and work on it; this will likely improve your erections. In the meantime, PDE5 inhibitors can provide a temporary solution.