Tag: Erection

All the latest breaking news on erections. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on erections.

ERECTION PROBLEMS | 10 things that destroy your erection
The mind may be willing but the equipment is taking some vacay,

At some point, most guys will suffer from erection problems (it even has a term erectile disfunction) and guys search the web high and low for advice on how to fix it but sometimes the penis just doesn’t want to play ball.

Well, there could be some lifestyle factors that are stopping you from getting a hard-on. Getting hard is all about blood flow, so if your erection problem is a physiological issue it could be something to do with your blood pressure. Time to see the doctor! However, there are loads of psychological issues that could affect your libido too. Read on to find out what things are a real erection killer.
Drinking

You could be getting drinkers droop. Although alcohol can seemingly put you in the mood for some loving. Excessive drinking will affect your ability to get an erection and could stop you from finishing up too. So if you want a bigger boner then you’re going to have put down that pint.

Medication

Some prescribed meds like anti-depressants are known to cause impotence. Blood pressure pills and some allergy medications have also been linked to erectile problems. ED. If you suspect that you’ve been prescribed meds that are affecting your boner then get back in touch with your doc. Ask to try some different drugs. Illicit drugs will also affect your ability to have sex.

Tired

Sometimes you’re just too dog tired to perform. Get some ZZZs and try again in the morning when you’re more refreshed. However, there are a number of sleep disorders that could be affecting the quality of the sleep you’re getting. Issues such as sleep apnea or insomnia are problems that will drastically affect the quality of your rest. See your GP if you’re concerned. If you don’t have a GP, use the NHS website to find one.

Work Stress

Getting turned on whether you’ve got a hundred things on your mind is a near impossibility. Your inability to get hard might be because of your work stress, financial woes or even family issues. Working out, yoga, mindfulness and breathing exercises are brilliant ways to reduce your stress load. When your mental problems are being dealt with, so you are your erection problems. It’s all linked.

Getting fat

CREDIT: ©-tish1-Depositphotos

Yep, an expanding waistline is really unhelpful to your manhood. Obese guys have lower levels of testosterone which plays havoc with your sexual prowess. Being overweight is also linked to blood pressure issues and arteries hardening, which can lead to a reduction in the blood flow to your penis. Also, have you heard of the FUPA (Fat Upper Pubic Area)? Wondering if your penis is getting smaller with age… this might be the reason.

Make sure you keep within your healthy BMI for a body that’s in perfect working order.

Smoking

We all know it’s bad for you… it’s also bad for your penis and can cause havoc giving you erection problems. It damages the blood vessels which inhibits the blood flow. Worryingly smoking can also shrink your dick too. So quit today.

Getting enough Vitamin D?

If you’re not getting enough sunshine your body won’t be creating Vitamin D which can cause your testosterone levels to plummet and testosterone is very important in maintaining a healthy boner and ridding your life of erection problems. Without a healthy level of testosterone, you’re effectively killing off your love mood. Getting just 15 minutes of sunlight on your skin is all you need to keep your Vit D levels up.

Are your teeth clean?

Men were three times more likely to have ED if they had gum disease a Turkish study found. The British Dental Health Foundation found that 4 out of five guys who had “severe ED” also had gum disease. This is caused by the bacteria from your diseased gums seeping into your bloodstream which damages your blood vessels.

Stop your mid-day fumbles?

Are you getting off during the day? Maybe you need to get a check on that and save yourself for the big event later on. When we’re younger climaxing more than once a day (or five) was achievable, as you get older you might finder it harder to keep it… So save yourself.

Don’t do it last thing at night…

One of the biggest causes of erection problems is timing. Why wait until you’re about as tired as you’re going to get? F**K first – then dinner, then TV then bed. Get the good stuff while you still have the energy!
25th February 2017
3 problems you’re not weird for worrying about

When it comes to your health, there might be certain things that you want to keep close to your chest for fear of being judged if you were to speak up.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

But, let’s be honest – it’s likely that what you’re going through has happened to someone else. So, instead of putting your wellbeing on the back burner, it might be time to face up to your health woes. In this article, we take a look at three problems that you’re not weird for worrying about and what you can do to solve them once and for all.

1. Erectile dysfunction

CREDIT: Yastremska-bigstock

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man is unable to get or maintain an erection. This condition can be extremely embarrassing, and it can have a huge impact on your sex life and relationship with your partner. However, while your ED might leave you feeling down, you should realise that you’re not alone. ED is a very common problem. In fact, it’s estimated that 50 per cent of guys between the ages of 40 and 70 will have it at some point. That being said, ED should never be ignored. The condition could be a sign of a much more serious health complaint, such as heart disease, so it’s crucial that you get yourself checked out if your ED lasts for more than a couple of weeks. Treating the underlying cause of your ED could help relieve your symptoms, as well as improving your overall health and wellbeing.

There are also a number of targeted treatments you could try. For example, Viagra is a commonly used prescription medicine that can help men gain and maintain an erection that is sufficient for sex. It works by increasing the flow of blood to the penis, which produces an erection. For more information about Viagra, you could visit trusted online sources such as Online Doctor LloydsPharmacy, or you could speak to your doctor.

2. Premature ejaculation

CREDIT: bigstock-twinsterphoto

Premature ejaculation (PE) refers to a man ejaculating too soon during sex and many guys will have experienced this to some degree. If it happens now and again, PE isn’t usually a major cause for concern, and it’s also important to remember there are no set rules when it comes to how long you should last during sex. However, if you find that your PE is becoming a regular occurrence and it’s starting to affect your enjoyment between the sheets, you might start to worry that there’s something wrong.

It’s not always clear why PE occurs, but it’s thought that there are a number of factors that could lie at the root of the problem. For example, it could be linked to a physical health issue, such as prostate or thyroid problems, or it could be linked to depression, stress and anxiety.

The good news is, there are a variety of things you can try to help solve the problem. If a physical problem underlies your PE, it’s crucial to seek advice from a doctor, or if you feel the condition is psychological, you could undergo therapy from a trained specialist. There are a number of treatments you could try too, such as specially designed anaesthetic creams that numb your penis and prescription tablets that can delay the ejaculation impulses in the brain.

3. Hair loss

CREDIT: ©-nd3000-Depositphotos

For many guys, hair loss is a natural part of the ageing process. For instance, male-pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss and it affects nearly half of all men by the time they are 50 years old. While some men don’t mind losing their locks, it can be an extremely difficult and upsetting time for others. If you’re worried about your thinning tresses, don’t panic – you don’t necessarily have to put up with this change if you don’t want to.   For example, if you’re experiencing male-pattern baldness, there are treatments you could try to halt or even reserve your hair loss. Finasteride, for example, is a prescription medicine taken in tablet form that works to stop the hormone testosterone being converted into dihydrotestosterone – the hormone that causes the hair follicles to shrink. Blocking its production means that the follicles have the chance to grow back to their normal size. For more information about finasteride or the other types of hair loss treatments that are available, you should speak to your GP.

This article was brought to you by Lloyds Pharmacy. (What does this mean?)

23rd February 2017
ADVICE| Is my depression medication keeping me from getting an erection?

This week’s sexual health column focuses on the possibility that depression medications cause erectile dysfunction. Pharmacy2U’s Medical Director Dr Nitin Shori takes a closer look.

Dear TGUK,

I’m in my 30s and I’ve been having trouble getting it up. I’m currently on medication for depression so I’m wondering if that’s what’s causing it. I don’t want to come off the depression meds, but my failure at not being able to keep an erection is causing a few issues in the bedroom.

Paul

Dear Paul,

A low sex drive and inability to maintain an erection can be a side effect of many antidepressants. However, depression itself can also cause these same problems.

It’s important that you treat your depression and tackle the underlying factors that might be causing it. If you speak to your GP they may be able to change your medication to one that has less of an affect on your libido or consider whether your depression itself is the cause.

There are also other factors that can affect your sex drive and it may be worth considering them.

Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is a very common condition, particularly among older men.

Stress, anxiety, fatigue and certain health conditions are also common factors in causing impotence, while excessive drug or alcohol miss-use can also affect sexual performance.

Another factor could be age. Testosterone levels naturally start to fall for most men from the age of about 30 or 40.

While many automatically associate testosterone with sexual performance, this powerful hormone has a much wider influence and can often impact on energy levels and motivation, as well as loss of strength and muscle mass.

If the above is ringing bells you can test for testosterone and consider gels or supplements which will boost your levels. You can get testosterone testing kits and prescriptions online if you’re pressed for time to see your doctor and want to rule this out.

There’s also a range of products that can help with erectile dysfunction available online if you want to be discreet, including Viagra.

Given your circumstances, you should discuss your antidepressant medication with your GP before you start exploring other potential causes of impotence.

OTHER QUESTIONS: HIV | WILLY WONDERS | HOLES | DOING IT | STIs | LUMPS & BUMPS | BACK TO SEX CLINIC HOME PAGE

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2nd November 2016
ADVICE | I’m Finding It Hard To Get A Hard On

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

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7th April 2016
Why Do I Wake Up With A Hard On?

Everything you wanted to know about the morning glory.

It’s just a part of life, you wake up and your little fella is already up – aching to be unleashed and go forth into the day, but why do we get these erections?

Here are five reasons you could be waking up with an erection every morning.

1) They aren’t actually morning erections; they are night-time ones, called Nocturnal Penile Tumescence. The average man, without erectile dysfunction, has around three to five full lob ons during the night according to the NHS website, each one lasting up to 35 minutes.

2) It’s thought to be caused by the REM (rapid eye movement) part of your sleep. The part of your brain that releases norepinephrine located in the locus coeruleus is switched off which could result in boners. The REM cycle tends to happen just before you wake up.

3) Testosterone levels are at their highest in the AM, which can be attached to how randy you feel. Although testosterone doesn’t cause your duvet pole, it could make you think naughty thoughts – which will lead to a stiffy.

4) Some people think it’s to stop you wetting the bed… Peeing with a raging horn is more difficult so it can perhaps, some suggest prevent bed-wetting, we’re not convinced.

5) Full bladder, a full bladder could be the reason you’re waking with a stonker. It can stimulate part of the spinal cord that could bring on a reflex erection.

20th January 2016
FEED YOUR PENIS: Amazing recipes to help with Erections and Sex Drive
If low libido or erectile dysfunction is a problem for you then do consult your GP in the first instance. I have designed these recipes around various nutritional elements that have been effective in many areas of a man’s sex life & drive.

The beauty of these recipes is their simplicity. Simple things like salsa, salad, smoothies and even chocolate truffles can be tailored using readily available ingredients to relieve various sexual concerns. Regardless of low libido or wanting the hardest of hard-ons, these are really lovely and easy to follow recipes that can be enjoyed by anyone!

If you do want to utilize food as a natural remedy, then look for foods high in Arginine, Nitric Oxide, Ecdysterone, Bromelain and Boron.

Factors such as not smoking and regularly exercising obviously play a vital role in optimum performance.

Sex Salsa

(Food trend 2015! Sweet & Fiery) | Serves 4 | Prep 15 mins | No Cook

Pineapple contains the enzyme Bromelain, which can improve libido in men.

Pomegranate increases testosterone levels, believed due to its array of antioxidants. Also shows an increase in Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS), which is essentially the same function as medication like Viagra etc.

Garlic a potent testosterone booster, and again increases NOS.

Onions as with garlic, contain allicin that thins your blood and thus improves circulation.

Chilli Capsaicin promotes circulation and endorphins for the feel good factor.

Parsley more antioxidants and a great odour neutraliser for the onion and garlic!

Ingredients.
- ½ pineapple, in small chunks
- 1 pomegranate, seeds of (around 80g)
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 bunch (30g) parsley, chopped
- 1 large red chilli, thinly sliced
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 lime, juice of
Method.

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl, season and serve alongside grilled or barbecued meats or vegetables. Alternatively, go for prawns as these pack Arginine which will increase your NOS levels. Store in an air-tight container for up to 24 hours.
27th May 2015
Why Do I Get Erections Every Morning? Five things guys should know about their junk

Have you any idea why you always wake up with a woody each morning even when you are alone?

Or do you know if it’s really OK for your penis to curve to the side? If you have answered ‘no’ to both of these then you need to check out this video from Buzzfeed who consulted a doctor to ask the questions that every gay man wants to know the answers too.

As gay men, we usually pride ourselves on having a deep intimate knowledge about the male body. Being men logically holds that we’d know a thing or two about the ins and outs of our own physiology, right? The thing is, though, men are notoriously bad about dealing with basic health needs and a lot of what we assume to be true about our bodies is based on false assumptions.

17th April 2015
ADVICE | When he enters me… I lose my erection

Hi guys
I’m having erection issues. I’ve been in relationship for three years and the sex is still great and I get aroused and stiff quickly and solidly but on a number of occasions recently, as soon as he enters me, I lose my erection. What can you advise?
cheers
Jon

Dear Jon,

Thank you for your question. Firstly be reassured that plenty of people have issues like this so you are not alone.

We have a specialist service at 56 Dean Street for people who suffer from erection problems, however, you would need to be referred in by your GP. You can get him to do this directly with a letter, or we have a form which you can collect and ask the GP to fill out before sending it back.

Hopefully, this helps!

Jenna

5th January 2014