Vital tips for erections that last longer

When it comes to getting an erection, most men do just fine but there are some times when things just don’t fall into place no matter how hard you try. The erection is not as hard or last as long as you want. Getting an erection is a complicated procedure which involves your brain, heart and various other factors like anxiety and arousal. Here are some invaluable tips that will help you when it matters the most.

1. Never ever lit a cigarette: People, especially youngsters think that smoking is a cool thing to do but little that they know it affects the sexual life in the worst possible manner. It hardens the arteries and chokes blood supply to the penis. Sexologists say there is a need for people to understand that erection in men has a lot to do with a healthy heart. Passive smokers are most likely to encounter erectile dysfunction as compared to non-smokers.
2. Ditch your drinking habit: All that fun you had while drinking in parties comes at a cost. Medium to heavy drinking is stated to be primary cause for erectile dysfunction. It’s very difficult to obtain an erection when you’re drunk than when you’re normal. Additionally, alcoholism poses serious threat to liver and kidneys which will hamper your sex life.
3. Take an appropriate diet: Eating the right food in right amount is the mantra for a healthy sexual life. Antioxidant packed fruits and vegetables can enhance the quality of erections by augmenting blood flow to the penis. Moreover, when it comes to avoiding what to eat, foods that are bad for your heart are also bad for erections. If eating junk food is interfering with your sexual life then stay away. Junk food may leave you feeling bloated and uneasy.
4. Kegels exercise: Kegels exercises are meant to strengthening muscles of pelvic region and can help you control your bladder and enhance sex life.
5. Don’t think unnecessarily about your performance: A lot of people fail to get an erection because they think too deep of how well they will perform. The stress factor leads to erectile dysfunction and the only way out of it is to stop thinking about it. 

When is the right time to consult a sexologist?

It’s ironic that a country like India which has a deep-rooted history of sex is amongst those where sex is talked about in an inhibited manner. Because it’s considered breaking a law to mention sex-not just in the villages but big, metropolitan cities as well- there are people who suffer from this taboo, both males and females.

Is the significance of sex exaggerated?

Not really. The reticence on sex means our approach is that sex is a crime or an act meant only for pleasure but that’s only half truth. It goes beyond that and if you look at our ancient scriptures you’ll find enough evidence. Sex was looked upon as a path towards spirituality and more. In layman terms, sex is like any other body function-just as body requires, food, water, sleep, air, it needs sex too. Homo sapiens are glued to this approach and it affects our overall health and mind.

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The jaw-dropping element of this mentality is that health problems involving sex are flushed down the gutter. These issues include premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, discomfort during intercourse, vaginismus, low libido etc. Even though treatable to a great extent, issues related to sexual dysfunction needs to be addressed by a sexologist first, which is where people are reluctant. They either feel it’s not serious or too embarrassed to discuss.

How do we detect a problem?

Some of the problems men face includes low sex drive, inability to achieve orgasm, lack of ejaculation, recurring erection. Sexual dysfunction in women unfolds in the form of reduced desire to have sex, pain during intercourse, lack of orgasm etc.

What is the potential cause of sexual dysfunction?

Sexologists explain that in men, erectile dysfunction occurs when blood flow gets disrupted, stress, performance anxiety and nerve disorders. Diabetes, high blood pressure and certain medication are linked to loss of libido. There are other causes as well, but these are common. In females, changes in hormonal activity like after birth or post-menopause are linked to sexual dysfunction.

When and why you require professional opinion?

The answer’s simple; when your sex life is in trouble and hinders with other aspects of life. You may not get to know about the problem, so it is important to discuss with a sex therapist no matter how small the issue seems to be. It’s unfortunate that in India, sexual problems are given a low preference but it’s quintessential to understand that it can affect you in multiple ways.

Treatment

The treatment commences with normal tests and examinations. In males, treatment may involve medications such as Viagra, hormonal assistance, penile implant and psychological therapy. For women, treatment may involve hormonal replacement therapy, topical oestrogen and surgery.

Not all treatments are suited to everyone and they possess some risk. Hence, it’s better to put up the right questions before your sexologist to get a clear view. Besides regular treatment, couple therapy is known to be equally effective.

Can I contribute in making my sex life healthy?

Of course you can. The fitter you are the better sex life you enjoy. In broader terms, this means no smoking, limited alcohol consumption, taking appropriate sleep, exercising regularly and following a healthy diet.