5 Things a Weak Erection is Telling You

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. So if your erection is not able to satisfy you and/or your partner, you may have ED.
If your erection is weak, bedroom performance might not be the only problem that you are suffering from. It might be an indicator of another health condition.

What is Erectile Dysfunction

How Do I know If I have Erectile Dysfunction?

You can also use the below following questions to help yourself in determining whether you could possibly be suffering from Erectile Dysfunction:

1 – Almost never, (1 point)

2 –  A few times, (2 points)

3 – Sometimes, (3 points)

4 – Most times, (4 points)

5 – Almost always, (5 points)

 

Questions:

  • How confident do you feel that you can get and keep an erection?
  • When you have erections, how often are they hard enough for sex?
  • Were you able to maintain your erection after penetration?
  • Were you able to maintain your erection until orgasm?
  • Are you satisfied with your sex life?

If you scored between 1-7 points, you likely have severe Erectile Dysfunction.
8-11 points moderate Erectile Dysfunction, 12-16 points are mild to moderate Erectile Dysfunction, 17-21 mild Erectile Dysfunction and lastly 21-25 points no Erectile Dysfunction.

Below are the top 5 things that a weak erection may be telling you.

1. Diabetes

Men with type 2 diabetes tend to develop ED 10-15 years earlier than men without diabetes.
As men with diabetes age, the occurrence of ED becomes more common. 50-60% of men above 50 years of age with diabetes gets problem with erection. For those above 70, more than 95% are affected.
Diabetes may damage nerves, blood vessels that control erection. So having a weak erection may be an indicator of diabetes.

2. Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the top causes of weak erections.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that 49% of men between 40-79 years of age with high blood pressure had erectile dysfunction. Another study in Journal of Urology found that 68% of men with hypertension had some degree of erectile dysfunction.
Hypertension affects the blood flow and the normal physiology of the male erection. On a side note, some drugs used to treat hypertension may also cause ED. So do speak to your physician if you are experiencing weak erection and on anti-hypertensive medication.

3. Low testosterone

If your weak erection is also accompanied by other symptoms like low libido, low energy levels, low mood, you might be suffering from low levels of testosterone. Testosterone production slows down as men age. On top of that, there are other lifestyle factors that may also affect testosterone levels like physical activity, obesity, stress levels etc.
Do seek advice from a doctor who is familiar with treatments of testosterone deficiency. Check your levels and seek advise whether testosterone replacement may help with your condition.

4. Heart Disease

There is a very strong link between erectile dysfunction and heart disease. Many studies have shown that men with heart disease have a higher chance of having ED.
In one study, 57% of men who had bypass surgery and 64% men who had a heart attack, had ED. On the other hand, having ED also puts you at high risk of developing heart disease.
Heart disease can be detected early or prevented with regular health screening and also healthy lifestyle habits. Keeping a healthy weight, regular physical activity, healthy balanced diet are some of the ways to prevent heart disease. If you do have other chronic diseases like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, do get treated and get them under controlled.
Read: Getting Heart Attack at a Young Age

5. Depression

Depression is a condition that is indicated by persistent sadness, a feeling of hopelessness and a pessimistic outlook.
Symptoms of depression include:

  • Fatigue
  • Loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities
  • Low self-esteem
  • Changes in appetite
  • Apathy
  • Sleep disturbances

In cases of depression in men, sometimes it may not be as easily recognised as in women. Men who are depressed may spend more time talking about physical symptoms than their emotions.
One of the physical symptoms that may happen is ED. Journal of Sexual Medicine published a review of 42 studies looking at ED and depression. It was reported that men with depression had a 39% increase risk for ED.
So a weak erection may also mask an underlying psychological condition like depression.

All in All

The above 5 things are an indication that a weak erection may be a symptom to another condition that you are suffering from. So don’t be too quick to brush it off or just solve it with a pill, speak to a doctor who is experienced with managing ED and make sure you don’t have an underlying medical condition.
If you need to speak to our doctors, please visit our men’s clinics.  Alternatively, you can email us hello@dtapclinic.com.sg or call us for an appointment.
Take Care.


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