How to help get and maintain an erection

Going soft below the belt from time to time can happen. But when these issues go from occasional guest star to recurring character in the bedroom, it could be a sign of something underlying.

In fact, 4.3 million men in the UK are estimated to experience erectile dysfunction (ED)––often caused by conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, depression or anxiety, and hormonal problems. The good news is, these erectile issues can often be treatable.

Speaking of treatment, there are several practical things you can do to help make a difference to the quality of your erections––from lifestyle changes and medication options, to spicing things up with a partner. In this article we’ll cover a few of the steps that may help you get (and stay) hard.

Why you might have difficulty getting an erection

Erections are complex reflexes. The penis hardens due to its muscles relaxing and filling the spongy tissue inside the penis with blood, often because of sexual arousal through sensory or mental stimulation. However, it’s normal for erections to come and go during sex, even if both partners are having a good time.

These fluctuations can occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it might be that you’ve gone a little overboard with alcohol––or maybe you’re just feeling too tired to get in the mood. It can be normal for men to lose their erections from time-to-time.

If you’re going soft more frequently, this could be a sign of ED. In an estimated 90% of such cases, men will have at least one underlying physical cause behind their erection troubles. For example, when a person suffers from a condition that affects blood flow in their body, like high blood pressure or diabetes, this can make getting or maintaining an erection, well… hard.

But arousal is also psychological, so if there’s something wrong upstairs, it may be reflected downstairs. Factors like stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem can also interfere with your ability to stay hard as they may activate the body’s “fight or flight” response. Plus, as stress hormones like cortisol rise, your erection may be more likely to fall.

How you can get erect more easily

Some of us might wish that getting an erection was as easy as flipping a switch. But there is an art to building and maintaining arousal which shouldn’t be skipped over.

Build arousal before penetration

A heavy make out session isn’t just good for the soul, it can be good for your erection too. Taking in the sight, smell, feel, and taste of your partner’s body acts as a sensory stimulus to the brain, with signals being sent to the nervous system to make you aroused. From there, more blood starts to flow to the penis leading to an erection.

Our top tip? Don’t rush things, let arousal happen naturally without thinking of penetration as the eventual goal. And only move onto penetration if/when you’re feeling ready.

Use stimulation that works for you

Sex doesn’t have to mean the same thing for everyone. One person might respond better to physical touch, while another can get aroused by visual stimulation alone. At the end of the day, experimentation is key, so try playing with pressure, rhythm, and pace. Then once you’ve found a play routine that works for you, stick to it.

Reduce pressure to perform

We’ve all fluffed up a work presentation or embarrassed ourselves in a karaoke booth due to performance anxiety––the same thing may happen in between the sheets. And the more you worry about whether you’ll be able to rise to the occasion, the less likely you may be to do exactly that… and suddenly, you may get stuck in a self-reinforcing anxious cycle.

If you experience this, it can be helpful to remove the idea of penetration as the ultimate goal, instead focus on intimacy beyond erections. And don’t forget, non-penetrative sex can be great sex!

How to help improve your erections

It’s not just about your ability to get hard, it’s about the quality and firmness of your erection when you’re most aroused. And there are a couple of factors influencing this…

Improve blood flow and sensitivity

Ensuring good blood flow to the penis is crucial for proper erectile function. When a man becomes aroused, the blood vessels in his penis dilate and fill with blood, causing it to become rigid. Certain conditions that affect blood flow, like high blood pressure, may affect your ability to achieve a natural erection.

But beyond treating underlying medical issues, there are several things you can do to help maintain healthy blood flow throughout your body––for example, staying hydrated, exercising, or stopping smoking.

Increase arousal

Erections typically happen when arousal occurs––something you can build using the tips above. Try spicing things up in the bedroom by using different techniques, testing out a new position, or even bringing a toy into the mix. Plus, make sure to use lubricant to reduce friction and increase sensation throughout.

How to help maintain an erection for longer

Getting hard is one thing, but staying hard is another. To help with this, it’s all about pacing yourself…

Manage timing and pacing

Don’t treat your hard-on like you’re on the clock––take things slow, try alternating your rhythm and intensity, and pause when you need to…without having to stop sex completely.

Get creative with stimulation

Work on combining yours (or your partner’s) hands, mouth, feet, or whatever body part floats your boat.

Use cock rings and condoms

There’s no shame in asking for help from a friend…or an inanimate object. While not a treatment for ED, cock rings can help you stay harder for longer by restricting the outflow of blood from the penis, thus retaining blood where it’s needed most––just make sure you’re not wearing it for more than 30 minutes at a time.

When to seek further help

If your symptoms persist even after switching things up in the bedroom, it’s generally recommended to consult a GP or book an appointment at a sexual health clinic.

How can sildenafil help?

Sildenafil is a treatment option for ED. Sildenafil works by temporarily increasing blood flow in the penis––importantly however, you still have to get sexually aroused for it to work.

About Durex Sildenafil

Available to purchase over the counter in Boots UK, Durex Sildenafil is clinically proven to help you get and maintain an erection. It’s suitable for men aged 18 and above who have erectile dysfunction, meaning they cannot get or keep an erection hard enough for sex. Once taken, it gets to work in as little as 25 minutes and can be effective for up to 4 hours, when sexually aroused. However, you must speak to a pharmacist who will ask you questions about your health in order to access it.

Sex beyond erections

Having some erection difficulties may not be the end of the road for your sex life. Whatever the cause––from an underlying physical condition to stress at work––erectile difficulties can often be treatable.

Whether your doctor or pharmacist has suggested medication or not, there are plenty of ways you can explore intimacy that goes beyond erections in the meantime. Discover how our range of products can help.

Durex Sildenafil 50mg film-coated tablets. For erectile dysfunction problems in adult men. Always read the label. Ask your pharmacist if this medicine is suitable for you.

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