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Soft Erection Causes-What You Need to Know?

Gina, Master of Clinical Pharmacy
Published

LAST UPDATED:

Soft Erection Causes

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent sexual health condition affecting men across the globe.

It is a common sexual condition experienced by most men where they cannot get an erection during sexual intercourse.

On the other hand, some men may get erections that are not hard enough or soft to have sex. 

Soft erections could be the result of several physical and psychological factors.

Sometimes unhealthy lifestyle choices may also contribute to it.

This article will dive into the soft erection causes and ways to overcome weak erections.

What is a soft erection

Man covering his groin with hands
A soft erection often times does not attain full hardness

A soft erection, also known as a less firm or less rigid erection, is a sexual erection that is not as stiff or hard as intended. 

Due to increased blood flow to the erectile tissues, the penis becomes larger, stiff, and rigid during a normal erection. 

A soft erection, on the other hand, may not attain the necessary amount of hardness, which can have an influence on sexual performance and enjoyment.

Soft erection is one of the common symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction

It is distinguished by a penis that is not fully erect or turns flaccid during sexual activity, making sexual intercourse challenging.

What causes a soft erection

Several conditions, including physical and psychological issues, can cause a soft erection. 

Underlying health conditions like cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, and hormone imbalances can lead to soft erections.

Also, some neurological disorders, or adverse reactions to medications are examples of physical factors causing soft erections. 

Stress, Anxiety, Depression, relationship problems, and performance anxiety are among the psychological components.

Apart from these physical and psychological factors, several lifestyle choice can lead to soft erections during sexual intercourse.

These include smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, imbalanced diet, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Suggestion
If you are experiencing difficulty attaining or keeping a firm erection, consult a healthcare expert or urologist.

Physical causes

Poor blood flow to the penis is a usual cause of soft erections. 

Cardiovascular illnesses, Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, and Obesity are among the conditions that can impair blood flow.

Soft erection could also result from neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injury that damage the nerves involved in the erection process. 

Apart from this, low testosterone levels might impact erectile function. 

Testosterone is a crucial hormone in sexual desire and the capacity to acquire and sustain an erection.

Diabetes or high blood sugar levels can also cause damage to blood vessels and nerves, resulting in issues with blood flow and nerve function, contributing to soft erections.

Some medicines, including antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure meds, and prostate cancer therapies, might impair erectile performance.

Psychological causes

Anxiety over sexual performance, such as the worry of disappointing a partner or being unable to obtain or maintain an erection durimg sexual intercourse can cause difficulty in getting an erection.

Excessive Stress, Depression, Anxiety, or other mental health issues can all impact sexual functioning.

These conditions can potentially upset the balance of neurotransmitters and hormones involved in sexual desire and erection.

Sometimes relationship concerns, such as communication problems, unsolved disputes, a lack of emotional connection, or diminished sexual desire between partners, can all lead to soft erections.

Warning:
Erectile Dysfunction can be a warning sign of other health conditions. Consult your doctor immediately.

Lifestyle factors

A group of healthy food lying on the tableSource: marilyna
Healthy lifestyle along with a nutritious diet can help in maintaining an active sexual health

A lack of physical exercise and a sedentary lifestyle can result in poor cardiovascular health, weight gain, and decreased blood flow, all of which can impair erectile performance.

Also, a diet heavy in processed foods, saturated fats, and refined sugars can lead to Obesity, high cholesterol, and poor blood circulation, all of which can affect erectile performance. 

Being overweight or obese boosts the chances of having soft erection.

Excess body weight can cause hormonal imbalances, lower testosterone levels, and decreased blood flow, all of which can contribute to soft erection.

On the other hand, tobacco can destroy blood arteries and lowers blood flow, increasing the likelihood of getting soft erections. 

Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes can also interfere with Nitric Oxide synthesis, a chemical required for obtaining and sustaining an erection.

Excessive alcohol intake can interfere with the body’s hormone levels, damage the liver, and disrupt the nervous system, all of which can lead to soft erections. 

By lowering arousal and sensitivity, alcohol can also impede sexual performance.

Recreational substance usage, such as Cocaine, Heroin, or Amphetamines, can affect sexual function. 

These substances can decrease blood flow and alter the normal functioning of the neurological system, making it challenging to acquire or sustain an erection.

Ways to overcome soft erection

There are efficient strategies to get and remain hard for males who can only obtain a soft erection or have trouble sustaining long-lasting erections.

Traditional natural supplements such as ginseng and Yohimbe are occasionally prescribed. 

Still, the effectiveness of ED medications such as Vardenafil, Sildenafil, and Tadalafil has effectively become the first line of treatment and has changed ED therapies. 

Several men have experienced success with these medications, and they believe it is the most straightforward approach to manage soft erections.

These medicines enhance the blood flow to the penis, aiding in firm and long-lasting erections.

Alprostadil is yet another medication used to treat ED

It relaxes the penile muscles and blood arteries.

Clinical investigations have demonstrated that topical Alprostadil cream can improve erectile function, although the medication does not treat Erectile Dysfunction or boost sexual desire. 

Additionally, Alprostadil is more successful in treating ED’s neurologic and vascular causes. 

Alprostadil injections and suppositories are also used to treat Erectile Dysfunction in addition to topical cream. 

Vacuum pumps and surgical techniques such as penile implant operations are options for men who don’t react to ED medications or choose free-of-medication ED therapies.

Besides the approaches mentioned above certain lifestyle modifications can also enhance general health and support better erectile function. 

These include regular exercise, a good diet, weight control, limiting consumption of drugs and alcohol, and quitting smoking.

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Conclusion

Soft erection is one of the common symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction. 

Soft erection causes include physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors or a combination of these.

Addressing soft erections frequently necessitates a complex strategy.

Lifestyle modifications, managing stress, ED medications, vacuum pumps, and penile implants are all possible treatment options to overcome soft erections.

To deal with and overcome soft erections consult a certified healthcare expert.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes an erection to be soft?

Several physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors can lead to soft erections. Physical factors include certain health conditions, medications, neurological disorders, and hormonal imbalances. Stress, Depression, anxiety, and relationship issues all constitute psychological factors. Lifestyle causes include smoking, poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and excessive alcohol intake.

Is it normal for a guy to go soft so much?

Periodic occurrences of mild erections are typical and may not always indicate a significant underlying problem. Men occasionally have variances in their capacity to obtain or sustain an erection due to diverse causes, including exhaustion, stress, Anxiety, or mood swings. However, if a guy frequently has trouble getting or keeping an erection, it may indicate Erectile Dysfunction.

How are soft erections handled?

Lifestyle modifications, medications, vacuum pumps, and penile implants are potential approaches to treat soft erections.

Why do you have soft erections?

This is generally brought on by Stress, exhaustion, or too much alcohol, and there is no need to be concerned. It could also be a side effect of some medicines. A disease like high blood pressure or high cholesterol may be blamed if this recurs frequently.

Is a weak erection reversible?

Surgery or medication can often be used to treat ED. Without medicine, a person might be able to treat the underlying problem and symptoms.  Depending on the individual, the appropriate course of action may vary.

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