I struggle to achieve an erection during sex, but I constantly wake up with erections. Do I have erectile dysfunction?

The brain is a powerful thing. It controls your loves, your hates, and everything in between. In addition to playing a deciding factor on your feelings on Law and Order and Scandal, it can ultimately affect various aspects of your body including, yes, your erection. As a result, when a man struggles with erectile issues, the root cause isn’t always physical in nature; rather, it could be caused by a hang-up in the old grey matter. But how do you determine if your erectile issues are caused by physical or mental issues? Easy: Take note of when you achieve an erection.

For physically induced ED, you’ll likely to struggle to achieve an erection at all times. If you find you cannot achieve an erection during sex, but you also find that you no loner wake up with erections occasionally, this is a solid indicator that your erectile issues come from a physical issue; i.e., heart issues, recent weight gain, blockage in your arteries, etc.

But if you find that you can occasionally achieve an erection with a partner or by yourself, this indicates that your erectile woes stem from a mental issue. As the body is known to subconsciously produce an erection while a man is sleeping, if you wake up with erections, this proves that everything internally is working as it should and that your ED is all in your head.

Be it depression, anxiety, anger, or stress, your feelings can sometimes override your brain and present your brain from pursuing certain functions, such as the achieving an erection.

So yes, if you can achieve an erection unconsciously but struggle to achieve an erection in a sexual situation, you are dealing with erectile dysfunction, albeit ED that is all in your head.

Work with a mental health professional to get to the root of your ED, work together to confront these feelings, and you’ll be ED free in no time.

Can penis enlargement pills cause erectile dysfunction?

We all know the old saying: “It’s not the size of the boat, it’s the motion of the ocean.” But while some men are perfectly happy with the size of their boat, others find that the motion of the ocean just isn’t enough; no, for these men, it’s all about boat size. Thus, thousands of men turn to penis enlargement drugs, little pills that purport to add length and girth to any penis. As these men turn to suspicious brands bearing dubious ingredient lists, they may believe they are working towards a larger penis, but could they actually be putting themselves on the fast track to erectile dysfunction?

Thankfully for men loading up on penis enlargement pills, the answer is no. No studies have found a link between the usage of penis enlargement drugs and erectile dysfunction.

But it isn’t because penis enlargement drugs are safe for the erection; rather, penis enlargement drugs won’t cause ED because they just don’t work.

While there might be thousands of pills, creams, and potions said to increase a man’s penis size, the honest truth is that none of these cure-alls have been found to permanently increase penis size.

These drugs work by engorging the spongy erectile tissue within the penis with blood, which causes a man to achieve an erection faster. From there, the mind takes over: With their newly achieved erection, men convince themselves that their penis appears bigger.

But there isn’t a single over-the-counter penis enlargement drug on the market that will actually increase the size of your penis. While it’s certainly a relief that these drugs don’t cause erectile dysfunction, they also don’t cause bigger penises.

So instead of fretting about the possibility of shady penile enhancement drugs causing ED, learn to love what you’ve been given and avoid the snake oil penis growth market.

Is it safe to take erectile dysfunction drugs if I don’t have erectile dysfunction?

For many men, erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra and Cialis are not wanted, but needed. For these men, the little extra push that these pills give them is what stands between a happy sex life and feelings of self-doubt and depression. But thanks to ED drugs seemingly mythical properties, more and more men are coming to view these drugs not as sex assistors but as sex boosters. To these men, these little pills are seen as a way to become a sexual Superman; if you were to ask these men, they would tell you that Viagra instantly makes you rock hard, helps you to last for hours, and gives you the best orgasm of your life.

But this isn’t true. Despite popular misconception, erectile dysfunction drugs do not enhance a man’s sexual performance. Rather, ED drugs simply help a man to do what once came natural but now requires a little assistance. ED drugs open up the arteries in the body, enhancing blood flow, which makes it easier for the penis to take on blood and achieve an erection.

But this erection still needs to be achieved the old fashioned way. Once achieved, the man will only be able to last as long in bed as he normally would. Viagra and Cialis won’t turn him into a sexual dynamo; instead, it will just let him get down to business.

As such, erectile dysfunction drugs are supremely helpful to men that struggle with ED. But for men with perfectly fine erections that are simply looking for an enhancer, erectile dysfunction drugs aren’t the solution you are hoping for. Taking ED drugs without ED certainly isn’t dangerous; but it really doesn’t prove any purpose.

I am a man that regularly views pornography. Is it true that constantly watching porn puts me at a higher risk of developing premature ejaculation?

It’s a tale as old as the pornography industry itself: According to legend, men that tend to watch and, ahem, “enjoy” porn more are putting themselves on the fast track to developing issues in bed. The old wives’ tale purports that the consistent viewing of porn causes the development of premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and, eventually, the loss of use of the erection entirely. But this legend can’t possibly be true, right? After all, a rumor this ridiculous has to be entirely fictional, right?

Well, you’d be 2/3 right. While watching pornography of course can’t cause erectile dysfunction or the complete loss of erectile control, it can in fact put men at a higher risk of developing issues with premature ejaculation.

But it isn’t the porn itself that causes the PE; rather, it’s how your body interprets porn and your enjoyment of it.

When a man masturbates to porn, it is typically not a sensuous, drawn-out affair; rather, it’s all about quick pleasure. Men treat masturbation as a race to the finish line, and your brain will pick up on this and translate this feeling into the bedroom.

As men rush to reach orgasm while masturbating to porn, the brain will begin to sense this habit and will bring it into intercourse. Thanks to the brain, men that regularly masturbate to porn will find it harder to last in bed. The brain will no longer interpret sex as a loving, time consuming activity; instead, thanks to constant masturbation, it will see the act as a means to reach orgasm quickly.

So, yes, constant exposure to porn and masturbation really can put your sex life at risk. It won’t cause your erection to up and stop working, but it will cause you to struggle to last between the sheets.

There is nothing wrong with the viewing of pornography or the act of masturbation, but like all things in life, it’s all about moderation. Enjoy these activities once in a while (experts suggest that once or twice every week or two is healthy), and your bodies ability to last in intercourse should come roaring back.

I am a man that regularly views pornography. Is it true that constantly watching porn puts me at a higher risk of developing premature ejaculation?

It’s a tale as old as the pornography industry itself: According to legend, men that tend to watch and, ahem, “enjoy” porn more are putting themselves on the fast track to developing issues in bed. The old wives’ tale purports that the consistent viewing of porn causes the development of premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and, eventually, the loss of use of the erection entirely. But this legend can’t possibly be true, right? After all, a rumor this ridiculous has to be entirely fictional, right?

Well, you’d be 2/3 right. While watching pornography of course can’t cause erectile dysfunction or the complete loss of erectile control, it can in fact put men at a higher risk of developing issues with premature ejaculation.

But it isn’t the porn itself that causes the PE; rather, it’s how your body interprets porn and your enjoyment of it.

When a man masturbates to porn, it is typically not a sensuous, drawn-out affair; rather, it’s all about quick pleasure. Men treat masturbation as a race to the finish line, and your brain will pick up on this and translate this feeling into the bedroom.

As men rush to reach orgasm while masturbating to porn, the brain will begin to sense this habit and will bring it into intercourse. Thanks to the brain, men that regularly masturbate to porn will find it harder to last in bed. The brain will no longer interpret sex as a loving, time consuming activity; instead, thanks to constant masturbation, it will see the act as a means to reach orgasm quickly.

So, yes, constant exposure to porn and masturbation really can put your sex life at risk. It won’t cause your erection to up and stop working, but it will cause you to struggle to last between the sheets.

There is nothing wrong with the viewing of pornography or the act of masturbation, but like all things in life, it’s all about moderation. Enjoy these activities once in a while (experts suggest that once or twice every week or two is healthy), and your bodies ability to last in intercourse should come roaring back.

I tend to drink 2-3 cups of coffee every morning. Can too much coffee cause erectile dysfunction?

For some men, the morning simply cannot be faced until coffee has been consumed. While many have no problem rising from slumber to face the day, many men turn to the dark, caffeinated pleasures of coffee to get adjusted to the day. And while many are perfectly fine with a single cup of coffee, others require multiple cups to make it through the day. For these men, coffee is a delicious, totally required step to taking on the day. But could all of this coffee be putting men at risk of developing erectile dysfunction?

While many men think that regularly consuming coffee increases a man’s chances of developing erectile issues, extensive research has found the opposite to be true: In fact, men that drink coffee often may actually be at a lower risk of developing erectile dysfunction.

According to a study published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE, researchers revealed that extensive research has linked regular coffee intake is linked to reduced chances of developing erectile dysfunction.

In the study, researcher fond that men that consumed the equivalent of 85-170 mg of caffeine (the equivalency of 2-3 cups of coffee) a day were 42% less likely to develop erectile dysfunction. But in a surprise revelation, research found that men who drank between 171-303 mg of caffeine (the equivalency of 5-6 cups of coffee) were only 39% less likely to develop ED.

So while coffee and the caffeine it contains might be helpful to staving off erectile dysfunction, too much of a good thing can actually decrease a man’s chances of avoiding ED.

So, no, regular coffee consumption does not spell death for your sex life. Rather, a cup or two of black coffee a day may just make the difference in saving your erection.

I’m a 60 year old man that has recently started dating again. How do I tell my new partner about my erectile dysfunction?

As men age, their bodies tend to encounter a litany of problems: Creaky joints, stiff back, diminished hearing, and, yes, erectile dysfunction. It’s true: Research has found that men over 40 are 3 times more likely to develop erectile dysfunction then their 18-29 year old counterparts. As ED becomes more prevalent in aging men, conversations concerning erectile woes also become more common. But just because it’s a necessary conversation doesn’t make it any easier to have; after all, talking with anyone, regardless of age, about ED can feel very embarrassing. So how is an older men supposed to tell a new partner about his erectile dysfunction?

Dating is hard enough without bringing erectile dysfunction into the mix. But for many older men, ED is a fact of life, and must be discussed with possible new sexual partners.

As such, follow the following tips when telling your new partner about your ED:

Don’t beat around the bush: Instead of holding off on telling the truth about your ED, but straight forward and honest. Discuss how often you deal with ED, and discuss how you tend to handle ED when it occurs.

Remember there are workarounds: Stress that ED doesn’t mean no sex at all; rather, you’ll just have to follow some guidelines when engaging in sexual activity. Ask your partner to be patient and understanding.

Discuss options: From pills that get to work immediately to pills that take a while to kick in, there are plenty of drug options for addressing ED. Talk frankly with your partner about how you can address ED and sex.

Remember: It can be awkward to discuss ED, but for older men, it’s a necessary evil. Be open, be honest, and be understanding, and you and your new partner should have no problem working around your ED to achieve a wonderful, fulfilling sex life.

Are there any exercises I can do to combat erectile dysfunction?

When erectile dysfunction rears its ugly head, men tend to scramble for a solution. Many turn to medication, while others look inwardly for solutions. But for some men, erectile dysfunction is just another issue to be overcome by working out. For these men, there isn’t a body problem that can’t be solved with twenty curls or a solid set of burpees. But can erectile dysfunction really be defeated with exercise? Is there a way to beat ED by working out?

Well yes, but not in the traditional sense. You see, erectile dysfunction isn’t a problem that can be defeated with barbells and pull-ups; rather, if you want to use exercise to overcome your ED, you need to focus on a very specific muscle group: Your pelvic floor.

The pelvic floor is the collection of muscles found in the pelvis. This bundle is responsible for controlling urinary flow, the pumping of semen, the achieving of erections, and other penile-based activities. And by toning this muscle group, you can help your body to overcome ED.

This is done by pinpointing your pelvic floor muscles. While peeing, halt the stream. Feel those muscles tightening? Those are the muscles you’re interested in.

After establishing the location of your pelvic floor muscles, lay down and tighten this muscle cluster. Hold it for two seconds, and relax. From there, do 10 reps of these muscle tightens, catch your breath, and then continue to reps in sets of 10 until you feel tired.

By doing this every day, you can eventually tighten and tone this vital muscle group, which can assist your body in achieving an erection.

So, no, there isn’t an exercise set for ED that involves curling or lifting, but this simple muscle targeting exercise could be the way to save your erection.

Can workout enhancers cause erectile dysfunction?

For men that are serious about their workouts, pumping iron isn’t just a way to get in shape; it’s a way to sculpt the body into a perfect pile of muscle and mass. For these men, working out is all about the pursuit of bigger: Bigger arms, bigger legs, bigger everything. But as the body struggles to reach top physical condition on its own, workout enthusiasts tend to utilize “workout enhancers.” These enhancers, typically sold at gyms and GNC, help in a variety of ways, from serving as a protein enhancer to helping the body to stitch hurt muscles back together faster. But by utilizing these workout enhancers, could men be trading out bigger muscles for less luck achieving an erection?

Well, that depends. Utilizing workout enhancers does not mean the end of your erection. In fact, certain workout enhancers, such as Muscle Milk and other similar protein-heavy drinks, does not present any risk to the body, and can truly help a man with his workout. This is due to the fat that protein drinks simply load a man up with amino acids and similar protein-rich vitamins, which are definitely not harmful to the body, allowing the body to achieve mass quick.

But other workout enhancers, such as the popular “pre-workout enhancer” category of supplements, have been found to lead to issues with the erection. These supplements load the body up with creatine and caffeine, giving the user energy to power through a workout.

But in excess, creatine and caffeine have been found to cause issues with the erection. These stimulants can lead to issues with the heart and with blood flow, causing the penis to struggle to receive the blood necessary to achieve an erection.

So, no, workout enhancers are not a cart blanche guarantee for erectile dysfunction. But be careful what enhancer you end up using; if its one rich in elements such as caffeine and creatine, erectile dysfunction could be right around the corner.

I just started getting serious with a girl, and I find myself struggling to achieve an erection. Can you develop erectile dysfunction from relationship anxiety?

Whether it’s a man and a woman, a man and a man, or a woman and a woman, one thing is universal about relationships: Anxiety. For many men, settling into a relationship can be nerve racking; after all, transitioning from a swinging bachelor to a committed partner can be a jarring change. And while relationships are fulfilling and rewarding in a way the single life can never be, many men struggle with settling down. In fact, many men find committed relationships so nail biting that it causes the development of erectile dysfunction.

This is due to anxiety, and the way the brain interprets extreme feelings such as anxiety. Whether it’s a new relationship or the possibility of a promotion at work, anxiety has a way of weaseling into a person’s mind, becoming an all-consuming feeling.

As a man becomes consumed with focusing on the subject that is causing anxiety, the brain will subconsciously begin to prioritize the anxiety. As the anxiety becomes prioritized, the brain will struggle to focus on other, non-anxiety related activities, including sex.

Yes, the erection depends upon brain signals to work, and too much stress can actually cause the signals needed for an erection to get lost in the shuffle. A man’s brain can become some preoccupied with anxiety that the brain actually neglects important signals for pleasure, leading to the development of erectile dysfunction.

And it isn’t just anxiety that causes erectile issues; depression, guilt, and a litany of feelings can lead to ED by becoming too important in the brain.

So, yes, a newfound relationship can lead to a lifetime of happiness, but it can also lead to anxiety-induced erectile dysfunction. If you find yourself struggling to consistently achieve an erection, seek help from a mental health professional, and you can confront and overcome these feelings.