Limp dick — the name says it all. A flaccid phallus is not what any man wants to find himself with when he’s ready for intimacy, but limp dick is a common condition that impacts millions of men every year. There are many words to describe this issue, but the proper medical term is erectile dysfunction.

Despite its prevalence, as much as 75% of men never open up about their struggle. They may even go so far as to make up excuses to avoid intimacy. Unfortunately, this alone can lead to anxiety that worsens their erectile dysfunction, not to mention creates a rift in their relationship.

If you are struggling with ED, there are options. But first, it’s important to really understand how erectile dysfunction works. In this post, we’ll explore potential causes of erectile dysfunction, as well as treatment options.

What Is ‘Limp Dick’?

Limp dick is a colloquial term for erectile dysfunction — a medical condition that makes it difficult for a man to get or maintain an erection. Even when he is in the mood, he may have a flaccid penis and struggle to have intercourse. This can have a negative impact on his sex life and mental health.

In some cases, erectile dysfunction is temporary. It could be the side effect of a drug or prescription medication or be linked to anxiety or depression. In others, it may be a persistent issue that requires professional help to overcome.

If you’re desperate for a solution, you aren’t alone. ED can impact men at any age, though it is most prevalent between ages 40 and 70. That being said, there is never a wrong time to reach out for help.

Understanding the Causes

There are many factors that can affect a man’s sexual abilities, including physical issues and psychological ones. Yes, for some men, limp dick is entirely mental. That doesn’t make it less real or worthy of treatment (and it is treatable!)

In other cases, physical conditions or certain medications may contribute to ED. Understanding these factors is the first step toward finding the best solution.

Physical Causes

• Obesity
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Conditions that affect circulation
• Injury to the penis
• Weak or tight pelvic floor
  

Note that while these conditions can cause ED, having one or more does not mean you’re guaranteed to develop erectile dysfunction. However, it can be helpful to discuss your complete medical history with a doctor when looking for solutions, as a condition or injury could be the secret to unlocking your sex life again.

Psychological Causes

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Relationship issues
• Infidelity
• An unhealthy relationship with pornography or masturbation
• Feelings of guilt or shame around sex
• Low self-esteem
• Low self-confidence
  

Some men suffering from anxiety disorders or depression, as well as other mental health issues, may be more prone to developing ED. Unfortunately, those with social anxiety can find that ED worsens their condition, which creates a negative cycle.

Infidelity can also contribute to ED; if you are being unfaithful or have been in the past, this could lead to feelings of guilt or remorse that make it difficult for you to have an erection. Likewise, a partner’s history of cheating could break trust and impact your ability to be intimate with them.

A lack of sex education can also influence men’s sex lives; they may have unrealistic expectations about what sex is “supposed” to be like, placing burdens on themselves to perform that ultimately causes ED.

Why You May Experience ED

There are many reasons why men develop ED. It could be mental blockages, emotional causes, physical reasons, or a combination of both. Treatment for erectile dysfunction involves uncovering the contributing factors to your condition and developing a personalized treatment plan.

The right solution depends on you, your body, and your needs. Viagra may work wonders for some men, but it is not right for everyone. Some may find that by addressing mental health struggles, such as stress, anxiety, or depression, their ED resolves. Others can benefit from speaking with a psychosexual therapist who specializes in helping men overcome issues like ED.

How to Address ED

Seeking help for ED can be embarrassing, and we know that you might even feel like it’s better to look for solutions alone that reveal your struggle. However, this path can ultimately increase stress levels, contribute to depression, build up anxiety, and make you even more likely to struggle with ED.

Consider discussing your issue with a doctor, whether that’s your primary care physician, a urologist, or one of the licensed physicians at Phoenix, Canada’s first-ever telehealth platform devoted specifically for men’s health issues.

Lifestyle Changes to Enhance Erectile Health

In addition to speaking with a doctor, there are other modifications you can make that might improve your erectile dysfunction. Keep in mind that a dynamic treatment plan may work best, and it’s okay to go through some trial and error while you figure out what is right for your body.

Psychosexual Therapy

Psychosexual therapy is performed by a licensed sex therapist. We know, it can feel weird just Googling one near you, but it can make a tremendous difference in your ED and your personal life, especially if you are struggling with fear, guilt, shame, or anxiety around sex.

These professionals are highly trained and know how to help their clients work through difficult, deeply personal feelings in a safe way. They are there to help you address emotions and thoughts impacting your ED, as well as accept the condition so you can find solutions to it.

Quit Using Drugs, Alcohol, or Smoking

Alcohol, drugs like cocaine, and tobacco use can all contribute to erectile dysfunction. Cocaine in particular is famous for causing its own form of ED dubbed ‘coke dick.’ Any type of substance that causes the blood vessels to constrict can impact your erections. The mental effects of certain psychoactive substances can also play a role in ED.

Eat a Well-Balanced Diet

A healthy diet full of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is better for your whole body, including your penile function. Avoid high sugars, red meat, processed foods, and refined grains. A more natural and nutritionally balanced diet can improve circulation and enhance your mental health, energy levels, and general well-being, which is what matters most.

Exercise Regularly

Did you know exercise can improve ED? For example, some of the best exercises for erectile dysfunction involve working the pelvic floor to loosen and strengthen the muscles in this critical part of your body. General exercise is equally important. Walking, running, HIIT, golf, swimming — staying active is an important part of being healthy in every aspect of your life, including your sex life.

Preventing ED

While ED isn’t always preventable, there are many steps you can take to lower your risk of developing erectile dysfunction, such as:

• Reduce alcohol consumption. Drink less alcohol and reduce how often you consume it. Mocktails are all the rage now, and they can be just as good as your favorite drinks without the potential impact on your penis.
• Stop smoking. Men who smoke are twice as likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction.
• Exercise often. The mental and physical benefits of staying active can have a positive impact on your sex life.
• Seek professional help. Whenever you’re coping with issues related to your health or sexual activity, talk to a doctor. They’re there to help. Sparing yourself temporary embarrassment is not worth a lifetime of ED, is it?

Conclusion

Limp dick, or erectile dysfunction, is more common than most men realize. A 2017 study of 3,921 Canadian men between the ages of 40 and 88 found that 49.4% have ED. If you are suffering from any issues with erections, treatment options are available. Namely, prescription medications like Viagra and Cialis can make a profound difference.

Take Back Control From ED With Phoenix

At Phoenix, we want to help you rise again. Our confidential telehealth platform treats men’s health issues including erectile dysfunction and hair loss. Connect with us today to learn more about how we can help.

References

• https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/784343
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction
• https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/ed-how-quit-smoking
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8525522/

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