Not all ED is permanent, and some men experience only temporary erectile dysfunction (impotence). But if you have ED, it's important to see a doctor to find out if it's a temporary or long-term problem.
Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is the inability to get or keep an erection. It can be a frustrating problem, and it can have a negative impact on your relationship and your self-esteem. Caused by a number of things, including stress, anxiety, and certain medications, ED can be a temporary problem or a long-term concern. But it's important to see a doctor if you're experiencing ED, because it could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
Let's take a look at everything you need to know about temporary erectile dysfunction.
What Is Temporary Erectile Dysfunction?
Temporary erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection for sexual activity. It can happen just once or be an ongoing problem. It’s normal to occasionally have trouble getting or keeping an erection. But if it happens frequently, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment.
Some possible causes of temporary ED include:
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Taking certain medications
- Stress or anxiety
- Fatigue
- A temporary medical condition
- A psychological condition such as depression or performance anxiety
Situational Erectile Dysfunction
Situational erectile dysfunction (ED) is when you can get an erection sometimes, but not every time you try. If you have situational ED, it may be due to:
- Performance anxiety: You may be anxious about how well you'll perform sexually. This can be due to worries about your sexual prowess (especially if you're younger), body image, or the ability to please your partner.
- Relationship problems: If you have relationship problems, such as conflict with your partner or your partner's lack of sexual desire, it may be difficult to get or keep an erection.
- Fatigue: Fatigue from work, stress, or other activities can make it difficult to get or keep an erection.
Temporary Erectile Dysfunction Caused by Medications
There are many prescription and nonprescription medications that can cause ED. These include:
- Blood pressure medications: These can cause ED by affecting blood flow to the penis.
- Antidepressants: These can cause ED by affecting sexual desire or the ability to get or keep an erection.
- Illegal drugs: These can cause ED by affecting blood flow to the penis or by affecting sexual desire.
Medical Conditions That Can Cause ED
There are many medical conditions that can cause ED. These include:
- Diabetes: This condition can damage nerves and blood vessels, affecting blood flow to the penis.
- High blood pressure: This condition can damage blood vessels, affecting blood flow to the penis.
- Atherosclerosis: This condition can damage blood vessels, affecting blood flow to the penis.
- Multiple sclerosis: This condition can damage nerves, affecting sexual desire or the ability to get or keep an erection.
- Spinal cord injury: This condition can damage nerves, affecting sexual desire or the ability to get or keep an erection.
- Pelvic surgery: This can damage nerves or blood vessels, affecting blood flow to the penis or sexual desire.
Psychological Conditions That Can Cause ED
There are many psychological conditions that can cause ED. These include:
- Depression: Depression can affect sexual desire or the ability to get or keep an erection due to the effects of the condition on the nervous system.
- Anxiety: Anxiety has a similar effect on the nervous system as depression, affecting sexual desire or the ability to get or keep an erection.
- Stress: Stress can affect sexual desire or the ability to get or keep an erection because it sends the body into fight-or-flight mode, which can be a physical response to perceived danger. This releases stress hormones that can affect sexual desire or the ability to get or keep an erection.
Treating Short-Term ED
When it comes to temporary cases of erectile dysfunction (ED), there are a number of things that can be done in order to treat the problem. Many times, the cause of ED is unknown, but there are a number of potential causes that can be looked at in order to find a solution.
The most important thing to do is to find the underlying cause of the ED. This can be physical, psychological, or a combination of the two. Once the underlying cause is determined, treatment can be tailored to the individual.
There are a number of different treatments that can be effective for treating ED. These include:
Stop Smoking
Smoking can have a negative impact on the blood vessels, which can lead to ED. Quitting smoking can help to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of ED by up to 50%. This is one of the most important things that can be done to improve erectile function.
Stop Drinking Alcohol
Heavy drinking can cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels, which can lead to ED. Cutting back on alcohol or quitting drinking altogether can help to improve erectile function, as well as overall health.
Lose Weight
Being overweight can cause a number of health problems, including ED. Losing weight can improve blood flow and reduce the risk of ED. Exercise and a healthy diet are key to losing weight and improving health for many people.
Manage Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on sexual function. Learning to manage stress and anxiety can help to improve sexual function. This may include relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, therapy, and medication.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone levels can decline with age, which can lead to ED. Testosterone replacement therapy can help to improve sexual function and reduce the risk of ED.
There are also a number of prescription medications that can be used to treat ED. These include:
Phoenix offers the most popular ED medications, all without leaving your house. Our text-based telehealth services from board certified physicians and pharmacists give you the flexibility and convenience you need to receive the best quality care possible. Get a free consultation with our team to see which medication is right for you, so you can get back to your best self today.
This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Your specific circumstances should be discussed with a healthcare provider. All statements of opinion represent the writers' judgement at the time of publication and are subject to change. Phoenix and its affiliates provide no express or implied endorsements of third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products, or services.
