Taking On Erectile Dysfunction

Sometimes "erectile dysfunction" doesn't mean that a man can't get an erection at all, but that his erections aren't very strong, firm, or long-lasting. This is an issue that many people in the WebMD Erectile Dysfunction Community are concerned about.

One man in his late 40s explains that he has a great partner with a high sex drive. He really wants to find a solution for his weak and inconsistent erections, which may be related to high blood pressure and the medications he takes to control it.

On the other side of the issue, a woman explains that her partner has a similar problem: He can get erections, but they usually aren't hard enough for intercourse.

Urologist Sheldon Marks, MD, notes that weak and inconsistent erections can be due to many factors, including cardiac issues and medications, diabetes, thyroid problems, exhaustion, anxiety, stress, and pain conditions. And as men get older their blood vessels also age and less blood reaches the penis, meaning that erectile problems become more common with age.

While the man with the eager partner has tried different ED medications, he has had little success. Marks recommends getting his testosterone levels checked, as ED drugs won't work if a man's testosterone levels are too low. Marks also suggests considering other options like vacuum devices and self-administered penile injections -- an approach that one other community member reports trying with great success.