June 4, 2012

What’s the Deal with Erection Issues?

by Dr. Kat in Sex 1 Comment

Difficulty getting and/or keeping an erection is a normal part of every man’s life, particularly after the mid 30’s.  Later in life he can no longer count on his ever present and responsive erections of his teens and twenties.  It is to be expected.  How early and frequent depends on a man’s genes, diet, exercise regime and habits, such as smoking.  Or it simply may be a result of momentary fatigue or waning interest.

 

While there is no “cure” for erection unpredictability there are treatments.  Current treatment options include:
Viagra (PDE5 Inhibitors)
Injection therapy
Urethral insertion tablets
Surgical implants
Herbal or over the counter medicines

 

Many of these treatments can be cumbersome, expensive or painful. When treatment is not an option, or is unnecessary, and you want to experience the intimacy of intercourse and/or you want her to experience the pleasure of intercourse with a practical and fun alternative:

 

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  • A strap on hollow latex dildo that is specifically designed for those “unpredictable” erections.  The hollow space in the end of the dildo allows a penis (either semi-erect of flaccid) to comfortably fit inside.  The wide latex strap holds the dildo in place over the pelvic bone (for leverage).  An attached vibrator gives him pleasurable sensations on his testicles and the base of his penis.  With no erection the facilitator becomes a normal to large sized, fully functioning penis substitute.  If he does get an erection it simply becomes a 3 ½” “extension” to his existing erection.

 

 

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  • Fabric or leather harnesses accompanied by a dildo can be used to penetrate your partner.  This solution has one drawback as the harness straps over his penis and in the correct position for leverage can squish a potential erection or flaccid penis/testicles.

 

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  • Vacuum pumps are designed to draw blood into the penis through suction.  A glass cylinder is placed over the penis connected to a hand pump. An airtight seal is created when lube is used.  The connected hand pump removes air from the cylinder creating suction and drawing blood into the corpora cavernosa of the shaft of the penis, resulting in an erection. A cock ring can be used to maintain an erection. One complaint of pump-users is that the erections it produces are not as strong as other erections, described as “floppy” at the base.  Sexual activity can begin immediately.  Pump induced erections will not always last as long as other erections and can be maintained with the use of a cock ring.

 

 

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  • The purpose of a cock ring is restrict blood flow out of the penis in order to maintain an erection for a longer period of time, increase the size of an erection, and to increase the sensitivity to the head and shaft.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is there a device, such as a strap-on dildo, that I can use to make up for my erection troubles?

If you haven’t already, I would recommend talking to your doctor about your erection difficulty. There are several medications that are commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction, including Viagra, Wellbutrin, and another medication that is injected directly into the penis. Two medications currently in clinical trials – Zydis and Vasomax – seem promising and may be available soon. Many doctors also recommend trying Yohimbine, which is available over the counter. There are also a few devices that are commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction, including the internal penile pump.

I will assume for the purposes of addressing your initial question that you have already spoken with your doctor about your erectile difficulties. With that in mind, there are several devices you can use to achieve and/or improve an erection.

Penis Pumps
They may seem a bit awkward and intrusive, but penis pumps can be an affective tool in helping to achieve an erection. They work by creating a vacuum around the penis, which draws blood into the corpora cavernosa, creating an erection. Penis pumps usually consist of a long plastic cylinder with a “gasket” at one end and a hand pump at the other. The penis is inserted into the cylinder through the gasket – usually a piece of latex or neoprene rubber – and pushed all the way down to the base. The gasket, with the help of some type of personal lubrication, will create an airtight seal. When the penis is in place, the user creates a vacuum in the chamber by squeezing the pump. Air is removed from the cylinder and blood is drawn into the penis, creating an erection. The penis can then be withdrawn from the cylinder and sexual activity either started or resumed. Depending on the type of erectile dysfunction you’re experiencing you may lose your erection faster than you would prefer. At that point you can either reinsert your penis into the pump, repeating the process above to achieve another erection, or you can try using a cock ring.

Cock Rings
The use of cock rings may take a little practice to perfect, but they can be effective tools in helping someone with erectile dysfunction maintain an erection. They don’t necessarily help achieve an erection, but when cock rings are properly used they can help restrict the blood flow from the penis, resulting in a longer lasting and harder erection. Together with a penis pump, cock rings can help a person who suffers from sexual dysfunction maintain a satisfactory erection.

Strap on Dildos and PPA’s
As you mentioned, strap-on dildos can be used if these other methods don’t appeal to you. A good Prosthetic Penis Attachment (PPA) might be a good alternative while you explore your other options. I imagine that you would like to get your penis working again, and I think some of the options outlined above might be worth looking into. In the meantime, a PPA can be used for intercourse with your partner. PPA’s, which are designed specifically for your type of situation, are basically a strap-on dildo with a hollow center. The user simply attaches the PPA to their pelvis with the straps or a harness – which is almost always included – and inserts their penis into the hollow dildo. You won’t be able to feel your partner through the PPA, but it wasn’t designed for that anyway. You will be able to have intercourse with your partner via the PPA.