At some point in a man’s life, he may find it difficult to summon or maintain an erection. Like the Boogie Man and Jeepers Creepers, this thought can sit in the dark recesses of a man’s mind causing worry and anxiety. Once it happens, a thousand warning lights go off. However, take a breath and relax. For many men, this happens on occasion and is not a cause for serious concern. For men who have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection 25% of the time or more, it may be a warning flag that there’s a medical condition which needs attention. Here are a few common causes of weak erections or a desensitized penis.

1) Stress and Anxiety – If a man finds himself worrying about work, money, family, or any other host of distractors, it can take a toll on the penis and make it difficult to perform. Fear of not pleasing a partner can also make the penis shirk from standing at attention. The best course of action to get an erection back is to find a way to relieve stress and anxiety be that talking to someone, meditation, boxing, or any way to let off steam and worry.

2) Obesity – A little too much around the middle can cause a restriction in blood flow to the penis, resulting in weak or non-existent erections. While a little blue pill is an immediate fix, healthier lifestyle choices such as a balanced diet and regular movement will help trim the body and reinvigorate penile blood flow resulting is strong erections.

3) Penile Neuropathy due to Illness – Neuropathy is a condition that arises from damaged nerves which can then lead to weak erections. Several factors can cause penile neuropathy such as poor blood circulation, weight, and other vascular issues. Diseases and medical issues which include a potentially penis-altering effect include but are not limited to:

- Heart Disease

- Diabetes

- Multiple Sclerosis

- Parkinson’s Disease

- Peyronie’s Disease

- Liver Disease

- Kidney Disease

- Treatment for Prostate Issues and Disease

4) Antidepressants – It’s an unfortunate fact that some medications used to treat depression would rob a man of his ability to produce an erection. There was a famous Sex in the City episode which actually highlighted this phenomenon. A man who doesn’t want to make the choice between sex and mental wellness should contact his prescribing doctor for a consultation and to weigh his options.

5) Drug or Alcohol Addiction – When it’s more than just a case of whiskey dick, there may be an issue. Abusing drug and alcohols can have a negative impact on the mysterious penis and his inner workings. First and foremost, seek help for the abuse. After a period of detox, erections may return to normal. If not, see a physician for help.

Tips for Strengthening Weak Erections

There’s no weight machine in the gym to help strengthen an erection, but there are other things a man can do to reinvigorate a droopy member. Some things are simple, no-brainers such as get plenty of rest, drink less or no alcohol, quit smoking, exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and find ways to reduce stress in a positive way. It’s also vitally important to keep sexual communication open with a partner and fully disclose issues and feelings so they can be dealt with and growth (of the emotional and penile kind) can occur.

A regimented hygiene habit also keeps the penis strong. Cleanse the penis gently and thoroughly with gentle cleansers and warm water. After clean and dry, apply a specially formulated penis health creme (most experts recommend Man 1 Man Oil) post-shower. Daily use of a creme like this results in a smooth and strong penis. Be sure to find a crème that includes penis strengthening ingredients such as L-Arginine which helps increase blood flow and helps to create and maintain firm erections. L-Carnitine is another ingredient which will help prevent nerve damage. Wrap them up in a natural base like Shea butter and there’s a recipe for a reinvigorating and moisturizing daily treat for the penis.