What causes the hardness to decrease?

Decreased erection hardness in men may be caused by psychological stress, abnormal vascular function, imbalance of hormone levels, chronic diseases or drug side effects.

1. Psychological pressure:

Chronic anxiety, depression, or partner tension can inhibit the conduction of sexual arousal. Overactivity of the cerebral cortex leads to continuous sympathetic nerve excitement, and the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum of the penis cannot fully relax, affecting the efficiency of blood filling. Tension can be alleviated through psychological counseling and mindfulness training, and psychological barriers can be alleviated by partners participating in treatment together.

2. Abnormal blood vessel function:

Atherosclerosis or endothelial cell dysfunction can reduce blood flow to the penis. Diseases such as diabetes and hypertension accelerate the aging of blood vessels, resulting in insufficient congestion of the corpus cavernosum during erection. It may be related to a high-fat diet and lack of exercise, and is often accompanied by reduced symptoms of morning erections. It is recommended to perform endothelial function testing.

3. Hormone level imbalance:

Insufficient testosterone secretion directly affects sexual desire and erection quality. After middle age, testosterone decreases by 1%-2% every year, and some people will develop hypogonadism, accompanied by symptoms such as loss of body hair and fatigue. Abnormal thyroid function can also interfere with sex hormone metabolism, and free testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels need to be measured.

4. Impact of chronic diseases:

Diabetic neuropathy can damage penile nerve conduction, and vascular nerve bundles may be damaged after prostate surgery. About 70% of patients with cardiovascular disease have varying degrees of erectile dysfunction, which usually precedes the onset of angina symptoms. Such situations require primary disease control and interdepartmental joint treatment.

3. Drug side effects:

Antidepressants inhibit sexual function by affecting the serotonin system, and antihypertensive drugs may interfere with hemodynamics. Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors will reduce zinc absorption efficiency and affect testosterone synthesis. It is recommended to keep a medication history and discuss alternatives with your treating physician.

Comprehensive intervention is required to improve erection hardness: brisk walking or swimming for 30 minutes a day to promote blood vessel health, and intake of arginine-rich walnuts, oysters and other foods； Control blood sugar and blood pressure within the ideal range to avoid excessive fatigue ； Choose loose-fitting underwear to reduce local compression. If no improvement is seen for three months, nighttime erection monitoring and penile blood flow ultrasound examination are required to rule out organic lesions. Partners should avoid complaining and pressuring each other, and work together to create a relaxing intimate environment.