Any guys have erection problems in 30s?

[Bearyguy87]

Hi guys, I’m 34 and have noticed for a few years now that my erections are not as hard as they should be. Sometimes it’s fine if I’m wanking but if I go to have sex, it’s either not hard enough to go in (semi hard) or stays hard for a while then goes down. What could be causing this? I have had blood tests and testosterone is all ok. I am on anti depressants, I have been drinking more lately and don’t really exercise besides walking. Could this be physical or mental? I do worry how I will perform because of this issue. What can I do? Thanks

[xsevenx]

Sadly antidepressants seem to affect sexual function quite commonly. And not in a good way. Maybe worth trying a different drug to see if you get better results. Ask your doctor. Don’t take this the wrong way, but rethink your alcohol and exercise strategy. Best wishes.

[Bearyguy87 in reply to xsevenx]

Thanks. I know antidepressants can cause this. I’ve been taking them for many years now but thought my body would get used to it. I should cut down on drinking, smoking and get more exercise. I cycle and walk but perhaps need to join a gym or something. I’ve heard that kegel exercises can help reverse this but also heard it’s not good for men to do this? I don’t want to cause myself damage and be worse off

[Bearyguy87 in reply to xsevenx]

I also wank a lot so should I lay off doing it and see if that makes a difference. I always watch porn when I’m having a wank

[xsevenx]

As long as you are not hurting yourself, I think you should wank when you want to. Keeps all in working order surely?

[Bearyguy87 in reply to xsevenx]

Yes I understand that but thinking I rely on porn too much and then in real life it isn’t as “exciting” if you know what I mean?

[xsevenx in reply to Bearyguy87]

I understand. It’s all about finding a happy medium I suppose.

[Hidden in reply to Bearyguy87]

Try cutting back on the porn also mate if/when you can, it helps me sometimes to cut it out during

[MrJMan in reply to xsevenx]

I had a sex therapist who told me to also wank as often as I want (in a safe place of course) as if you don’t use it you can lose it!!

[xsevenx in reply to MrJMan]

👍

[travelbug777]

Yes, as others have said the antidepressants were the big red flag in that message. They may not affect you all the time and your mental state of mind may also factor in which would be why you have no problems wanking sometimes. Saying that, alcohol is also a depressant. Ironic that we drink it when we are feeling depressed to try and make ourselves feel better but in actual fact it exacerbates the situation and just delays it for another day. In addition, exercise can improve your mood (as we all know, but doing it is another thing) which would no doubt have benefits on your sex drive in general and, quite possibly, your erections, too.

I would say you'd need to look at a combination of these things as it isn't always obvious that there is one sole cause. The way to identify them would be to alter the factors that you can easily (enough) change; the exercise, the drinking...see how that makes a difference over the course of a few weeks. As a last resort, you may need to discuss options with your GP. There could be an alternative regime he/she could put you on or adjust your dose.

You might also find that you just need to reduce the amount you wank or have sex slightly. Your body will tell you what it needs.

[MrJMan]

Hey dude, I suffer with ED and I’m 38. I am also on a SSRI antidepressant but the one I’m on is less likely to cause ED hence the reason I chose it. Tried Citalopram and it made it worse. My ED is linked to depression and stress. The thing with dicks is if you get a shadow of a doubt that it won’t work, or your mind wanders about what if during the natural chemical your body secretes ‘adrenaline’ kills an erection! Have you tried any meds to help? I have viagra prescribed by my GP and have used it intermittently so not all the time, but have to say it works a great!!

[xsevenx in reply to MrJMan]

Can I ask which SSRI you are taking now?

[MrJMan in reply to xsevenx]

Mirtazipine 15mg

[xsevenx in reply to MrJMan]

I was taking that about 15 years ago. I remember it made me put on weight and quite sleepy too. But yes, I don’t recall any ED issues with it.

[MrJMan in reply to xsevenx]

Yeh made me put 3 stone on first time round this time I’m going to the gym and so far it’s 3 months and 8lb

[Bearyguy87 in reply to MrJMan]

I’ve read in the leaflet it can cause problems with sex drive and etections but I’ll talk to my doctor about Mirtazipine 15mg. I don’t want to be on a high dosage and 100mg daily does seem like a lot in comparison! Might make a difference. Think lowest dosage of sertraline is 50mg but still more than I’d like to be taking

[Bearyguy87 in reply to MrJMan]

I take 100mg of Sertraline

[xsevenx in reply to Bearyguy87]

I’m on 50mg sertraline. Doesn’t seem to affect erectile function (but I am also taking tadalafil for my prostate issues). But it does significantly prolong the time to ejaculation. Which is sometimes good.

[BexyBoy]

Whilst anti-depressants are a good way to alleviate serious depression, - in fact can be a life-saver - I've always seen it as a symptom reliever, not a cure. As a retired psychotherapist, I would recommend talking therapy to deal with the underlying cause(s) of the depression. Looking at the early decisions you made and beliefs your formed about youself, others and life in general that now influence and guide your approach to life as an adult is always worth doing whether or not we have mental health issues. Psychotherapy isn't just a possible sign of bad mental health, it's also a healthy way of maintaining and improving it. In my training I was obliged to be a client as well as a trainee therapist. Best thing that ever happened for me!