Even the most enthusiastic partner can sometimes face an unexpected hitch in the bedroom. When he can't maintain an erection during sex, it can make you doubt yourself. 'Is it my fault? Am I not attractive enough?' These thoughts are common, but they shouldn't always be a cause for worry.
Here the LOVE Team is offering up five reasons why a man might occasionally lose his vigour, and explaining why these moments shouldn't always be taken to heart. What are the best ways to react? Sometimes simple gestures are enough, other times, it's just about accepting the situation. Let's approach this sensitive topic with tact and without judgement.
1. He's had one too many.
If your evening was particularly boozy before getting down to business, it's not surprising that your partner might struggle to stay hard. Alcohol can seriously disrupt the nervous system, affect hormone levels, and alter blood circulation. Many men who struggle with alcoholism experience erectile dysfunction. This side effect certainly might make him think twice before agreeing to another round!
In this delicate situation, there's unfortunately not much to do but wait for the effects of alcohol to wear off. The best approach might be to try again once your partner has sobered up.
2. He's not over his ex.
Starting up a new romance isn't always easy, especially if your last relationship was especially intense. If your partner has recently ended a serious relationship and this is the first time he's been intimate with someone else, he might have his ex on his mind. These thoughts can become intrusive and interfere with the present moment, sometimes leading to performance issues.
3. He's feeling stressed out.
Why might he be nervous when you seem to be having a good time? He might be intimidated by you or by the situation, and worried about not living up to your expectations. In this kind of situation , don't focus on this setback. Instead, continue to kiss and enjoy some foreplay as if nothing even happened. By creating a relaxed and pressure-free environment, it's very likely that the situation will resolve itself.
4. He’s leading an unhealthy lifestyle.
An unhealthy lifestyle can play a significant role in erection issues. Obesity, smoking, drug use, and lack of exercise are all factors that can compromise a man's ability to maintain an erection. Unfortunately, these effects tend to worsen with age, especially in men over 40 years old.
As performance in bed can naturally decrease with age, it becomes crucial to make healthier lifestyle choices. If you've just met your partner, it may be inappropriate to lecture him on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, if you're in a serious relationship, you could set an example for your partner by adopting a healthier lifestyle yourself. It won’t just be beneficial for you, but it could also inspire your partner to follow your example, which can have positive repercussions, including for your sex life.
5. It's a side effect of a medication he's taking.
Certain prescription drugs used to treat health problems can have unwanted side effects, including on sexual performance. Medications for high blood pressure, such as beta blockers and diuretics, those used to lower high cholesterol levels (fibrates), as well as treatments for anxiety, depression, psychotic disorders, and certain hormonal imbalances can all contribute to erection issues.
In this situation, it's important to respect your partner's privacy and confidentiality. If he's taking this type of medication, he'll share this information with you when he feels ready. Understanding and being patient in these circumstances can help manage the situation with compassion and support, thereby strengthening the intimate bond that you share.