Patient's question:
For the past few days, if the penis does not erect or becomes limp after erection, what should I do? Also, if I lose my erection after having sex twice, what could be the reason? I don't do it frequently, just occasionally!Doctor's answer:
Hello, erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse for a prolonged period (generally more than three months), even when sexually stimulated and desiring sexual activity. This condition is also known as "impotence" in the past.Organic ED: This type of ED is caused by physical dysfunctions such as endocrine disorders, neurological issues, vascular problems, anatomical or functional abnormalities in the erectile tissues of the penis, or adverse drug reactions. It is often associated with factors like age, trauma, surgery, chronic diseases, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and poor lifestyle habits.
Psychogenic ED: This type of ED is caused by emotional distress, mental tension, work-related stress, environmental factors, or other psychological issues.
Mixed ED: This involves both physical dysfunctions and psychological factors and is the most common type in clinical practice. Over time, if organic ED is not treated promptly and effectively, patients are likely to experience psychological stress, which can worsen the condition. Before alleviating the patient's psychological burden, first-line medications may be ineffective or yield poor results. Additionally, what is clinically referred to as psychogenic ED can be difficult to rule out before comprehensive examinations, as it may involve underlying cardiovascular conditions like endothelial dysfunction or metabolic disorders.
It is recommended to seek specialized medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment.