Patient's question:
I am 21 years old. The first time I had sex with my girlfriend, I couldn't get a hard erection. I tried twice, but both times failed because my erection wasn't hard enough. I had to keep stimulating to maintain an erection, and once the stimulation stopped, the erection disappeared. My girlfriend didn't agree before, so she had been helping me with her hands. Is this considered erectile dysfunction, and what should I do?Doctor's answer:
First and foremost, it should be noted that the practice of stimulating the penis to achieve erection and ejaculation for the purpose of obtaining pleasure by repeatedly using the "hand" (masturbation) for a long period of time can artificially increase the threshold of stimulation required for penile arousal and ejaculation. As a result, in subsequent normal sexual activity, the intensity of stimulation to the penis may not be as high as when using the "hand," often leading to the consequence of "weak penile erection."Secondly, sexual ability can be said to be a skill that one gradually cultivates, acquires, and masters through repeated practice in sexual life. A prerequisite for the diagnosis of "impotence" is that the problem must occur in more than 50% of sexual encounters over a prolonged and regular period of sexual activity.
Additionally, sexual ability is influenced and constrained by various factors, including psychological state, emotions, environment, and the level of mastery over sexual techniques and skills. Initial failures in sexual encounters can create psychological pressure and damage self-confidence, which in turn can affect subsequent sexual performance.
It is recommended that you visit a hospital to consult a professional doctor who can help you overcome this issue.