Why does a man lose his erection in the middle of sexual intercourse?

As a clinical sexologist individuals seek my help with various sexual issues, one being loss of erection.

A man losing his ability to keep an erection during intercourse is one issue that most men will experience at some point in their life.

The majority of men, before seeking my help, will have already tried the pharmaceutical approach which for many ends up not resolving their erection problems.

One reason in particular is that pharmaceutical drugs such as Viagra do not help with the psychological aspect of performance anxiety. The problem itself is usually brought on by the ridiculous ideal or standards on men to preform sexually at all times. Men are expected in our society to always be interested in and ready for sex. This is one myth that leads to anxiety surrounding sex, the pressure to perform can cause erectile dysfunction that a pill will not resolve.

Sexual intercourse, the act of penetration, being the main focus of the the sexual experience is another myth that can cause problems when a man does have trouble maintaining an erection. Men are better advised to enjoy and focus on being in the moment of the sexual experience rather than the end result. Massage, oral sex, using fingers and or sex toys can divert the pressure to perform and allow the erection to come back naturally.

Erection issues, sexual dysfunction can be age related.

As a man ages the blood flow being pumped to the penis is not as fast as when he is in his youth... Many men around the age of fifty start questioning whether their penis is "working the same and/ or why it takes longer to rise." The reason is because the blood flow to the penis and the muscles that push the ejaculatory fluid out that result in the speed and explosive nature of the fluid decreases and slows with age.

Keeping these muscles in shape is one way to combat this. Beginning or maintaining an overall cardio vascular health plan including regular kegel exercises combined with a healthy diet, low in sodium, will help increase blood flow to the penis naturally, eliminating the need for pills.