It’s not uncommon for men to experience what’s known as “losing an erection during sex,” a form of erectile dysfunction (ED), even when they’re with a beloved partner.

When this happens, it can lead to a loss of confidence, with thoughts like, “I couldn’t satisfy my partner,” or “Maybe there’s something wrong with my sexual function.”

Your partner may also begin to feel uneasy, wondering, “Is it my fault?”—which could potentially strain the relationship.

In this article, a specialist in men’s health explains the underlying causes of this issue in detail.

We also introduce effective training techniques and treatments to help prevent losing your erection during sex. If you’re struggling with this problem, we hope this information provides useful support.

What Are the Main Causes of Losing an Erection During Sex?

The causes of losing an erection during intercourse can generally be divided into three categories:

  • Physical causes
  • Psychological causes
  • Other external factors

Let’s take a closer look at each.

Physical Causes

There are three main physical reasons this issue can occur:

  • Vascular disorders
  • Neurological disorders
  • Aging

Conditions such as high blood pressure or dyslipidemia can lead to arteriosclerosis, narrowing the blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the penis—making it difficult to maintain an erection.

Damage to the nerves around the penis can also disrupt normal sexual function.

In addition, age-related decline in vascular and nerve function or reduced testosterone production may contribute to physical erectile difficulties.

Psychological Causes

For men in their 20s and 30s, psychological causes are often at the root of the problem.

Stress, anxiety, and worries about sexual performance are common triggers that may cause an erection to fade during sex.

If the cause is psychological, there may also be a risk of developing other sexual dysfunctions or mental health issues. It’s important to address such concerns promptly.

Other Causes

Some medications—such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs—can cause erectile dysfunction as a side effect.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are known to be particularly associated with this condition.

Benzodiazepine-based anti-anxiety medications are also thought to increase the likelihood of erectile dysfunction.

Effective Exercises to Help Prevent Losing Your Erection During Sex

If you want to prevent losing your erection during intercourse, incorporating the right exercises into your routine can be helpful. Strengthening specific muscle groups involved in blood circulation and erectile function may improve your ability to maintain an erection.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

Pelvic floor muscle training focuses on strengthening the muscles located inside the pelvis. For example, training the pubococcygeus muscle near the anus helps tighten the veins that regulate blood outflow from the penis, supporting the maintenance of an erection.

Additionally, strengthening the gluteus maximus—the primary muscle in the buttocks—can promote lower-body circulation and aid in preventing erection loss.

  • Kegel Exercise
    Lie on your back with your knees slightly bent. Contract your anal muscles and hold for 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat this tighten-and-release cycle for 1 minute, aiming for 10 sets in total.
  • Anal Contraction Hold
    Tighten your anal muscles and maintain the contraction for 10 seconds without relaxing.

While Kegel exercises require a lying-down position, anal contraction holds can be performed while standing or sitting, making them easier to incorporate into everyday life.

Lower Body Strength Training

Muscles like the quadriceps and hamstrings play an important role in circulating blood throughout the body, including to the penis. Strengthening these muscles improves blood flow and helps maintain an erection.

  • Squat
    Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and push your hips back while bending at the hips. Slowly lower your body while keeping your knees behind your toes, then return to the standing position. Aim for about 10 repetitions per set, performing 3 sets each day.
  • Hip Lift
    Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Raise your hips slowly until your knees, hips, and shoulders form a straight line. Hold this position for 3 seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. Aim for 10 repetitions per set, for a total of 3 sets.

Medications and Supplements to Help Prevent Erection Loss

If your erection loss is caused by psychological factors, taking medications or supplements may help improve the condition.

For example, medications like avanafil and udenafil act as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in the body. They help support the maintenance of an erection by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow to the penis.

These medications are available at MEN’S PRIDE CLINIC MITA TOKYO, so feel free to contact us if you’re interested in learning more.

Other Treatment Options to Help Prevent Erection Loss

When the cause of erection loss is psychological, combining exercises or medication with additional therapeutic methods may enhance treatment outcomes.

Below are examples of psychotherapeutic approaches that may be used:

Psychoanalytic Therapy Supportive Psychotherapy Sensate Focus Therapy
Desensitization Therapy Couple Therapy Behavioral Therapy
Sex Education Communication Therapy

 

Psychological factors may include performance anxiety, past traumatic experiences, or a strained relationship with a partner. Because these causes can vary greatly, it’s important to identify the underlying reason and consider combining psychotherapy, counseling, or ED medications to achieve more effective results.

Reference: The Japanese Society for Sexual Medicine / The Japanese Urological Association, “ED Clinical Practice Guidelines [3rd Edition]

If You’re Struggling With Erection Loss, Contact MEN’S PRIDE CLINIC MITA TOKYO

Losing your erection during sex with your partner can lead to a loss of confidence for men and may cause your partner to feel anxious or wonder if you’ve lost interest in them.

If you want to overcome this issue and enjoy meaningful time with your partner again, don’t hesitate to reach out to MEN’S PRIDE CLINIC MITA TOKYO.

Our clinic specializes in male-specific health concerns, and our expert physicians will propose treatment plans tailored to your individual needs.

Conclusion

For men, losing an erection during intercourse is a serious concern.

When it happens repeatedly, it can cause a significant loss of confidence, and your partner may begin to feel anxious or insecure.

If this issue is affecting your relationship or self-esteem, we encourage you to consult with MEN’S PRIDE CLINIC MITA TOKYO.

Our clinic specializes in men’s health and provides private, one-on-one consultations to ensure you feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues.

For those who feel hesitant about visiting in person or who have busy schedules, online medical consultations are also available.

MEN’S PRIDE CLINIC MITA TOKYO is here to help you overcome erection loss and support you in restoring fulfilling and intimate moments with your partner.