A flaccid penis: what does it mean and what can you do about it?

Every man has experienced his penis failing to become erect or remaining flaccid during sex at some point. This can be alarming, but it is usually temporary and harmless. Sometimes there is more to it, with stress, fatigue or a medical condition playing a part. At Fellos, we help men to talk about this and, where necessary, treat it with safe, registered medication. In this blog, you can read exactly what a flaccid penis means, what the possible causes are and how to regain confidence in your body.

What do we mean by a flaccid penis?

A flaccid penis simply means that the penis does not become erect, or does not become sufficiently erect, during sexual arousal. In medical terms, this is called erectile dysfunction or an erection problem. This can involve an erection that fails to materialise at all, one that does not last long enough to complete sex, or one that is less firm than you are used to. It is important to emphasise: this happens to almost every man at some point and says nothing about your masculinity or attractiveness. An occasional occurrence is perfectly normal. Only if it happens regularly does it make sense to look further into what is going on.

What are the most common causes?

The causes of a flaccid penis can be divided into physical and mental factors. Physically, it may involve reduced blood flow to the penis, which can be linked to smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol. Certain medications, such as some antidepressants or blood pressure-lowering drugs, can also affect erectile function. Excessive alcohol consumption temporarily inhibits the physical response, as does extreme fatigue after a long working week.

Psychological causes play just as significant a role. Stress at work, relationship problems or pressure to perform in bed can mean your mind gets in the way. The fear of failing again exacerbates the problem, creating a vicious circle. Research shows that psychological factors are more often the main cause in younger men, whilst in men over forty, physical factors also play an increasingly significant role. According to a review study, age, smoking, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease are the main risk factors for erectile problems in men.

Does lifestyle affect your erection?

Yes, and more than most men realise. The penis is highly dependent on good blood circulation. Smoking damages the walls of blood vessels and directly reduces blood flow. Being overweight and a lack of exercise increase the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, two conditions that can significantly reduce the quality of your erection. Research also shows that poor sleep and chronic stress lower testosterone levels, which in turn affects sexual function.

The good news: healthy habits really do help. Men who exercise regularly, do not smoke and consume alcohol in moderation report better erectile function. This also applies if you are already experiencing symptoms: lifestyle changes can noticeably improve the situation, sometimes even without medication. A healthy weight, sufficient sleep and stress management are therefore not just empty advice, but proven effective measures.

When is it advisable to seek medical help?

If the problems are occasional and clearly linked to tiredness or a stressful period, it is often wise to wait and see. But if a flaccid penis occurs more frequently, affects your self-confidence or causes tension in your relationship, it is wise to take action. This also applies if you notice that the problem is gradually getting worse or if you have other symptoms such as a reduced sex drive or changes in your urination. Erectile problems can sometimes be an early sign of an underlying cardiovascular issue, particularly in men over forty. A doctor can assess this quickly and refer you where necessary.

Via Fellos’ online treatment for erectile problems, you can easily start an initial consultation. A Dutch doctor will assess your situation and recommend a suitable approach, without you having to visit a physical clinic.

How does Fellos help with erectile dysfunction?

Fellos operates through a simple and discreet process. You complete an online assessment, which takes an average of three minutes. A Dutch doctor then reviews your answers and draws up a personalised treatment plan. If medication is appropriate, it will be delivered to your home in plain packaging. The most commonly used medications are sildenafil and tadalafil. Both are PDE5 inhibitors that increase blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal. They only work in combination with sexual stimulation and are effective in over ninety per cent of cases.

Important: Fellos’ doctors look beyond just medication. Lifestyle, stress and psychological factors are taken into account in their advice. This means you don’t just receive a medication, but an approach that truly suits you. Read more about how it works at Fellos and what you can expect from the process.

Regain your confidence with the help of Fellos

At Fellos, you’re not on your own. Whether you’re dealing with a temporary low or a longer-term issue, our Dutch doctors will help you in a discreet and professional manner. They look at the whole picture: physical, mental and your lifestyle. Together, we’ll find the approach that works for you. You don’t have to put up with your symptoms. Start your consultation with Fellos today and discover what’s possible for you.

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