Sudden Changes in Sexual Performance: Causes and Solutions

Sudden decline in sexual performance..?

Hello, doctor.
I am not someone with exceptionally strong sexual abilities; on average, I can ejaculate once a day and can make my girlfriend climax multiple times before I finish, after which she falls asleep.
However, ever since one morning when I ejaculated, and later that afternoon I was unable to achieve an erection, which left her feeling disappointed and unhappy, I have felt that my penis is not functioning normally.
The hardness during erections does not feel as strong as before, and the glans feels somewhat soft.
Normally, my erections should have my penis pointing upwards, but there have been times during intercourse with my girlfriend when I felt very tired and could not achieve an erection, even under strong stimulation.
When I do manage to get an erection, I ejaculate quickly and do not last as long as I used to.
In the past, even if I had little sleep the night before or had ejaculated the day before, my penis would instantly become fully erect at the sight of my girlfriend's body, achieving a perfect hardness.
This situation has made me very frustrated.
Additionally, due to arguments with my girlfriend a couple of months ago that nearly led to a breakup, I was often in a bad mood and frequently masturbated, sometimes up to four times a week.
This has led me to wonder if excessive masturbation is the cause of my current issues.
Doctor, do you have any remedies or advice for me?

Xiao Hu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/09/23

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, I have always emphasized that sexual activity involves both partners and encompasses both physical and psychological aspects, which must work together for it to proceed smoothly.
Occasional failures can affect performance to some extent, and for some individuals, this can lead to psychological burdens.
In future encounters, even if it's not the same partner, there may still be obstacles.
Being able to perform independently indicates that your sexual function is physiologically normal, but what about your mental state? I believe you understand what I mean: it's important to adjust your mindset and re-evaluate yourself.
In addition to maintaining physical health, mental well-being is also crucial.
Occasional erectile failures do not signify anything significant; everyone experiences this.
No one can help you with this; you must overcome it on your own.

Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Hsu Wei-Kai.

Reply Date: 2005/09/23

More Info

Understanding sudden changes in sexual performance can be a complex issue, often influenced by a combination of psychological, physiological, and lifestyle factors. Your experience of decreased erectile hardness, difficulty maintaining an erection, and premature ejaculation can be distressing, especially when it impacts your relationship and self-esteem. Let’s explore the potential causes and solutions.

Psychological Factors
1. Performance Anxiety: It sounds like your experience with your girlfriend, particularly the incident where you were unable to perform after a previous ejaculation, has led to increased anxiety about your sexual performance. This anxiety can create a cycle where the fear of not being able to perform leads to further difficulties in achieving and maintaining an erection. This is often referred to as "performance anxiety," and it can significantly impact sexual function.

2. Stress and Emotional Well-being: The emotional turmoil from your relationship, including arguments and the fear of disappointing your partner, can contribute to stress. Stress is known to affect libido and sexual performance. When you're preoccupied with worries about your performance, it can distract you from the experience, making it harder to become aroused.

Physiological Factors
1. Over-Masturbation: While masturbation is a normal sexual activity, excessive masturbation can lead to temporary desensitization or fatigue. If you find yourself engaging in it frequently, especially during a stressful period, it might contribute to a decrease in sexual performance with your partner.

2. Physical Health: Factors such as fatigue, hormonal imbalances, or underlying health conditions (like diabetes or cardiovascular issues) can also affect erectile function. If you have been feeling physically drained or unwell, this could be a contributing factor.

Lifestyle Factors
1. Substance Use: Alcohol and recreational drugs can impair sexual performance. If you have been consuming alcohol or other substances, consider reducing or eliminating them to see if your performance improves.

2. Exercise and Diet: Regular physical activity and a balanced diet can improve overall health and sexual function. Exercise increases blood flow and can help reduce stress, which may alleviate some of the psychological barriers to performance.

Solutions and Recommendations
1. Open Communication: Talk to your girlfriend about your feelings and concerns. Open communication can help alleviate some of the pressure you feel and strengthen your emotional connection, which can enhance intimacy.

2. Relaxation Techniques: Consider practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These can help reduce anxiety and improve your overall mental health.

3. Limit Masturbation: If you suspect that excessive masturbation is affecting your performance, try to limit it. Allow yourself time to recover and regain sensitivity.

4. Seek Professional Help: If the problem persists, consider consulting a healthcare professional or a sex therapist. They can provide tailored advice and may suggest treatments such as counseling or medication if necessary.

5. Physical Check-Up: It may be beneficial to have a physical examination to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be affecting your sexual health.

6. Gradual Exposure: If you feel anxious about sexual performance, consider taking a break from penetrative sex and focusing on other forms of intimacy with your partner. This can help reduce pressure and allow you to reconnect emotionally.

In conclusion, sudden changes in sexual performance can stem from a variety of factors, including psychological stress, physical health, and lifestyle choices. By addressing these areas, you can work towards improving your sexual health and restoring confidence in your performance. Remember, it’s essential to be patient with yourself as you navigate this process.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Fluctuating Sexual Desire and Performance Issues in Men

I remember that a couple of years ago, there was a period when I had little sexual desire, and during intercourse with my partner, I didn't feel particularly firm. I recall that after that period, everything returned to normal. Typically, our sexual encounters last around tw...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: You should seek medical attention. Some outpatient patients delay seeking care when they have symptoms, which can lead to a longer treatment period. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Erectile Issues: Causes and Solutions for Lasting Performance

I would like to ask: In the past, when I had sexual intercourse, I was always firm and could last quite a long time. However, recently (for about 1-2 years), when I engage in sexual activity, I can still be quite hard and firm during oral sex, but when I try to penetrate, it only...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Hello: Based on your description, it seems that psychological factors play a significant role. Of course, there is also a part that is due to insufficient stimulation (or it can be said that it has become monotonous and lost its novelty). When stimulation is adequate, there will ...

Understanding Sudden Decrease in Sexual Desire: Causes and Solutions

I have a few questions for the doctor. First, I suddenly experienced a decrease in libido one day. I used to feel the urge to masturbate every three days (with frequent erections), but last year, my desire suddenly diminished and even disappeared. For two weeks, I had no sexual d...

Dr. Fu Shizhang reply Urology
If there is a decrease in libido, it may be related to male hormones. If all tests are normal, it is most likely due to psychological factors.

Understanding Erectile Issues: Causes and Solutions for Young Men

I am 31 years old. Recently, I noticed that during intercourse, I experienced a sudden loss of erection when changing positions after about 10 minutes, which was quite disappointing. Additionally, sometimes I find it difficult to achieve an erection for a second round shortly aft...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Xiao Wei: Hello, changing positions can indeed lead to a decrease in stimulation, which may result in reduced rigidity for some individuals. From a Western medical perspective, masturbation is not correlated with sexual function. Note: Traditional Chinese Medicine has a different...