The symptom of “becoming erect and then going soft midway” or “not becoming fully erect” is a state that a great many men may meet, particularly when they begin to observe that their sexual capacity has changed from before. This symptom may arise from stress, insufficient rest, or worry, but in many cases it may be related to physical factors, such as the vascular system, the hormones, the nerves, or the working of the muscles of the pelvic floor. It should therefore receive suitable assessment if the symptom arises continuously or disturbs confidence.

This article will take you to understand the causes of not becoming fully erect, the 5 signals that should be observed, and the time at which a doctor should be consulted in order to assess the factors involved in a well-rounded way.

What is “becoming erect and then going soft midway” in medical terms

In physiological terms, the full erection of the male genital organ has to rely on two mechanisms working in harmony, namely the flow of blood into the spongy shaft (Arterial Inflow) and the holding of the blood so that it does not flow back (Venous Occlusion)

If the genital organ is able to become erect in the early period, but gradually goes soft during sexual intercourse, it may reflect that the blood is still able to flow into the genital organ to a certain level, but cannot be held inside long enough, so that the pressure necessary for maintaining the erection is reduced. This state is usually called “venous leak”, or Venous Leak, which is one of the mechanisms found in the state of Vasculogenic ED

In some cases the symptom may arise together with a state of narrowed or degenerated arteries, so that even the stage of beginning to become erect cannot be done fully. Systematic assessment is therefore necessary in order to distinguish the true mechanism

The causes met often

The causes of not becoming fully erect or of going soft midway may have several accompanying factors. The causes usually met are

The degeneration of the wall of the blood vessels (Endothelial Dysfunction), which may be related to diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood lipids, or smoking
The state of venous leak (Venous Leak), in which the structure of the spongy shaft loses the ability to hold the blood
The weakness of the muscles of the pelvic floor, particularly the Ischiocavernosus group, which has the role of compressing the veins while erect
The degeneration of the hormonal system in men aged 30–40 years and over, which may make the tissue respond less to stimulation

This symptom is therefore not a matter of the mind or of stress alone, but is a reflection of a physical system that may be changing

The 5 signals that should be observed

The following signals may be factors that should be considered in deciding to receive an assessment

The loss of erection in the morning (Loss of Morning Wood) is one of the earliest warning signals of the degeneration of the vascular system that many people overlook
Taking longer to begin becoming erect, or needing more stimulation than usual, and not becoming as fully erect as before
Going soft rapidly during sexual intercourse, which is the classic signal of the state of venous leak
Having an underlying disease related to the blood vessels, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood lipids, or having a history of smoking
The response to medicines that dilate the blood vessels decreasing: PDE5 inhibitors were once used with a good result, but at present the dose has to be increased, or the medicine is beginning not to respond

When it may be time to see a doctor

These symptoms may not be abnormal if they arise from time to time, but if they recur continuously for more than 2–3 months, or begin to affect confidence, relationships, or the quality of sexual life, an assessment by a physician in the field of men's health will help you understand the factors involved clearly, and plan an approach to care specific to the individual suitably

Assessment from the early stage usually helps the doctor see the condition of the problem and the factors involved, opening up more diverse choices in care than waiting until the symptoms become more severe

What does the examination and assessment consist of

At PYONG MEN the assessment of not becoming fully erect or of going soft midway usually consists of

Penile Color Doppler Ultrasonography (PCDU), an examination with high-frequency sound waves in order to measure the speed of the blood in both the rhythm of coming in and that of going out, helping identify whether it is a state of narrowed arteries, of venous leak, or of both together
Assessment of the muscles of the pelvic floor, in order to examine the tightness and the strength of the muscles that have the duty of holding the blood
Assessment of the vascular and metabolic risk factors, in order to look at the state of ED in the context of the health of the blood vessels overall

The doctor will consider the results of the examination together with the symptoms, the health history, and the factors particular to each individual, in order to plan a suitable approach to care

The approaches to care the doctor may consider choosing after the assessment

The approaches to care at PYONG MEN, considered according to the cause in each individual, may cover

Focused Shockwave Therapy (f-ESWT), in order to support the creation of new capillaries and restore the lining of the wall of the blood vessels
Advanced Pelvic Neuro-Vascular Protocol (PMS), in order to support the working of the muscles of the pelvic floor in holding the blood, which suits cases where the state of venous leak is an accompanying factor
The injection of Superdose Activated Purified Growth Factor in cases where there is a clinical indication

All the approaches above may be considered after detailed diagnosis, so that they suit each individual

In brief

Not becoming fully erect or going soft midway usually reflects an abnormality of the vascular system and/or of the muscles of the pelvic floor
The state of venous leak (Venous Leak) is the mechanism found often in the symptom of going soft midway
Not having an erection in the morning is the earliest warning signal that should be assessed
The Penile Doppler Ultrasound examination helps identify the mechanism of the state more precisely
The approach to care at PYONG MEN is designed specifically for the individual after the assessment

FAQ

Q: Is the symptom of becoming erect and then going soft midway considered normal A: If it arises from time to time it may be related to tiredness or stress, but if it recurs continuously for several weeks or several months, it may be a signal that should be assessed

Q: Does this symptom arise from the mind or from the body A: In general, the symptom of not becoming fully erect usually has physical factors along with it, although sometimes psychological factors are also involved. Clinical assessment helps distinguish them

Q: Can it happen at a young age too A: This state is found in young men, particularly those who have metabolic risk factors or accumulated stress. Assessment should therefore not be limited by age

Q: What has to be examined A: The standard assessment usually consists of a Penile Doppler Ultrasound, an assessment of the muscles of the pelvic floor, and consideration of the vascular and metabolic risk factors

Q: Can it be treated A: The response to care depends on the cause and the severity. Assessment at an early stage usually helps the doctor have wider choices in planning

If you are beginning to observe that not becoming fully erect or going soft midway is arising again and again, a systematic examination of the body will help you understand the cause more clearly. An appointment for a consultation with the expert physicians of PYONG MEN is available in a private atmosphere.