Millions of men in the U.S. experience erectile dysfunction (ED) on some level, and not all of them are over 75. Some people with ED can reduce their symptoms and some people cannot. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum of erectile dysfunction, sex toys can provide temporary relief and help you have a more satisfying sexual experience — alone or with a partner.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction or ED is the inability to get or keep an erection in order to have sex — penetration or masturbation. It’s caused by a number of factors, and everyone’s experience with it is unique. The common causes of ED include diabetes, different medications, psychological factors like depression, or neurological conditions or illnesses.
People with ED will experience a range of symptoms. Sex toys are not a cure for erectile dysfunction, but they may be able to help you manage your symptoms. If you suspect you have ED, make sure to seek medical treatment from your doctor.
Sex Toys and Erectile Dysfunction
As with all sex toy uses, you may need to experiment to find what feels good to you and helps manage your ED symptoms. Not all sex toys will work the same for everyone, but these types of toys are a good place to start. In some cases, you may want to combine toys if you experience multiple symptoms at once.
Get Harder, Stay Harder
You can get an erection, but it’s not a great one, and it doesn’t last. Two sex toy options may be able to help you: a penis ring and a penis pump.
Penis rings sit at the base of your shaft or testicles and restrict the blood flow in and out of your penis. Slide it on (with a bit of lube) before you get hard, and once you’re erect the ring will act as a vice on your penis, keeping you erect longer.
Penis pumps are an option if getting hard is difficult for you. Slide the pump (with a bit of lube) over your penis and the pump will force the blood into your shaft. It may also help you maintain an erection longer. But if not, consider pairing it with a penis ring to stay hard.
Simulate an Erection
Some ED is so severe that you’re not able to get an erection, no matter what you do. In this case, a hollow dildo with a strap-on may be a good option for you. No, strap-ons and harnesses aren’t just for those who enjoy pegging. They’re great for people with erectile dysfunction, too.
The dildo fits snugly against your body and your penis can sit inside the dildo. If you’re able to get into sexual positions, you can penetrate your partner in whatever way is comfortable for you both. But if you also have mobility issues, your partner may be able to assume a Cowgirl/boy or Reverse Cowgirl/boy position instead.
Help Shrink an Enlarged Prostate
The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland in your rectum, right at the base of your penis. It’s where semen is stored. Enlarged prostates create several symptoms and problems for people who suffer from it, including erectile dysfunction. One potential option to shrink your prostate back down to a more normal size is through prostate massage.
A prostate massage can be done with your hand, but if you enjoy vibrations and extra sensations, a prostate massager is a great option. Prostate massage offers powerful, longer, and even multiple orgasms. This flushes out stagnant semen and fluid from your prostate. Not only will you feel good, but you may decrease your ED symptoms over time.
Give Yourself New Sensations
Some sufferers of erectile dysfunction have lost sensation in their penis. This makes getting an erection even more difficult. One option to help is to use vibrators for your penis. While any vibrator that’s strong enough can do the job, you may want to consider vibrating masturbation sleeves designed with a penis in mind.
A great example of this is the Pulse III by Hot Octopuss. It’s designed specifically for men who cannot get an erection. Instead of vibrations, the technology used creates oscillations. You lay your penis, flaccid or erect, in the sleeve and turn it on. Your shaft is surrounded by sensations that, if they feel good to you, can help you feel pleasure in a way you haven’t for a long time.
Conclusion
While curing your erectile dysfunction is ideal, that’s not always possible or a quick option. Until then, sex toys are a great way to feel sexual pleasure — alone or with a partner. You have more options than you realize. Sex toys might not be the cure, but they’re a great way to provide yourself temporary relief.
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