Why Can’t I Get Fully Erect? Causes, Solutions, and What to Do Next
Not being able to get or stay fully hard during sex can feel frustrating — or even embarrassing — but it’s more common than most men think. And it doesn’t always mean there’s something seriously wrong.
Some men can still get an erection but find it’s not as firm as it used to be, or they lose it partway through sex. This is sometimes called a partial erection, and it can be a sign of something physical, psychological, or a bit of both.
Let’s break down why it happens — and more importantly, what can help.
What Does It Mean to Not Get Fully Erect?
A partial erection may mean:
Difficulty achieving full hardness
Losing firmness during sex
Erections that don’t last long enough
Feeling softer than usual
This can affect confidence and intimacy — but it also offers important clues about what’s happening in the body.
Possible Causes of Incomplete Erections
1. Reduced Blood Flow
Healthy erections depend on strong blood flow to the penis. Conditions like:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Obesity
…can all interfere with circulation and lead to less firm erections.
2. Stress and Mental Health
Mental load plays a big role in arousal. Performance anxiety, relationship stress, depression, or even just being distracted can make it harder to stay hard. And the more you worry about it, the worse it can get.
3. Medication Side Effects
Certain medications — especially for blood pressure, depression, or prostate conditions — can affect erectile function. If your issues started after a change in meds, chat with your prescriber (never stop medication suddenly without advice).
4. Low Testosterone
Low testosterone isn’t the cause of most ED cases, but it can affect desire and firmness. This is more common in men over 50, but can happen earlier too.
5. Lifestyle Habits
Poor sleep, smoking, lack of exercise, the wrong type of exercise and too much alcohol can all make things softer in the bedroom. The good news? Small changes often make a big difference.
What Can Be Done?
There’s no need to guess. At Restorative Health Clinic, we start with a private, Medicare-rebated telehealth consultation. One of our experienced nurse practitioners will:
Take a detailed health and sexual history
Explore lifestyle, stress, and medication factors
Recommend blood tests if needed
Provide tailored advice and treatment options
This might include:
Oral tablets or fast-acting nasal sprays
Lifestyle adjustments
Psychological support if stress is a key factor
Regenerative therapies (if appropriate)
You're free to fill your script at any pharmacy — no locked-in subscriptions or hidden mark-ups.
When to Seek Help
If you’ve noticed changes in your erections — whether they’re softer, shorter-lasting, or inconsistent — don’t wait for it to become a bigger issue. Often, these concerns can be addressed quickly with the right support.
Take the First Step
Struggling with partial erections? You're not alone — and it can get better.
Book a confidential video consultation with one of our team members today. We’ll help you understand what’s going on and what you can do to feel more confident again.