Lost Your Erection When Changing Positions? Positional ED from Venous leak and what to do about it

Let's be real: it happens. You're in the heat of the moment, transitioning from one position to another, and suddenly... things go south. If you've ever lost your erection when switching sex positions, you might be dealing with something called position-dependent erectile dysfunction (PDED). 

What's Position-Dependent ED Anyway? 

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is very common, affecting millions of men. It's basically when you have trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for satisfying sex. With PDED, your erection's firmness can change, depending on your body position. 

One major culprit behind PDED? A condition called venous leakage. Think of it like this: when you get an erection, blood flows into your penis and gets trapped there, making it hard. Venous leakage is like a leaky faucet – the blood flows out too quickly, making it hard to stay hard. Certain positions can make this leakage worse. 

Why Does Venous Leakage Happen? 

Several things can contribute to venous leakage: 

• It Might Be How You're Built: Some guys are born with blood vessel differences that affect blood flow. 

• Underlying Health Issues: Conditions like diabetes and heart disease can damage blood vessels, making leakage more likely. 

• Injuries: Trauma to the penis, whether from rough sex an accident or surgery, can also play a role. 

• Aging: Unfortunately, as we get older, the tissues in our penis can lose elasticity, making it harder to trap blood. 

Signs You Might Have PDED: 

• You lose your erection when switching positions during sex. 

• You can get an erection, but it doesn't last long enough. 

• You have weak or no morning wood. 

• Your sex drive is normal, but your body isn't cooperating. 

What Can You Do About It? 

First off, don't panic! There are ways to address PDED. Here's what you can do: 

• Talk to Your Doctor: They can determine the underlying cause of your ED and recommend the best treatment. This might involve: 

• Medication: Common ED meds like Viagra, Cialis, and Stendra help improve blood flow and can be effective for some men with PDED. 

• Injections or Suppositories: If pills don't work, there are other options to explore. 

• Venous leak embolization: Embolization, which is a medical procedure to blocks blood vessel can be performed to close the leaking vessels.  

• Vacuum Device or Penis Ring: These devices can help trap blood in the penis, maintaining your erection. 

• Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating right, exercising, managing stress, and quitting smoking can improve your overall health, including your vascular health, which is crucial for strong erections. 

• Avoid Trigger Positions: If certain positions make you lose your erection, steer clear of them (at least for now). 

The Bottom Line: 

Position-dependent ED can be frustrating, but it's a treatable condition. Don't suffer in silence! Talk to your doctor, explore your options, and take steps to improve your overall health. With the right approach, you can get back to enjoying a satisfying sex life. 

To Learn more about Venous Leak Embolization treatments, or to find out if you are a candidate, call our office today. You can also book an appointment with Dr. Golowa through our website.