When it comes to sex, there are some questions we all want answered: how do you increase the size and strength of your erections? How can you improve your stamina and go harder for longer?
The penis is the most temperamental part of a man’s body. It tends to get too excited for its own good, showing up in a big way at the worst times. But it can also retreat from duty after a couple of drink or when you need it most. Getting and maintaining a good erection is important for your confidence, as well as sexual well-being.
Having a hard time keeping it up? Although you may never be able to 100% predict how your penis will behave, there are steps you can take to make sure that when it’s time to perform, your erections are as healthy and strong as they can be.
Be Stress Free
The most important organ in your body is not your penis but your brain. A lot of people fail to get an erection because they are too anxious or nervous when the moment arrives, even if they’re totally healthy. We view sex as goal-orientated, where erections and orgasms are the be all and end all of our sex lives. Not only are these expectations hard to live up to, but they work against the very nature of what sex is: an immense pleasure enjoyed by two people.
There is a lot people can do to work towards managing their anxiety around sexual performance. From cutting out life stressors to regular breathing exercises to mindfulness techniques – there are plenty of online articles which list techniques that can help decrease anxiety, and promote calmness and confidence. Experiment with a few different methods until you find the one that works best for you.
Get a Good Night’s Kip
Your penis needs as much shut-eye as it can get. Every night while you sleep, you have between three and five hour-long erections. They work to recharge your penis—keeping it well nourished with oxygenated blood. Now you know why you keep waking with a massive boner at 4am when you need a piss…
Hit The Gym
Bloodflow is the key to a healthy erection, and there’s nothing that encourages bloodflow like cardio. Not only does it keep you in shape, it builds the body’s nitric oxide, which helps maintain erections. Time to dust your trainers off and get moving! While running is great, stay off the bike if you can as it’s been linked to trouble with erectile dysfunction.
Kegel exercises are also recommended (yes, for men!). Kegels can strengthen the pubococcygeus muscle, which helps gain better control of your bladder as well as improve your sex life. Pelvic floor exercise involves squeezing and releasing the same muscle you would use to top peeing mid-stream. Clench for 10 seconds and then release. Over time it builds strength and tone, enhancing sexual function.
Don’t Skip the Foreplay
Foreplay is just as important as the main event. Taking the time to let things heat up can be the key to satisfaction as it helps prepare both mind and body for sex. So, take your time and indulge in activities like kissing, mutual masturbation, sensation play, and so on. You’ll thank us later!
Wear (Special) Condoms
Certain condoms contain benzocaine – a mild anesthetic that will reduce your sensitivity, prolong your erection, and delay your climax. Condoms such as Pasante Infinity (€9.18, kinky.ie) and Durex Extended Pleasure (€14.92, kinky.ie), contain a small amount of benzocaine that delays your climax so you can both enjoy that intimate time together for longer. Although it shouldn’t affect your partner, they should still pay attention to any reduction in their own pleasure as climax control condoms can occasionally reduce women’s sensitivity.
Delay Sprays and Creams
If you want something to make an instant impact on your sex life, look no further. Delay sprays and creams increase stamina, prolong erections, and intensify orgasms. Similar to delay condoms, they contain a small amount of benzocaine which is quickly absorbed by the skin. Most can be applied immediately before sex.
We recommend: Doc Johnson Delay cream (€17.22, kinky.ie) and Bathmate Control Prolonger (€26.40, kinky.ie).
Wear a Cock Ring
Cock rings trap blood inside the penis and creates a ‘super erection’, ensuring you remain rock solid for longer. This delays ejaculation and heightens sensitivity. If you have diabetes, any type of nerve or blood disorders, or are taking blood thinning medication, you should discuss using a cock ring with your GP or nurse beforehand. If you suffer from any serious erectile problems, a cock ring should not be used to try to ‘cure’ the problem. Although it might help you to maintain an erection, in cases where there could be an underlying issue it is essential to seek medical advice.
There are many different cock rings out there to choose from – they come in numerous shapes, sizes, and materials, so which one is the right one for you? To begin with, we recommend a simple ring made from a flexible material like silicone or rubber; Easy Squeeze Cock Ring Set (€6.88, kinky.ie) and Julian’s Stud Ring (€5.69, kinky.ie) are comfortable, easy to use, and body safe.