Are erection difficulties a normal part of getting older?
Erection difficulties become more common with age. The causes of this can be both physical and psychological. Often making positive lifestyle changes can help, and additional support is available for people struggling to get and keep erections at any age. Speak to your GP or make an appointment at your local sexual health clinic for more information about what can help.
I lose my erection when I put a condom on. Should I stop using them?
No. Condoms are still the best protection from sexually transmitted infections and HIV. It’s not the condom that causes you to lose your erection. It’s the fact that you put it on just before penetration.
When someone is experiencing loss of erections, the point of penetration is often when it happens. Although many people find using condoms tricky at times, the more you use them the easier it becomes
How can I practise safer sex?
There are a number of ways in which you can have safer sex in order to protect yourself and partners from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and from unwanted pregnancy. These include using condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), to protect against the transmission of HIV, and different contraceptive methods.
In this booklet, we have chosen not to refer to any one of these specific methods, and encourage you to make your own decisions about protecting yourself and others in each instance of sexual activity you undertake. Your local sexual health clinic can provide you with free STI testing and information and advice on practising safer sex.