In Hong Kong, many men have experienced issues with insufficient erection hardness. According to information from the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection, among men aged 40-70, half have faced varying degrees of erectile difficulties and hardness issues. However, due to high urban stress and poor lifestyle habits, this problem is increasingly affecting younger men as well. As such, men of various ages may encounter issues with insufficient hardness.
Furthermore, insufficient hardness can impact relationships and may indicate underlying cardiovascular diseases or diabetes. Therefore, it is crucial to understand your condition early and take steps to improve it.
Methods for Assessing Insufficient Hardness
Based on the Erection Hardness Score (EHS), erection hardness is classified into four levels:
| LEVEL | Similar Food | Situation |
| 1st Level | Tofu | The penis enlarges with sexual stimulation but is soft, like tofu. |
| 2nd Level | Peeled Banana | The penis enlarges with stimulation and has some hardness but cannot penetrate. |
| 3rd Level | Unpeeled Banana | Unpeeled Banana |
| 4th Level | Cucumber | The penis has a normal state with sufficient hardness and sustained erection. |
If the penis consistently cannot reach a 3rd-level state, it indicates issues with hardness or even erectile dysfunction.
Why Does Insufficient Hardness Occur?
1. Vascular Issues
Erection heavily relies on blood flow. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can hinder blood circulation, preventing quick delivery to the penis, leading to insufficient hardness. Research from PMC shows that 60% of diabetic patients experience issues with hardness and erectile dysfunction. Therefore, if you notice problems with hardness, it could signal vascular issues in the body.
Hormonal and Endocrine Effects
Testosterone is the key hormone for maintaining hardness and libido. With aging, testosterone levels naturally decline, exacerbating hardness issues. Additionally, endocrine disorders such as thyroid or adrenal gland abnormalities can also affect erectile function and penile hardness.
Nerve Conduction Disorders
Achieving an erection requires the brain to transmit signals from the spinal nerves to the penis. If there are issues with the nerve pathways, such as diabetic neuropathy or spinal injuries, this can lead to insufficient hardness.
Disease Effects and Medication Side Effects
Many medications, including antihypertensives, antidepressants, and chemotherapy drugs, can affect erection hardness. Chronic diseases such as liver cirrhosis and kidney failure may also contribute to insufficient hardness.
Psychological and Lifestyle Factors
Long-term stress, insomnia, and depression can lead to issues with hardness. Urban habits like smoking, drinking, and lack of exercise can damage cardiovascular and nerve function, contributing to insufficient hardness.
Impact of Insufficient Hardness
Long-term issues with hardness can not only affect partner relationships but also lead to stress that impacts mental and overall quality of life.
1. Impact on Partner Relationships
Unsatisfying sexual experiences can lead to feelings of neglect in partners and even insecurity about attractiveness. Persistent hardness issues in men can deteriorate relationships, potentially leading to larger conflicts.
2. Psychological Effects
Insufficient hardness directly impacts a man's self-confidence, which may lead to anxiety, making blood vessels more prone to constriction. This exacerbates issues with hardness and erections and may eventually lead to depression or sexual anxiety.
3. Quality of Life
The psychological stress stemming from long-term issues with hardness can diminish sleep quality. Poor sleep can further reduce testosterone levels, creating a vicious cycle. Additionally, worsening sleep quality can lead to lack of focus and decreased work efficiency, adversely affecting career performance and quality of life.
How to Improve Insufficient Hardness: Five Key Methods唔夠硬情況
To effectively address hardness issues, it is essential to approach it through lifestyle changes and treatment plans.
1. Establishing an Exercise Habit
Regular physical activity can significantly improve vascular health. Aerobic exercises like running and swimming enhance blood circulation, while squats can promote testosterone secretion. Kegel exercises can also strengthen pelvic floor muscles, effectively improving hardness and endurance.
2. Adopting a Healthy Diet
Improving dietary habits can effectively tackle hardness issues. A Mediterranean diet (high in vegetables and fish while low in oil and sugar) can enhance vascular function. Consuming zinc-rich foods like oysters and pumpkin seeds, along with Omega-3 and high-fiber vegetables, positively affects hardness.
3. Improving Sleep Quality
Good sleep helps balance hormones and reduce the anxiety impacting erectile function. Improving daily routines and practicing deep breathing can relieve stress, enhancing sleep quality.
4. Changing Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
Smoking and drinking can affect vascular elasticity and suppress nerve reactions, leading to issues with hardness. Therefore, quitting smoking and drinking is a simple and direct method to improve hardness.
5. Actively Seeking Treatment Options Besides
improving lifestyle habits, pursuing active treatment options such as shockwave therapy can effectively tackle the root causes and improve hardness issues. Shockwave therapy can enhance blood flow to the penis and promote the growth of new blood vessels, thereby improving erection functionality and addressing hardness.衝擊波治療能有效針對問題根源，改善硬度不足問題。衝擊波治療可改善陰莖血流，並促進新血管生長，提升勃起功能以及改善硬度不足問題。
Insufficient hardness not only impacts partner relationships but also influences mental health and quality of life. Early adoption of appropriate improvement strategies can help restore confidence and health while promptly addressing potential cardiovascular issues.
