Why do erections end?

All erections deflate as venous blood leaves the penis. Venous Leak Syndrome (VLS) affects men as they age, yet it's rarely discussed as likely the leading cause of ED. Thankfully, most men can find a simple, pill-free solution.The unfortunate few men who are either born with this problem due to faulty valves or get it later in life due to traumatic injury must see a urologist for possible surgery.But the world’s largest data base of erections from FirmTech indicates that the vast majority of men will be helped by comfortable and safe erections rings as first line therapy and an erection pill in combination if needed for optimal performance.

Every man can prove this to himself with a simple experiment:

1. Get rock hard and then stop all stimulation. Time how long it takes for the erection to go down.
2. Get rock hard and get and put a ring on it. See how much longer you last with a ring on.

Understanding Venous Leak Syndrome

Men with VLS achieve erections but struggle to maintain them. As men age, so do the smooth muscles and small veins that hold blood in the penis.  By age 70, men can still get firm erections, similar to those in their 20s. But because of weaker muscles and stiffer veins, blood leaves the penis faster than in their youth. Elsewhere in the body, we can see a similar effect after prolonged sitting, like on a plane. Socks and rings get tighter because blood is not pumped back to the heart as easily when we are young..

Strengthening Muscles and Maintaining Blood Retention for Stronger Erections

While skeletal muscles improve with exercise, improving smooth muscle function needs regular sexual activity. It's crucial to maintain cardiovascular health and avoid erection-interfering medications. Erection pills boost blood flow by dilating arteries but retaining that blood is the challenge for men with VLS. Rings resist venous leak and fading erections.

Psychological and Physical Effects of Venous Leak Syndrome

VLS often undermines confidence and can lead to putting off sex, depression, and relationship difficulties. Severe cases may result in physical complications like reduced penile size due to fibrosis from improper filling during sleep and sexual activity.

Importance of Early Diagnosis in Venous Leak Syndrome

Early diagnosis of VLS can help reverse its long-term effects. Individuals should consult a specialist, typically a urologist. Specialists will gather a medical history, conduct ED questionnaires, perform physical exams, and order screening blood tests. Essential questions often overlooked in all too brief doctor visits are as follows:

1. Is the problem attaining an erection, or sustaining an erection?
2. Under what circumstances do erections fade? Masturbation or penetration? What positions? What makes it better or worse?

Diagnostic Tests for Venous Leak Syndrome

1. Penile Duplex Ultrasound: Evaluates penile  blood flow, assessing the leak's severity. But this is only one data point and not performed under real life circumstances.
2. TechRing by FirmTech: Measures erection firmness and duration at home both overnight and during sex. It provides a private testing environment with data shared via a Bluetooth-enabled app. Strong nocturnals and poor sexual performance indicate a confidence problem, while weak nocturnals and weak performance lead to a more involved medical workup.

Treatments for Venous Leak Syndrome

1. Erection Rings: Limit blood outflow from the penis. Avoid those that block arterial inflow; they're safe only for 20-30 minutes. The TechRing and MaxPR by Firmtech are the only erection rings that are research-proven for safety and longer sex sessions.
2. Lifestyle modifications: Weight loss, regular exercise, decreasing alcohol and drug consumption, and quitting smoking can enhance blood flow, reducing risk of venous leak.
3. Medications: Oral PDE5 inhibitors boost penile blood flow but are less supportive on the venous side. They can and should be used in combination with an erection ring.
4. Surgery: Necessary in some cases to resolve structural issues.
5. Penile Prosthesis: A surgical option for inducing erections in unresponsive cases.

The best treatment depends on the cause, individual preferences, and overall health. Healthcare providers will work with patients to find the best strategy.

Preventing Venous Leak Syndrome

Managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes is crucial to preventing VLS in aging men. Those at risk should watch for symptoms and seek medical advice quickly.