Sorry Men, New Research Finds Condoms Aren’t To Blame For Your Wilting Erections

From: The Gaily Grind

Men, have you ever told a partner you couldn’t use a condom because it would make you lose your erection?

Well according to a new study, it might be time to start formulating another excuse.

New research shows rubbers aren’t to blame for wilting erections.

A study of nearly 500 heterosexual men, ranging in age from 18-24, found that those who blamed condoms as a barrier to an erection were more likely to be suffering from general erectile dysfunction whether they used a condom or not.

38 percent of respondents said condoms had no effect on their performance, while the same number reported problems either during application or sex itself reportsTheDailyBeast.

“Condom-associated erection problems have been a very under-researched topic,” explained Dr. Cynthia Graham, co-author of the study, published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. “Increasing evidence suggests, however, that they may influence whether condoms are used correctly or from start to finish of sex.”

TheDailyBeast adds:

The lack of research into the broader issues which could impact penile function means that little of the link between one’s psychological state and future performance has been uncovered, but as the paper suggests, “men who first experience loss of erection when they use condoms might worry about [difficulty] experiencing erections more generally and hence be more vulnerable [to erectile problems].” Referencing prior studies on its physiological causes, the researchers note that around 16 percent of American men under 40 reported intermittent issues maintaining an erection, while another showed that performance difficulties only usually lasted for the first minute of sexual activity.


The researchers found that more than a third of participants had never been taught how to use a condom correctly, which could be a major factor in young men believing that using one will affect them in the bedroom. It’s troubling that so many men are lacking basic knowledge when it comes to condom application, calling into question the efficacy—or even existence of—sexual education in schools.