What Could Cause Problems Maintaining an Erection with a New Partner, and Is Low Testosterone a Factor?

When you’re with a new partner, feeling nervous or anxious is common. This stress can make it hard for your body to relax and fully respond to sexual excitement, which is called performance anxiety. Your mind may worry a lot about pleasing your partner or measuring up, and these worries can stop you from getting or keeping an erection. At the same time, low testosterone, which is a hormone that helps with sexual desire and energy, could be a factor. However, most of the time, problems with erections in new relationships are more about feelings and stress than low testosterone. Physical factors like blood flow issues, certain medicines, other health problems, and even lifestyle choices, such as smoking or drinking, could also influence your performance. It often takes a mix of emotional and physical factors for these issues to show up. If these problems continue, it might be useful to talk with a healthcare provider to see which factors might be affecting you and to find ways to feel more comfortable and confident.