Psychological Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction

Nearly thirty million American men are currently suffering from erectile dysfunction. It is noteworthy that prevalence of erectile dysfunction varies among men of different age groups. In fact, in men with certain health issues and other risk factors (such as age over 50 years), the prevalence may be as high as 30 – 50%.

Erectile dysfunction refers to as an inability to achieve or maintain fairly strong penile erections during sexual intercourse until climax is reached. Usually erectile dysfunction is secondary to other health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular problems. Sometimes, smoking and alcoholism can also lead to this common sexual problem. But, in some men erectile dysfunction is primarily due to poorly managed psychological ailments.

Psychological Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction

Unfortunately, no matter how prominent and evident the symptoms of ED are; it is not easy to diagnose and cure psychological problems. The most common psychological causes of ED are:

• Poorly Managed Anxiety:

It is one of the most common cause of erectile dysfunction. Anxiety isn’t something that will only be confined to mental well-being; in fact, it often has a great influence on the physical health as well. Anxiety can elevate your blood pressure, heart rate and causes fatigue which ultimately affects the bedroom performance.

• Stress:

In this fast pace world, we all are living under some type of physical or emotional stress. Stress about work, performance, presentations, exams, and much more. Sometimes, even a smallest issue makes us so stressful that it leaves a negative impact on our sex life. Keep yourself calm and don’t let stress affect your intimate moments.

• Depression:

A chemical imbalance in brain leads to depression which not only affects the sexual performance but can also lower the libido. Compared to women, depression in men is more difficult to diagnose. In fact, many men don’t even know that they are suffering from depression and even if they find out they are often not willing to seek appropriate treatment.

Good thing is, most men can return to their normal life and replenish healthy sexual relations. Proper treatment of depression can also fix erectile dysfunction.

• Relationship Issues:

Problems in relationship such as silent treatments, rage, arguments, lack of communications and misunderstandings also lead to loss of sexual desires and intimacy. Talking to your partner and making things work will not only save you relation but can also fix your sexual problems (including erectile dysfunction) too. If you are unable to fix things on your own, seeking help from therapist or counselor is often helpful.

• Fear Of Sexual Dysfunction:

It is important to keep in mind is that erectile dysfunction is not an irreversible condition. Many men who experience ED for the first time, becomes nervous and due to fear of being unable to please their partner they start to lose confidence. The feeling of failure or fear worsens the condition. An appropriate treatment and counseling not only subsides the fear but also improves the sexual performance as well.

• Treatment Of Psychological Problems Causing ED

Most psychological problems can be rectified with counseling, support, patience and most importantly, will power! However, issue that are linked with hormonal/chemical imbalances can be managed with medications. Once the root problem is solved, ED subsides on its own.

• Make Mental Health A Priority

We all talk about physical wellbeing but rarely consider mental health! Your psychological problems not only affect sexual health but overall general health. To bring that zest back in your life, discuss your issues with doctor in detail and if required, seek help from a therapist.

References

• Schmidt, H. M., Munder, T., Gerger, H., Frühauf, S., & Barth, J. (2014). Combination of psychological intervention and phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction: A narrative review and meta‐analysis. The journal of sexual medicine, 11(6), 1376-1391.
• Corona, G., Ricca, V., Bandini, E., Rastrelli, G., Casale, H., Jannini, E. A., … & Maggi, M. (2012). SIEDY scale 3, a new instrument to detect psychological component in subjects with erectile dysfunction. The journal of sexual medicine, 9(8), 2017-2026.
• Corona, G., Giorda, C. B., Cucinotta, D., Guida, P., & Nada, E. (2014). Sexual dysfunction at the onset of type 2 diabetes: the interplay of depression, hormonal and cardiovascular factors. The journal of sexual medicine, 11(8), 2065-2073.