Psychological Erectile Dysfunction

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Psychological Erectile Dysfunction

Many men wish to have sex but struggle to do so. They may suffer from performance issues that affect their ability to get and maintain an erection. This is called erectile dysfunction and many men may think they are experiencing this due to age or medical problems. But it’s possible that it could just be in their head — literally.

Men of all ages could develop psychological erectile dysfunction. This type of sex problem develops due to stress, anxiety, and other factors that are not necessarily medical in nature. While psychological erectile dysfunction can be treated, it can be difficult. Treatment will often focus on both the mind and the body. 

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction? 

Erectile dysfunction can have psychological causes, such as the following:

• Performance anxiety. A man may be anxious about whether or not he can adequately perform in the bedroom, and this can make matters worse, making it harder to get an erection. 

• Stress. When a person is stressed out, it becomes more difficult to get aroused. 

• Depression. Depression makes it hard for people to be interested in activities such as sex. 

• Relationship issues. When a couple is experiencing conflict, this causes stress, which can make it harder for a man to get into the mood and maintain an erection. 

• Low self-esteem. Past performance issues may make a man experience low self-esteem, which can affect future sexual relations. 
• Trauma. A man who has been a victim of sexual abuse in the past may have trauma associated with that experience and it can affect his sex life.

Diagnosis and Treatment

When diagnosing erectile dysfunction, doctors will perform various tests to rule out any medical conditions. Blood and urine tests can look for heart problems, diabetes, anemia, and testosterone problems, all which can cause erectile dysfunction. A nocturnal penile tumescence test can also measure erectile function while the man is sleeping.

If there are no medical issues, the next step is to look for psychological issues. If stress, anxiety, or psychological disorders are causing erectile dysfunction, then it can be treated through psychotherapy, which helps patients understand their thoughts and feelings about sexual activity. Couples counseling can be helpful for both parties, especially since women can feel like they are to blame for their partner’s erectile dysfunction.

Meditation, breathing strategies, and other relaxation techniques can help a man feel more calm. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication can help with feelings of stress and anxiety. 

Contact Us Today

Erectile dysfunction can have many causes. When it is psychological in nature, treatment will focus on therapy and counseling to help the man understand why he feels the way he does so he can control his thoughts.

The good news is that there are many treatment options for erectile dysfunction. Learn more by contacting a New York doctor from Lazare Urology. We can assess your situation and help you understand your options. Schedule an appointment today by filling out the online form or calling (718) 568-7516. We serve the Brooklyn area.