Erectile dysfunction is a common problem affecting millions of men around the world, especially over the age of 30. In fact, about 5 percent of 40-year-olds and nearly 25 percent of 65-year-olds experience long-term impotence or erectile dysfunction. But these men aren’t the only ones affected: erectile dysfunction also affects their partners.
In addition to the consequences it can lead to, erectile dysfunction can be a very difficult topic of conversation, and this lack of communication can trigger emotional problems for both partners.
Erectile dysfunction can have various causes: from hormonal problems to psychological ones.
Erectile dysfunction is often linked to psychological problems such as anxiety, lack of self-esteem, performance anxiety.
While talking about this problem can be embarrassing, experts suggest that talking about it is essential to address and resolve the problem. And in some cases, talking to a therapist may be necessary to overcome problems and improve a couple’s overall sexual relationship. The emotional impact of erectile dysfunction
Contents
- The emotional impact of erectile dysfunction
- Psychological erectile dysfunction
- Psychological erection problems
- How erectile dysfunction is treated due to stress or anxiety
- Determine the cause
- Reduce triggers
- Consider using medications
- Consult a therapist
- Therapies and communication with one’s partners
- The emotional benefits of sex therapy
Men who experience impotence struggle not only with physical ailment; the psychological and emotional aspects of erectile dysfunction can be distressing.
Most men identify with their penis. The effect on their self-esteem can be significant. Their masculinity, their confidence, their self-esteem can be hit hard.
Even for partners, there can be emotional repercussions. You can feel rejected. This is why it is very important to talk about it and address the problem.
Impotence can trigger feelings of low self-esteem and depression. These feelings can, in turn, lead to something called anticipatory anxiety, i.e. the man can play a spectator role, in which he steps out of himself to see how he is behaving. This can interfere with sexual intercourse, and can create erectile dysfunction. Psychological erectile dysfunction
Stress or anxiety can cause erectile dysfunction
Anything that can lead to anxiety can inhibit the ability to get an erection, according to experts. This includes everyday stressors, mental health conditions, and performance anxiety.
When external stressors and other psychological factors cause erectile dysfunction, it is classified as psychogenic erectile dysfunction. It generally happens in two ways. Anxiety causes a mental distraction, making it difficult to focus on sex. Or, stress can cause increased sympathetic nerve activity.
It is interesting to note that the part of the autonomic nervous system that stimulates an erection is the parasympathetic nervous system, which is what works when resting or sleeping.
Your body’s stress response counteracts the parasympathetic system, which works when you are at rest. This means that it is almost impossible to remain aroused when in fear and panic. Psychological erection problems
There is also an association between depression, anxiety and erectile dysfunction, possibly due to general dissatisfaction with life, decreased sexual desire or side effects of.
Many cases of erectile dysfunction, especially those prevalent among younger people, are due to performance anxiety, which occurs when your attention is focused on negative thoughts or worries to please your partner, rather than on the erotic stimulation that stimulates the partner. ‘excitement.
It is a specific type of sexual stress that affects 14% to 25% of men.
Over time, performance anxiety can decrease self-esteem, sexual confidence and communication with a partner, and even lead to relationship conflicts or resentments.How to cure erectile dysfunction from stress or anxiety
Relieving psychogenic erectile dysfunction or performance anxiety is a process, not a quick fix. It is important that the patient accepts this at the beginning of the treatment. If possible, it is also helpful for the partner to be involved in the whole process.
First of all, we need to:
- Determine the cause (this is the only way to act and seek a specific treatment);
- Reduce, or completely eliminate, the triggers;
- Ask for help from a specialist and, if possible, do couple therapy if you have a partner;
- Consider using medications.
Determine the cause
Often, the cause of erectile dysfunction is multifactorial. In other words, there can often be multiple causes, including changes in blood supply to the penis, impaired nerve function, hormones, medications, surgery, and psychological factors.
Situational erectile dysfunction (such as being able to have an erection through masturbation, but not with a partner) is a key symptom of psychogenic erectile dysfunction. If the cause is medical, your doctor will get a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam, possibly with a blood test. Morning erections noticed upon waking up while still having erectile dysfunction issues with a partner also indicate psychogenic erectile dysfunction.Reduce Triggers
If you recognize that a particular stressor is contributing to performance anxiety or erectile dysfunction, try to avoid these situations. Discussions with your partner, including expectations about erection duration, nervousness about the refractory period, or body insecurities can help alleviate some of these stress and erectile dysfunction triggers. Consider using medications
PDE5 inhibitors (such as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis) can improve your sexual response, even if you are experiencing stress or performance anxiety, but they may not get to the root of the problem. That is, they could serve as a palliative, but they would not cure erectile dysfunction in this case, i.e. in cases where impotence is linked to psychological factors.
Many times, when treating erectile dysfunction, one empirically puts the patient on PDE5 inhibitors without necessarily addressing the primary problem.
These drugs help to get and maintain an erection, but do not address other underlying problems such as relationship problems or decreased libido or desire.
If you are in a prolonged state of anxiety, it would be good to address the triggering psychological problem by booking a visit to a specialized professional.
In some cases, anxiety-induced erectile dysfunction is treatable with medication. However, some medications used to treat depression, anxiety, or high blood pressure can also make it difficult to get an erection.
Talk to your doctor about your concerns to find the right treatment. Consult a therapist
If these steps have not helped you resolve the problem, your doctor may refer you to a mental health professional or sex therapist. These sessions can work on exploring the barriers, communication techniques, anxiety reduction techniques and adjuvants that will help overcome the psychological aspects of erectile dysfunction.
It can take some time to completely eliminate the effect of anxiety in the bedroom, but don’t give up. With the right treatment (and a little persistence), your sex life can return to normal. Therapies and communication with one’s partners
When dealing with erectile dysfunction, communication with your partner is key. In many cases, men don’t want to talk about erectile dysfunction when it happens, but not talking about it can have a negative impact on their sexual relationships. It is very important for couples to discuss the problem. Communicating allows both partners to confront their feelings about erectile dysfunction, and work together to resolve the problem.
A proactive attitude towards erectile dysfunction is crucial and can make a significant difference in how it is managed. Almost all men are affected by erectile dysfunction at some point in their life. And how they deal with it that matters.
For couples dealing with erectile dysfunction, experts suggest focusing on the moment and connecting with each other during intercourse, instead of focusing on your penis.
Couples should channel the emphasis of intercourse on giving and receiving pleasure. The Emotional Benefits of Sex Therapy
The perception today is that erectile dysfunction is something that can be treated simply by taking a pill. But working with a licensed therapist who specializes in this therapy can help couples resolve the emotional and psychological problems that can cause impotence.
Counseling can also be beneficial as it helps couples cope with erectile dysfunction and the complicated issues associated with it.
