Psychological erectile dysfunction, also known aserectile dysfunction, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection during sexual intercourse caused by psychological factors. These factors can often include stress, anxiety, depression, guilt, low self-esteem or relationship problems. While it can occur in men at any age, the most common cases are in young people. Depending on the underlying cause of this problem, treatment is possible.
This condition, which can also be seen due to physiological reasons, can also be caused by aging and negative effects on genital blood flow. In addition, different health problems and some medications used can also cause physical erectile dysfunction. For this reason, any therapy and application before it is determined that the problem is caused by psychological factors will not be beneficial. When it is determined that the problem is caused by psychological factors, the conditions that cause psychological erectile dysfunction disorder are treated.
Causes of Psychological Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by any underlying health problem. To determine whether it is caused by psychological factors, a specialist should carry out the necessary examination and research. There may also be some factors that indicate that the condition is caused by psychological factors.
In addition to these, psychological causes of erectile dysfunction can be listed as follows:
Performance Anxiety
Worries about not being able to satisfy sexually or with a partner can lead to performance anxiety. The greater the anxiety, the greater the problems. This affects the ability to get or maintain an erection.
Performance anxiety can be the root cause of this, or it can be the result of a bad sexual experience. This cycle occurs when erectile dysfunction occurs in any situation and leads to anxiety when it recurs in the next relationship.
Stress and Anxiety
In stressful and anxious situations, stress hormones can enter the bloodstream and cause erectile dysfunction.
Depression
Depression can affect all aspects of life, including sexual performance. A depressed person may have problems in sexual relationships. Since depression is linked to nerve cells in the brain, it can also affect sex drive or the ability to get an erection.
Relationship Problems
Disagreements, conflicts and problems in relationships can cause emotional stress. This can lead to distances between partners that can interfere with sexual performance.
Feelings of guilt
This condition can be seen mostly in extramarital relationships and in men who have multiple relationships. Infidelity and guilt can cause impotence.
Loss of self-confidence
Low self-esteem and erectile dysfunction are related. Loss of self-confidence may occur in cases such as seeing oneself as inadequate, seeing oneself as unsuccessful in the previous sexual relationship. Self-confidence, that is, low self-esteem, can cause erectile dysfunction in people.
Diagnosis of Psychological Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by any underlying health problem. To determine whether this problem is caused by physiological or psychological factors, people need to undergo a comprehensive examination and tests.
The person's medical and sexual history, any past substance abuse and general health are assessed. In some cases, hormonal problems such as low testosterone levels can affect sexual performance.
Here are some of the tests that are done to prevent such situations and rule out different health problems:
- Blood test
- Urine test
- Thyroid tests
Blood tests can help to identify the underlying physiological factors that may cause this problem. Testosterone hormone levels contribute to the detection of problems such as heart problems and anemia.
Psychological Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
Psychological erectile dysfunction treatment is done by addressing psychological factors. Men consider it a sensitive subject and often do not like to talk about it. However, therapy and support from a psychiatrist can help.
The main methods for the treatment of psychogenic erectile dysfunction can be listed as follows:
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can help a person to identify their thoughts and feelings about sexual activity and impotence. Through therapy, the patient can develop balanced thoughts about themselves, their relationships and their sexual performance.
Therapies are designed to target and heal any underlying cause of the difficulties experienced. Getting help with psychological problems can help to eliminate the negative effects on sexual performance.
Couple Therapy
These therapies are important for partners to solve problems between them. It is ensured that couples improve communication about sexuality and gain insight and understanding about sexual functions. In addition, conflicts, disagreements and different problems between them can be resolved in these therapies and help them maintain a healthy relationship.
Relaxation Techniques
These are practices against anxiety and stress. The person is calmed and relaxed through meditation and breathing techniques. Such exercises improve sexual performance affected by stress and anxiety.
Medication Treatment
Some medications, which can be prescribed by a specialist doctor or psychiatrist, can help to manage the psychological factors involved.