For the longest time, Erectile Dysfunction was considered to be triggered by physiological factors alone in men. Now the world has realized while erectile dysfunction may be predominantly a biological concern among males, in many men, erectile dysfunction has psychological components as well.
Psychology is often the influencing factor in males who experience symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Problems like stress and anxiety , bitter relationships, depression, exhaustion, guilt, etc., can lead healthy men to experience difficulties in getting an erection. Thankfully, the development of some psychological techniques can help men deal with such issues. As a result, they can positively handle erectile dysfunction and seek the necessary treatment options.
How to Identify that Your Erectile Dysfunction is Just Psychological?
A sexual health problem like erectile dysfunction could occur due to several factors that can be biological, psychological, or physiologically interlinked. Suppose you are physically fit and have no underlying health complications, and still experiencing problems in getting an erection. In that case, you might get diagnosed with psychological erectile dysfunction. Some of the symptoms that can hint at the presence of psychological impotence are as follows:-
- Low sex drive
- Low self-esteem
- Difficulty in getting an erection
- Stress or sexual performance anxiety
- Trouble in maintaining an erection
If such symptoms become more persistent, it becomes imperative to consult a mental health professional like a psychologist. In addition, taking the proper medical treatment in medication and therapy can help manage erectile dysfunction symptoms.
Depending upon the prevailing condition, medical science has provided us with multiple treatment options from medications like Fildena Super Active, Vilitra 40 Mg, Vidalista 40mg, etc.to penis pumps, surgery and implants. For better results, consult the doctor before choosing any of these.
Also read: How Psychological Disorders Affect Sexual Functioning
Does Psychological Erectile Dysfunction Go Away?
If erectile dysfunction is solely triggered by psychological issues like stress, performance anxiety or depression, then there is a possibility that it may go away with time. However, when a man gets diagnosed with such sexual health concerns, the chances of experiencing sexual performance anxiety also increase, further deteriorating the condition.
Therefore, it is necessary to talk to your health care provider to know the treatment options available for the disease.
How Do You Fix Psychological Erectile Dysfunction?
Suppose you are a man with no medical conditions contributing to ED- the one who eats healthy and exercises regularly but still encounters erectile dysfunction at the most inappropriate moments. There is a fair possibility that you have psychological erectile dysfunction. Some of the ways in which you can fix your psychological erectile dysfunction are as follows:-
1. Talk to a therapist:
Though erectile dysfunction is a sensitive topic, men are usually not comfortable discussing it. Many men often experience performance anxiety about such issues and don’t seek the necessary treatment.
It is essential to keep it open and talk about how you feel and what help you need from the therapist. Get in contact with a therapist to find your way to contentment in sexual life. They may prove very useful for you while struggling to overcome sexual dysfunction psychologically. In addition, you will come to know about various therapies to make you feel better and more progressive about impotence.
2. Revamp your relationship:
Please note that sexual intimacy is not the only intimacy you can have with your partner. This type of psychological treatment is known as ‘sensate focus’ and is a part of psychosexual therapy. The treatment involves a couple agreeing to break from their routine sex. During this time, they are supposed not to indulge in sexual affection but put more focus on emotions.
This exercise aims to make the couple focus on positive things other than sex. First, it gives the guy a break, and eventually, the couple feels the heat and makes their way back to conventional sex. This can also help reduce the performance anxiety related to health concerns like sexual dysfunction.
3. Identify and kill unrealistic thoughts:
Many men set ideological sexual challenges for themselves and lose their confidence if they fail to do so. Without stressing over it, you need to identify what you can do in real life. Learn the difference between sex in porn movies and real-life sex. It is ok if you can’t do it for the time they do in movies.
Stop comparing your sex life with your friends. Instead, you should start working on your self-esteem, sexuality, and personal relationship. Ask your partner to help you with it. Remember, talking about it will help you the most if you have psychological erectile dysfunction.
4. Relax your mind and body:-
You can blame your modern lifestyle, bad childhood, and unhealthy relationship problems for the stress you have in your life. Stress is why approximately 20% of men feel psychological impotence until they reach 40 years. Do not take your stress and sexual performance anxiety to the level you have no control of your mind and body.
Try meditating every day, convince yourself to get out of ‘negative self-talk,’ and include ‘positive self-talk’ sessions as a part of your morning routine. In addition to that, regularly perform deep and rhythmic breathing exercises to enhance your ability to control your thought process.
5. Guided Imagery:-
Guided imagery is a proven way to cure psychological impotence globally. According to research conducted in 1984, 70% of men treated with Guided Imagery overcame their psychological impotence and testified that they could maintain an erection whenever they wanted to.
This practice is very similar to guided meditation, in which the person closes his eyes, relaxes, and lets go of his stress by visualization exercises. This exercise gives you the liberty to either reach a therapist for it or do it at the comfort of your home.
Hope this article helps you to overcome the symptoms of psychological erectile dysfunction. Please share it with those who need to know about psychological ED.
Outlook
To treat psychological erectile dysfunction, it is essential to have the support of your spouse and close family members. One can take therapy, counselling as per the recommendation of a mental health expert to cure psychological erectile dysfunction. It is important to know what all factors lead to symptoms of such sexual dysfunction.
In addition, talking more openly about mental health issues like stress, performance anxiety, and depression can help treat psychological erectile dysfunction more effectively.
