How Psychological Erectile Dysfunction Works

October 30, 2020

4 mins

Mental health is an important factor in erectile dysfunction (ED). For men to get an erection, you need more than just the physical aspects of sexual intimacy. Negative thoughts and emotions make it more difficult to focus on sexual arousal.

One study found that men experiencing depression are more likely to experience ED than men who are not depressed.

Erectile dysfunction can affect your hormones, nervous system, and neurological system. As men get older, changes in testosterone levels can lower libido and increase your risk of ED.

Anxiety, stress, and depression can all be associated with ED in men. In some cases, having ED and not knowing how to treat it can cause mental health issues. However, there are tools available to manage ED during stressful times in your life. 

While there are medications that can help treat ED, taking care of your overall health is key to prevent it from reoccuring.

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What Are the Symptoms of Psychological ED?

Psychological ED, commonly referred to as pyschogenic ED, is the inabiliyy to reach or maintain an erection because of changes in your mental health. It doesn't always stem from a challenge you have faced recently. Some men may suddenly experience ED while processing past traumatic events.

Behaviors associated with psychological ED may include:

• Having trouble getting an erection with a partner

• Experiencing persistent high anxiety and stress

• Feeling a sense of fear about performance

What Causes Psychological ED?

Depression, stress, and anxiety are mental health issues that are often associated with ED. A wide array of mental health conditions can contribute to low libido as well. If you find your stress and anxiety manifesting into physical health concerns, be sure to reach out to a healthcare provider.

In one study, 12.5% of men experiencing ED had been diagnosed with a depressive disorder. Prolonged high stress, depression, and anxiety can lead to an increased risk of suicidal ideation in some men. The study demonstrated how depression and ED are often related, but one does not always directuly cause the other.

Healthcare providers are still studying the relationship between ED and mental health conditions. More research is needed to fully understand whether mental health concerns are a direct cause of ED.

Can porn cause ED?

Some studies have found that guilt from engaging with pornography online has contributed to ED in some men. However, more research is needed on the relationship between pornography and erectile function. Health experts have noticed that some men may develop unrealistic expectations from porn that's vastly different from sexual intimacy in real life.

Common physical causes of ED

ED is most often associated with medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Typically, a healthcare provider may first suspect one of these health conditions if you have not expressed any mental health issues.

Health conditions associated with ED include:

• Obesity

• High Blood Pressure (hypertension)

• Hormonal Disorders

• Heart Disease

• Diabetes

All of these health conditions have an effect on blood flow. An insufficient blood flow to the penis prevents a full erection. Certain lifestyle factors like smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can lead to ED. Be sure to let a healthcare provider know all of your health history before starting a medication.

How Do You Treat Psychological ED?

Since mental health concerns may not be a direct cause of ED, a healthcare provider can help you take steps toward better mental health to improve erectile function. A healthcare provider that specializes in mental health can help you process traumatic thoughts and stress. Talk therapy can help you articulate what you're going through and come up with tools for treatment.

If your ED can be treated with medication, a healthcare provider may suggest popular ED medications like Viagra (sildenafil) or Cialis (tadalafil). There are also generic versions of ED medications like tadalafil,

At-home methods for managing ED

Some possible solutions to psychological ED that you can consider implementing include:

Meditation and maindfulness: Taking 10-15 minutes daily to put down your phone, eliminate distractions, and focus on yourself through rhythmic breaths can be a great way to reset.

Exercise: Engaging in 20 to 30 minutes of light exercise every other day can help to reduce stress and improve your overall health..

Communicate with others: Anxiety and stress can be hard to process on your own. Speak with a friend or loved one you feel comfortable with about the challenges you're experiencing.

How Rex MD Can Help

Stress and anxiety can change how a person gets through the day. Be sure to reach out to a healthcare provider if stress and negative emotions are starting to feel out of your control. They can provide you with tips on managing your stress and medications to treat certain symptoms.

If you're looking for quick treatment to treat ED, Rex MD offers access to generic ED medications like sildenafil and tadalafil.

Get started today with finding the treatment that's right for you.