Psychogenic Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

As men get older, they face plenty of undesirable changes to their physical health, including hair loss and sexual dysfunction. Although these conditions may be unpleasant to experience, the fact is that they are quite common among ageing men.

In the past, men may have decided against seeking out treatment for these types of health issues due to the perceived social stigma and embarrassment associated with them. However, these days, it’s easier than ever to diagnose and treat these common conditions – without even stepping foot in a doctor’s office.

One of the most prevalent medical conditions among older men is erectile dysfunction (ED). Unfortunately, there is some confusion about what causes erectile dysfunction and how to treat it. In this post, we will offer up more details about ED, including the psychogenic reasons that it occurs in men and what you can do if it’s happening to you.

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (often abbreviated as ED) is when a man cannot achieve an erection or maintain it until the point of ejaculation. ED happens to most men at some point in their lives, but it is cause for concern if it occurs frequently. Erectile dysfunction commonly occurs in older men, but research shows that ED impacts about 30% of the total male population.

With advances in medicine, men no longer have to accept erectile dysfunction as a normal part of ageing that they can’t change. These days, there are some useful options for treating ED, which we will discuss at the end of this post.

What are the psychogenic causes of erectile dysfunction?

First, it’s important to point out that erectile dysfunction can arise from a range of factors, including physiological and psychogenic causes. It can even occur from a combination of both physiological and psychogenic influences.

In terms of physiological causes, erectile dysfunction has been linked to medical conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and other diseases like Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. Sometimes, ED that’s caused by one of these conditions can also impact a man psychologically, which, in turn, leads to psychogenic hurdles that affect sexual performance.

Here’s a brief overview of the most frequent psychogenic causes of erectile dysfunction.

• Anxiety or nerves. When it comes to sex, some men feel extreme pressure to perform well in bed, which can lead to “performance anxiety.” In turn, this can result in erectile dysfunction. Unfortunately, if a man has experienced ED before, he may feel anxious that it could occur again, turning into a vicious cycle of more thoughts that negatively impact sexual performance.
• Stress. Even if it isn’t sex-related, stress affects many men. Whether it’s about money, family or health, stress from day-to-day life can ultimately lead to erectile dysfunction in the bedroom.
• Depression. People who have depression feel the impacts of it throughout different aspects of their life, including in the bedroom. If you have depression (and especially if you’re taking prescribed medication to treat it), you may be more likely to experience erectile dysfunction.
• Low self-esteem. As with depression and anxiety, if you have low self-esteem, it can permeate all facets of your life. If you struggle with your self-worth in your everyday interactions, there is a risk of those negative thoughts impacting your sex life as well.
• Guilt and shame. Some men experience thoughts of guilt during sexual intercourse if they feel that they do not adequately please their partners. Feelings of guilt and shame during sex may also be caused by past sexual abuse.
• Other psychogenic factors. As pornography has become more readily available, some people become addicted to it. As a result, these individuals may develop unrealistic expectations about sex in real life. If a sexual encounter doesn’t match up to what someone has seen in porn, they may struggle to achieve stimulation in the bedroom.

Mental health is complex, and these factors represent a few of the potential psychogenic causes of erectile dysfunction. For an accurate diagnosis, it’s important to discuss your concerns with a medical professional.

How do you treat erectile dysfunction?

While the causes of erectile dysfunction may be complicated, it’s easier than ever before to seek treatment if you’re dealing with ED. New treatment options are convenient and discreet, designed to help you effectively solve your erectile dysfunction challenges and get back to your busy life.

Oral strips are one of the most common and most straightforward solutions for men grappling with ED since the strips dissolve on your tongue and start working quickly. Rapid Oral Strip Technology (ROST) can be safely prescribed from a licenced physician, who will work with you to assess your medical history and create a tailored treatment plan that’s right for you.

These days, there’s no need to ignore your problems with erectile dysfunction due to fear of shame or embarrassment. In fact, you don’t even have to book an appointment with your GP to discuss your sexual health questions.

Instead, you can book a consultation with an online medical clinic that specialises in men’s health. These types of medical professionals are experts in diagnosing sexual dysfunction conditions like erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. After an initial chat with a doctor to talk about your overall health and ED concerns, you will receive a discreet package in the mail that contains the oral strips.

At Men’s Health Direct, our medical team are experts in sexual dysfunction and are available to help you solve these problems confidentially and safely. We believe in having open and honest discussions with our patients about their most sensitive health concerns without judgment. To schedule a phone conversation with our clinicians, you can call us on 1800 200 500 or submit an appointment request form on our website.

Whether your erectile dysfunction stems from physiological or psychogenic causes, we can assist with quick treatment, so you’re reaching peak performance in the bedroom for years to come. Don’t settle for disappointment with your sexual performance. Get in touch with the experts at Men’s Health Direct today to enjoy a more fulfilling sex life free of erectile dysfunction.