Erectile dysfunction or ED is more common than many may think. ED affects around 18 million men in the US over 20. Some reports even say that the number is closer than 30 million, but some men who suffer from the condition don’t report it.
The risk of ED increases as men age. However, difficulty maintaining an erection isn’t always age-related. Many men may experience this condition at some point in life. Still, it is often easy to identify the cause of erectile dysfunction and the disease usually subsides with proper treatment.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
The causes of erectile dysfunction can be mental or physical. According to studies, psychological factors are often the cause of ED. If the cause of erectile dysfunction is environmental or emotional (i.e., anxiety or stress), the condition is usually treatable. A patient’s treatment is successful depending on the grounds of ED.
Men who are stressed or experiencing anxiety and depression are not only at risk for ED but can also experience other health conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Some men may also have ED due to obesity and high cholesterol levels. It is also important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to erectile dysfunction.
Does Psychological Erectile Dysfunction Go Away?
If ED is psychological, the condition will likely subside in time. If erectile dysfunction doesn’t go away, it’s best to talk to a doctor to explore treatment options. The treatment should be based on what is causing a man to be anxious or stressed.
If erectile dysfunction is medical, it’s best to seek treatment from a doctor to explore therapies or medications that can restore the male reproductive system’s function or address symptoms of depression or anxiety.
How Can I Overcome Psychological Erection Dysfunction?
One of the most practical ways to treat ED is to lower anxiety and stress levels. This may involve therapy to pinpoint the causes of anxiety or stress and develop exercises and lifestyle practices to manage stressful situations.
Different types of therapy can help with ED, such as counseling, psychodynamic therapy, which addresses a subconscious reason for the underlying cause of ED, and sex therapy, which brings attention to sensual pleasure rather than sexual activity or arousal. These treatments can boost confidence and lead to more successful sex life.
Some individuals may also want to try sexual anxiety therapy. This involves a physician explaining erectile dysfunction in detail, making it easier for individuals to express the emotional obstacles they face and how these factors are connected to sexual performance.
Psychological Erectile Dysfunction Medicine to Try
For many men, an exam and a discussion about the man’s medical history are all a physician needs to diagnose ED and recommend an effective treatment. Men suffering from long-term health conditions or underlying health problems may need additional tests and appointments with medical specialists.
Depending on what caused the erectile dysfunction and the severity of the condition, several treatment options are available.
Oral medications such as Cialis, Viagra, or Levitra are often the first choice for treatment since they allow the body to sustain an erection for an extended period. However, it can take a few weeks for these treatments to work effectively.
Some men may want to consider testosterone replacement since ED is often due to low testosterone levels. A doctor may recommend testosterone replacement therapy in addition to oral medication.
If ED is a result of anxiety, stress, or depression, or if the condition is leading to stress, a physician may recommend therapy or counseling for the patient and his partner in addition to medication or hormone therapy.