What is emotional sexual impotence? Is it common?
Erectile dysfunction affects a man’s ability to obtain and maintain an erection long enough to initiate and maintain sexual activity, especially as they age.
Some studies show that approximately 50% of men over 40 experience some degree of impotence at some point in their lives.
Understanding the type of dysfunction is essential to identify the appropriate treatment, whether it is focused on organic or psychogenic causes.
Psychogenic causes are more common than one might imagine: according to the Ministry of Health, the majority of cases of sexual dysfunction are related to psychological issues or relationship problems.
It is important to remember that psychological factors (such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, concerns about sexual performance, and past traumatic experiences) can interact with underlying physical causes, such as vascular or hormonal problems.
The treatment of psychogenic erectile dysfunction generally involves psychological therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, couple therapy, or sexual therapy.
In some cases, medications may be temporarily prescribed to manage symptoms while underlying psychological issues are addressed.
Is all erectile dysfunction emotional? What is the difference between emotional ED and physical ED?
Although impotence commonly associates emotional and physical factors, it can often be caused by a combination of them.
While organic erectile dysfunction refers to physical problems that prevent a healthy erection, psychological dysfunction, also known as psychogenic, is linked to psychological factors.
However, erectile dysfunction motivated by physical causes may require a medical evaluation to identify the origin. In many cases, medication for erectile dysfunction may be prescribed.
What are the causes of emotional sexual impotence?
As you already know, erectile dysfunction of psychogenic origin can be triggered by some specific factors (in addition to often being associated also with physical problems). Here are some of the most common causes:
- Anxiety: excessive concern about sexual performance, fear of not satisfying the partner, or worries related to personal issues can interfere with the ability to obtain or maintain an erection.
- Chronic stress: often motivated by work pressure, financial problems, family conflicts, among others.
- Depression: a mental condition that can impact life as a whole, including sexual function.
- Relationship problems: lack of communication, resentment, conflicts, or other issues, such as lack of intimacy.
- Emotional trauma: traumatic experiences, such as sexual abuse, can have a profound impact on a man’s sexual and emotional health.
- Low self-esteem and negative body image.
How to know if erectile dysfunction is psychological?
Understanding whether erectile dysfunction is of a psychological nature can be complex. Often, there are associated physical and emotional factors, which complicate the diagnosis.
Some signs, however, may suggest psychogenic erectile dysfunction. We list some signs that may suggest ED of psychological origin. See below:
Loss of libido
The loss or low libido is associated with a decrease in sexual desire, which is linked to emotional factors such as stress or depression.
Aging
Although aging is a natural factor in the decrease of erectile function, concerns about sexual performance can aggravate the situation, especially when the man is older.
Problems of self-esteem and insecurity
Feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem can negatively impact sexual function.
Anxiety and depression
Stress, anxiety, and depression are common mental illnesses that can cause ED.
Relationship problems
Often, unresolved conflicts, lack of communication, or other problems in the relationship can affect a man’s sexual function.
What are the impacts of emotional sexual impotence on relationships?
Emotional sexual impotence can have numerous impacts on relationships. Among the main ones are:
- Decrease in self-esteem and self-confidence;
- Difficulty in communicating with the partner;
- Shame and embarrassment;
- Difficulty in maintaining moments of physical intimacy;
- Tension and frustration in relationships;
- Wearing down the emotional bond between partners;
- Feeling of distance and disconnection from the partner.
Addressing erectile dysfunction of emotional origin is important to deal with the problem in an open and compassionate manner.
Seeking professional help can be essential to understand the situation and know how to deal with relationship problems caused by emotional sexual impotence.
What test is done to exclude the psychological cause of erectile dysfunction?
Some clinical signs may suggest a psychological cause associated with erectile dysfunction. Among them, are persistent difficulties in obtaining or maintaining an erection in specific situations.
For example: the man cannot maintain the relationship with the partner, but there are no problems during masturbation. Morning erections are common, but it is difficult to achieve an erection in a relationship.
To exclude the psychological cause of erectile dysfunction, the urologist may suggest nocturnal polysomnography, a test of erection during sleep.
This test involves monitoring a man’s spontaneous nighttime erections while he sleeps. If a man is capable of having erections during sleep, this suggests that the problem may have a psychological cause, since nighttime erections are usually involuntary and less affected by emotional factors.
However, the test is not definitive. Other factors can also influence the results.
A comprehensive medical evaluation that takes into account all physical and emotional aspects is necessary to determine, with certainty, the cause of erectile dysfunction.
What are the treatments for emotional sexual impotence?
Although the topic brings a lot of concern, the good news is that there are available treatments that can solve the problem once and for all (even if it takes a while and requires patience).
Among the main treatments for emotional erectile dysfunction are:
Lifestyle changes
Adopting a new, healthier lifestyle can be extremely beneficial not only for improving erectile function but also in taking care of mental health. Include in the routine:
- maintaining a balanced diet;
- exercising regularly;
- reducing stress;
- avoiding excessive alcohol consumption;
- not smoking.
Psychotherapy
Psychological therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or sexual therapy, can be effective in treating emotional erectile dysfunction. Therapy can help identify and address the underlying emotional issues that contribute to sexual dysfunction.
Medications
With proper psychiatric follow-up, when necessary, medications may be required to manage conditions such as anxiety or depressive states.
Intracavernosal injection
Intracavernosal injection is usually indicated by the doctor when other treatments are not effective. This option involves injecting medication directly into the penis, which can induce an erection.
Penile prosthesis
In severe cases of erectile dysfunction that do not respond to other forms of treatment, surgery to implant a penile prosthesis may be an option.
Emotional sexual impotence can be overcome
Emotional sexual impotence is by no means a sign of weakness or lack of masculinity.
Often, the treatment of emotional impotence depends on an individualized approach and collaboration between the patient and qualified health professionals.
Understanding the associated emotional issues is essential to overcoming psychological erectile dysfunction.
Know that this is a common and treatable condition. We are here at the EMC clinic to offer you support: if you face this problem, do not hesitate to contact us.
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