Erectile Dysfunction and Mental Health: How Are They Interrelated?

One of the most common struggles that men face all around the world is erectile dysfunction. It has various causes, be it psychological, physical, and social. It affects most men reaching the age of 40 and above. Although, men across different age brackets such as younger men in their 20s may also experience erectile dysfunction. Science tells us that for every decade of a man’s life, there is also an increase of 10% in the probability of experiencing erectile dysfunction (40 years old - 40%, 50 years old - 50%). With this, men feel like it is a natural symptom of ageing and do not attempt to learn more about it, consult a doctor, and have it treated. More so, as most men undermine the importance of taking care of their mental health, “they too do not believe that mental health affects sexual performance and causes erectile dysfunction. For options, if ever you’re in the area check out professionals who specialize in erectile dysfunction Houston.

Erectile Dysfunction and Mental health

Erectile dysfunction is the inability of a man to have and sustain an erection enough to have sexual intercourse or other activities. The erection process consists of the functions of the brain, nerves, emotion, blood flow, and muscles in your penis area. Physical and psychological factors affect the components of the erection process, thus causing erectile dysfunction. Physical factors include heart conditions that affect blood flow, diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, injury to the penis, hormonal imbalance, hypertension, low testosterone, high cholesterol and lipid levels, neurological diseases, prostate cancer treatment, spinal cord injury, atherosclerosis, Peyronie’s disease, certain medications and more.

On the other hand, studies have shown that about 10% to 20% of all cases of erectile dysfunction are caused by psychological factors. The psychological factors that cause erectile dysfunction include:

• Stress

Stress is typically caused by problems at work, money, and relationship problems. Stress may also be due to body image.

• Anxiety

Anxiety may be caused by a fear of sexual failure. This may lead to “performance anxiety” and thus, erectile dysfunction.

• Depression

Depression is one of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction. Even when a man is totally comfortable in any sexual situation, his performance can still be affected by depression whin may then lead to erectile dysfunction

• Guilt

Guilt can be rooted in relationship issues or previous experiences of the erectile dysfunction which causes guilt for not having to satisfy your partner.

• Low self-esteem

Low self-esteem is related to prior experiences of erectile dysfunction. This may also be due to other factors such as poor body image or  other issues related to sexual performance

• Indifference

This can be caused by a loss of interest in sex due to age or from relationship issues.

All these conditions listed are mental health concerns. When one addresses these risk factors and maintains good mental health, one may be able to address what is causing their erectile dysfunction. There are different ways to treat mental health conditions. This includes therapy and medication. For a more specific treatment relating to erectile dysfunction and mental health concerns, go to Numan for your erection issues.