Psychological Causes of
Erectile Dysfunction
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Treatment of Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction (i.e. emotionally or psychologically based erectile dysfunction)Erectile dysfunction is regarded as psychogenic when it is due mostly to psychological or interpersonal issues. It may appear alongside low desire and is often linked to depression and anxiety, perhaps about sexual performance, relationship conflicts, or sexual compatibility issues in a couple. (However, many cases of erectile dysfunction will involve both physiological and psychogenic factors.) There are four basic treatment models for psychogenic erectile dysfunction: Anxiety reduction and desensitization This approach reduces performance anxiety and enhances relaxation during sex. Initially a couple avoid intercourse and use a series of non-demanding, non-genital sensate focus exercises instead. They then gradually proceed to more genitally focused activities. Cognitive behavioral approach This approach aims to correct the misconceptions and unrealistic expectations that many men and their partners hold around sexual function and performance. Sexual techniques This approach helps a man and his partner to go beyond penile-vaginal or penile-anal intercourse. For example, a man and his partner may instead focus on manual and oral forms of sexual stimulation, both of which reduce the need for a firm erection. Relationship interventions & systemic therapy Relationship conflicts involving status and dominance issues, intimacy and trust, and levels of sexual attraction may contribute to erectile dysfunction, so focusing on these in counseling can be helpful. Given the efficiency and safety of PDE 5 inhibitors like Viagra, they can be used as an adjunct to therapy in the management of psychologically based erectile dysfunction. Indeed, research shows that Viagra improves the erections of 80% of men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction. |
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Other pages on this website about the treatment of erectile dysfunction, erectile dysfunction and impotence
Other sections on the website about erectile dysfunction
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