Getting Help for Erectile Dysfunction

If you think your erectile dysfunction could be caused by a psychological problem, see your doctor. Psychological factors don't mean that you're not interested in sex or don't want sex, but that your mind and your emotional health are getting in the way of what your body wants to do. What may help:

Having a candid dialogue with your doctor. Talk about what's going on in your life and what you think might be the cause of your erectile dysfunction. The visit may be even more helpful if your partner attends the appointment with you so that your doctor can get a better understanding of any relationship or psychological factors that may be contributing to your erectile dysfunction.

Therapy. If psychological factors are the problem, your doctor can recommend therapy options; choices include psychotherapy, sex therapy, or other therapy for you; couples counseling for you and your partner; or medication and therapy to manage symptoms of depression. Attending couples counseling can improve the emotional and physical aspects of your relationship.

Stress management. You can learn to manage stress, anxiety, and depression through methods like meditation, relaxation techniques, and regular exercise.

Try not to put pressure on yourself about your sexual performance, and talk to your partner if you feel like you're under pressure in the relationship. Start a discussion about what's on your mind, what you both what from your sex life, and how you can help to meet each other's needs and expectations. Working together and with the right outside help when needed, you can begin to enjoy sex again.

What Increases Your Erection Problem

Your age, the state of your health, medications, and psychological issues may all increase your odds.

Most men have occasional erection problems (erectile dysfunction). But when erection problems become persistent, they can affect your self-image, sex life, and relationship. When you have persistent erection problems, "performance anxiety" can worsen the problem. If you cannot maintain an erection that is firm enough for intercourse, or you have an orgasm before or immediately after entering your partner (premature ejaculation), you may feel frustrated and believe you are not pleasing your partner.

Fortunately, many of the physical and psychological factors that cause erection problems respond to treatment.

Erectile Dysfunction and Age

 Your risk of developing an erectile dysfunction increases with age.

About half of men between the ages of 40 and 70 report erection problems.

Among men in their 40s, about 15 percent report having moderate erection problems. That number roughly doubles to 30 percent in men in their 70s.

Severe erectile dysfunction affects about 5 percent of men in their 40s and 15 percent of men in their 70s.

Erectile Dysfunction and Health Conditions

 In addition to your age, the state of your overall health could increase your risk of ED. The presence of certain diseases, as well as physical or psychological problems could contribute to the problem.

Diseases that affect blood vessels and can cause erectile dysfunction include:

Diabetes. About half of men with diabetes experience some form of erectile dysfunction.

High blood pressure or other blood vessel diseases

High cholesterol or low HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol