It is important that psychogenic dysfunction be managed by a psychiatrist or a sex therapist trained in sex therapy techniques.

Physical causes of erectile dysfunction

In 80% of cases, erectile dysfunctionis caused by a physical condition or by aging. Here are the most common physical causes.

  • Vascular causes (heart disease, coronary heart disease, arteritis, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis) account for 40% of erectile dysfunction.
  • Erectile dysfunction is found in 35-75% of people with diabetes.
  • Neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke can also be the cause of erectile dysfunction.
  • Surgery related to the treatment of prostate cancer (total prostatectomy), may cause the temporary disappearance of erections.

The consumption of tobacco, alcohol and drugs can also be a cause of poor sexual performance.

Some medications, especially those for hypertension, excess cholesterol or heart problems, can induce erectile difficulties.

  • Hormonal problems
  • Obesity
  • The cancer
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Taking anxiolytics or antidepressants

The main symptoms

Erectile dysfunction is manifested by an inability to maintain hard erection over time.

It is estimated that there is a “problem” when the situation continues for more than three months. Before that, it is still a transient situation, often caused by an external disorder (conflict, concern, etc.)

Diagnostic

When erectile dysfunction does exist, it is necessary to use a health professional to establish what causes the problem: psychological or physical?

The doctor will then proceed to a detailed questionnaire, an examination and various medical analyzes in order to find the appropriate treatment for each situation. Modern technology provides excellent results in 90% of cases.

Possible risks of complications

In the majority of cases, erectile dysfunction mainly causes psychological complications for sexual pleasure in men and / or their partner, such as low self-esteem. Man no longer feels “manly”, the woman no longer feels “desired”. And it can often happen that the situation creates real complications and misunderstandings in married life, which can lead to rupture.

The man should:

Know that only 20% of erectile disorders are of psychological origin and 80% of medical origin. Clinic consultation is therefore an almost essential and life-saving option.

Avoid silence, avoidance

He must understand that there is a reason for his problem and that if he faces it, he will have a good chance of settling it. The ideal would be for him to talk to his wife to keep the complicity. It is often this one that leads him to consult a psychologist, a sexologist or a doctor and thus to solve his problem.

Understand that he is not alone in his situation and that he does not have to suffer from shame.

Learn to value other aspects of physical love by avoiding focusing on penetration and orgasm as a goal. Instead of controlling his erection, he should focus his attention on the pleasure of his couple on other levels.

His spouse should:

Know that she may not be responsible for the situation of her spouse and that criticizing it only makes the situation worse. Feeling guilty, worried, ashamed does not solve the problem either. Patience, respectful discussion and understanding are more appropriate.