Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Psychogenic erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection during sex due to psychological factors. These factors can include stress andanxiety,depression, guilt, low self-esteem, or relationship concerns. About 40% oferectile dysfunction(ED) cases are considered psychogenic.While erectile dysfunction can affect men at any age, many psychogenic ED cases occur in young men.
This article will discuss the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of psychogenic erectile dysfunction.
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Failing to get an erection on occasion is not uncommon or a major cause for concern. But when a person struggles to achieve and maintain an erection during sex at least half of the time, it may be erectile dysfunction.
Symptoms of erectile dysfunction may include:
It’s important to keep in mind that symptoms may vary from person to person. Having awareness of symptoms and how erectile dysfunction impacts sexual performance can help facilitate conversations with a healthcare provider.
Signs and Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
After ruling out medical conditions, a physician or mental health professional may want to discuss and evaluate psychological factors that may be impacting a person’s sexual function.
Psychological causes that may contribute to erectile dysfunction include:
Psychological reasons causing a person’s inability to have and maintain an erection during sex are as real and valid as any other medical reason for ED. Working with a healthcare provider or mental health professional can help uncover what psychological factors are at play and how they may be worsening ED.
The Cycle of Psychogenic EDPsychogenic erectile dysfunction can work in a vicious cycle. Anxiety or depression may precede erectile dysfunction and create problems when a person engages in sexual activity. Or, a person experiencing ED may develop symptoms of anxiety or depression as a result of their dysfunction.
The Cycle of Psychogenic ED
Psychogenic erectile dysfunction can work in a vicious cycle. Anxiety or depression may precede erectile dysfunction and create problems when a person engages in sexual activity. Or, a person experiencing ED may develop symptoms of anxiety or depression as a result of their dysfunction.
Masturbation Doesn’t Cause Erectile Dysfunction, But Is There a Link?
To determine the root cause of any type of ED, speak with a healthcare provider. They will conduct a thorough evaluation, reviewing the person’s medical and sexual history, past substance use, and overall health and vital signs.
Healthcare providers may utilize a variety of tests and tools to investigate the cause of ED, including but not limited to:
Once any other medical explanation is ruled out, a mental health professional can be brought in to determine if psychological factors at play. There may be a combination of things causing the ED.
A mental health professional will conduct a psychological evaluation to determine if there is a psychological reason causing or connected to the person’s ED.
The main treatment methods for psychogenic ED include:
Treating the Body and Mind
A Word From Verywell
Sexual health and function is an important part of a person’s life. ED—whether it’s due to psychological factors or not—is a very personal condition. Don’t be afraid to seek help and to share your concerns with a healthcare provider. Doing so can help you identify the cause of your ED and create a tailored treatment plan to improve your psychological and sexual well-being.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Pakpahan C, Agustinus A, Darmadi D.Comprehensive intersystemic assessment approach to relieve psychogenic erectile dysfunction: a review.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2021;9(F):189-196. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2021.6116Cleveland Clinic.Erectile dysfunction.Rew KT, Heidelbaugh JJ.Erectile dysfunction.Am Fam Physician. 94(10):820-827.Pyke RE.Sexual performance anxiety.Sexual Medicine Reviews. 2020;8(2):183-190. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.07.001UpToDate.Patient education: sexual problems in men (beyond the basics).
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Pakpahan C, Agustinus A, Darmadi D.Comprehensive intersystemic assessment approach to relieve psychogenic erectile dysfunction: a review.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2021;9(F):189-196. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2021.6116Cleveland Clinic.Erectile dysfunction.Rew KT, Heidelbaugh JJ.Erectile dysfunction.Am Fam Physician. 94(10):820-827.Pyke RE.Sexual performance anxiety.Sexual Medicine Reviews. 2020;8(2):183-190. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.07.001UpToDate.Patient education: sexual problems in men (beyond the basics).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Pakpahan C, Agustinus A, Darmadi D.Comprehensive intersystemic assessment approach to relieve psychogenic erectile dysfunction: a review.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2021;9(F):189-196. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2021.6116Cleveland Clinic.Erectile dysfunction.Rew KT, Heidelbaugh JJ.Erectile dysfunction.Am Fam Physician. 94(10):820-827.Pyke RE.Sexual performance anxiety.Sexual Medicine Reviews. 2020;8(2):183-190. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.07.001UpToDate.Patient education: sexual problems in men (beyond the basics).
Pakpahan C, Agustinus A, Darmadi D.Comprehensive intersystemic assessment approach to relieve psychogenic erectile dysfunction: a review.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2021;9(F):189-196. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2021.6116
Cleveland Clinic.Erectile dysfunction.
Rew KT, Heidelbaugh JJ.Erectile dysfunction.Am Fam Physician. 94(10):820-827.
Pyke RE.Sexual performance anxiety.Sexual Medicine Reviews. 2020;8(2):183-190. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.07.001
UpToDate.Patient education: sexual problems in men (beyond the basics).
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