Many men experience difficulty in getting an erection at some point in their lives and have to seek treatments such as Cialis or Viagra Sildenafil UK wide — we will discuss it in detail below. The impotence could be due to a number of reasons, but most often, it isn’t something to be worried about and gets better on its own. Erectile dysfunction (ED), however, is when a man can’t get or keep his erection solid enough for sexual intercourse on a regular basis. For the man, but also for his partner, it can be emotionally and psychologically draining.

Touch, smell, visual input, other sensory stimuli, emotions and a range of psychological factors activate circuits in the brain. The brain then transmits signals to the nerve fibres that connect to the penis via the nervous system, which regulates blood flow to the penis by releasing chemicals from nerve endings. This relaxes and smooths out the muscles in the penis. Thereafter, an erection occurs as a result of the increased blood flow to the penis. Hormones like testosterone aid in the production of chemicals and the relaxing of smooth muscles. Problems with blood vessels, muscles, hormones, or the nervous system can disrupt the processes leading up to an erection, and it can translate into erectile dysfunction (ED).

When psychological factors cause ED, it is called ‘mental impotence’ and is one of the most common sexual problems among men. It tends to become more common the older a man gets. However, if you are a young person, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get it. A study revealed that one out of every four patients of ED is below the age of 40.

What are the causes of psychological impotence?

1.   Performance anxiety about sex

Feeling nervous and anxious before and during sex is known as sexual performance anxiety. When you feel such stress and anxiety about sexual intercourse, your body may generate more intense stress hormones like adrenaline, making it more difficult for you to relax and enjoy sexual activity.

This anxiety is responsible for causing erectile dysfunction in many men. It makes sexual activity unsatisfying and difficult. It may stem from one unpleasant sexual encounter and become embedded in the mind to a degree that may lead to increased sexual anxiety and tension about future sexual encounters. In this way, performance anxiety can increase over time. It is a very common problem that affects men of all ages.

2.   Depression

Depression can also cause erectile dysfunction. It is a state in which it becomes hard to draw pleasure from most things in life, and sexual intercourse is most often a part of it. To address depression-induced ED, the symptoms of depression will need to be addressed first. Some common symptoms of depression are:

• Losing interest in routine activities
• Feeling tired and having low energy levels
• Feeling hopeless and sad
• Having difficulty concentrating
• Having sudden outbursts of anger or frustration
• Having a constant stream of anxious thoughts

3.   Low self-esteem

Erectile dysfunction and low self-esteem tend to go hand in hand. According to one study, 90% of men who have ED also have low self-esteem. Erectile dysfunction can lead to low self-esteem, but it can also be caused by low self-esteem.

Men with poor self-esteem may think of themselves as unattractive or unworthy of affection. This low self-esteem can translate to erectile dysfunction in bed. Men who have poor self-esteem are also more likely to experience feelings of guilt, despair and a fear of rejection.

4.   Guilt

Guilt is an emotion that can be debilitating and paralysing. Research shows that it is one of the possible causes of erectile dysfunction. If the feelings of guilt are intense enough, it can disrupt the signals sent from your brain to the penis, which can prevent an erection. It is almost as if the subconscious mind is reacting to the feelings of guilt by preventing you from getting any pleasure from the act of sex.

5.   Sexual apathy

There are a number of factors that can cause a man to become apathetic and indifferent to sex. One of the more common causes of sexual apathy is being in a long-term relationship that feels monotonous, boring, and filled with conflict. It should come as no surprise that if you are no longer interested in having sex with your partner, you will have trouble getting an erection.

6.   Addiction to pornography

An addiction to pornography can lead to erectile dysfunction among some men. It can become especially serious when pornography is used to aid masturbation. If someone starts relying on pornography for sexual relief, it might lead to an unhealthy dependency, by which one is only able to get an erection while watching porn.

Pornography can cause a man to form unrealistic expectations about his body and sexual performance. As a result of all this, performance anxiety and psychological ED may develop. When the expectations are not met, it may add to the stress, setting into motion further ED-related psychological problems for future sexual encounters.

What are the treatments for psychological impotence?

As noted earlier, ED is common, but when it persists or becomes a cause of severe frustration, medical care should be sought for possible treatment options. A doctor can help to identify the causes of ED and offer treatment options to treat ED.

When psychological factors cause ED, medications like Viagra or Cialis UK are often the first line of treatment. However, ED medications should not be used as a long term solution. The underlying psychological causes of ED need to be addressed in order to have a fulfilling sex life without being dependent on medications.

Some non-medical treatments of psychological impotence may also be effective, such as meditation, breathing techniques, guided imagery, and therapy.

Communicate with your partner

Honest and open communication with your partner is essential. Do not hide your erectile dysfunction from your partner, regardless of any feelings of guilt or embarrassment. The simple act of opening up about your feelings and worries can help you feel less stressed and anxious. Your partner may not realise the extent of your feelings, so express yourself freely.

Having a candid and open conversation about your sexual anxieties can help you understand your own expectations and that of your partner. Such unreserved communication is vital for building an intimate emotional bond between you and your partner, which can help address sexual problems together and improve your sex life.