Anxiety and Erectile Dysfunction: How Are They Connected?
Erectile Dysfunction can be caused due to several psychological and physical factors.
Studies show that psychological factors, including Anxiety and stress, are among the most common factors of ED.
According to NCBI, the presence of Anxiety disorders in people with ED is 37%.
Therefore, learning more about the role of Anxiety in the development of Erectile Dysfunction is crucial.
This article delves into finding the connection between Anxiety and Erectile Dysfunction and aims to ponder on effective treatments.
So let’s learn more about them in detail!
How do stress and Anxiety cause ED
Stress and Anxiety seem distinct from problems related to your penis.
Yet, they play a significant role in disrupting the brain signals sent to allow increased blood flow to the penis for an erection.
During stressful situations, your body releases stress hormones like Epinephrine and Norepinephrine.
These hormones constrict the blood vessels, decrease the flow of blood to the penis, and lead to Erectile Dysfunction.
Moreover, according to NCBI, a higher serum Norepinephrine level is reported in people with psychogenic ED.
Furthermore, psychological and behavioral responses to Erectile Dysfunction can cause a cycle of increased uneasiness and conflicts.
This can affect the relationship with your partner and result in less time spent together.
Also, people with ED have low self-esteem and poor sexual satisfaction, building up stress and Anxiety.
What conditions can cause stress, Anxiety, and ED
The following factors can contribute to Anxiety that can lead to Erectile Dysfunction:
- Health problems
- Sleep pattern
- Age
- Weight
- Sudden loss of job
- Relationship issues
- Financial issues
- Family problems
- Demise of a loved one
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- The trauma of past events
- Sexual performance anxiety
How to treat Erectile Dysfunction anxiety
As people respond to Anxiety and stress in a different way, the methods to overcome Anxiety and Erectile Dysfunction can also differ from person to person.
Some people may cope with Anxiety and ED with therapy and sessions with their doctors, while others may require medications.
Some of the measures to treat the condition are as follows:
Lifestyle changes
Some easy lifestyle changes may help people overcome their Anxiety and reduce the risk of developing Erectile Dysfunctions, such as:
- Yoga and meditation to improve ED
- Maintaining weight
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Stop smoking
- Exercise to reduce stress and Anxiety
- Removing stressful factors from your life and having a positive attitude
- Acupuncture
- Relaxation techniques
- Sex education can improve the condition
Therapy
The treatment for Erectile Dysfunction caused by psychological factors includes therapy sessions.
You can consult your doctor and seek therapies to break the cycle of Anxiety and ED.
The therapy includes:
- Sex therapy: It aims to build a stable and reliable sexual relationship rather than just pleasurable arousal without emotional intimacy
- Sexual performance anxiety therapy: This therapy may help you stay calm and confident during sexual intercourse
- Psychodynamic therapy: This includes resolving the subconscious conflict to find the cause of Erectile Dysfunction
- Counseling: It is required to find and address the main stressor that may cause ED with ways to tackle them
Medications
Here are some of the effective medicines to treat your ED caused by Anxiety:
- Sildenafil
- Vardenafil
- Tadalafil
- Avanafil
When to seek medical attention
Anxiety and Erectile Dysfunction is often underdiagnosed and make people suffer low quality of life.
Therefore, seeking medical guidance as early as possible is crucial, as delaying may lead to severe complications.
You should consult your doctor on noticing changes in your erectile function or behavioral changes to seek early help, such as:
- Inability to achieve an erection
- Difficulty in maintaining erection
- Anxiety before and during sexual intercourse
Further, if you are overweight or elderly, the risks of developing ED are higher.
Conclusion
Stress and Anxiety are among the most common psychological factors that lead to Erectile Dysfunction.
Anxiety disrupts the brain signals sent to your penis to increase blood flow and may lead to ED.
Moreover, worrying about your ongoing ED, low self-esteem, and poor sexual satisfaction can also cause Anxiety and contribute to ED.
There are other events that can cause Anxiety and lead to the development of ED, such as health problems, relationship issues, job loss, etc.
Fortunately, some lifestyle changes, effective medicines, and therapies can treat your Anxiety and improve Erectile Dysfunction.
Erectile Dysfunction and Anxiety are often underdiagnosed. However, you can improve the overall quality of life with medical consultations and lifestyle changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop Erectile Dysfunction from Anxiety?
You can stop Erectile Dysfunction from Anxiety by consulting your doctor and administering prescribed medications for ED. You can also incorporate lifestyle changes, including yoga, exercise, meditation, reducing alcohol consumption, relaxation techniques, etc. Further, sex therapy and counseling can improve your quality of life.
Can Erectile Dysfunction caused by Anxiety be cured?
Erectile Dysfunction caused by Anxiety can be treated by administering prescribed medications. You can also incorporate yoga, exercise, and meditation and reduce alcohol consumption and smoking to improve your erection. Further, seeking effective sex therapy, counseling, and psychodynamic therapy are effective in seeking mental peace.
Can Anxiety cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Yes, Anxiety can cause Erectile Dysfunction. Stress and Anxiety can disrupt the brain signals sent to allow increased blood flow to the penis for erection and cause Erectile Dysfunction. Further, Anxiety about sexual performance during sexual intercourse can also lead to temporary ED in people.
Is Anxiety ED temporary?
In stressful situations, Epinephrine is released from your body, which relaxes the muscles and blood vessels in the penis. It decreases blood flow to the sexual organs and causes ED. The problem usually resolves when the stressor is dealt with. However, you should consult your doctor and seek medical treatments.
What can I do to treat my ED caused by Anxiety?
You can treat your ED caused by Anxiety with the help of prescribed medications such as Sildenafil. You can also incorporate lifestyle changes, including yoga, meditation exercise, and reducing alcohol consumption. You can also seek therapy to improve your mental peace and treat ED.
WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.
