What is Performance Anxiety? [Erectile Dysfunction?]

Suffering from erectile dysfunction may often be done in silence, primarily due to the stigma that many men feel surround the issue. Even with evening ads regaling the public with the convenience of drugs aimed at combatting the problem, many men are still too embarrassed to seek help. There is some evidence that indicates ED is typically due to medical issues elsewhere in the body. However, other research concludes that it is more psychological than physical.  

When an erection does not happen or last

Sexual intercourse is a significant event. Aside from garnering and giving pleasure to a partner, it may also result in pregnancy and eventual children. However, when the erection process is disrupted, the result may be a flaccid penis and an unsatisfied partner. ED occurs when blood flow to the penis is not sufficient enough to cause an erection. It also refers to those times when an erection is lost before sexual intercourse.

Possible causes of erectile dysfunction

Research on the subject gives various reasons why some men may experience ED. According to the Mayo Clinic, ED may be the result of more than one factor. For example, a man may have a chronic condition, like diabetes, but even after medication, he may still have anxiety causing problems with maintaining an erection. Thus, the cause may stem from both diabetes and the psychological effects. 

The psychological basis for ED: Performance anxiety

A man may experience a problem with getting an erection once for a variety of reasons, and that can wind up causing subsequent issues. Why? The psychological effects of being unable to perform sexually weigh heavily on the mind of a man. As a result, subsequent sexual encounters are viewed through the lens of “if” an erection happens, instead of “when.”

This mindset is often referred to as “performance anxiety. ” It is a real belief a man has that he cannot get an erection and have intercourse. The stress itself results in the inability to have sex. 

Common medical factors that contribute to ED

ED may be caused by other illnesses or medical conditions lurking beneath the surface. Heart disease is a frequent contributor to erection-related problems. High blood pressure is another frequent culprit. These make sense, since blood is diverted to the penis during sex, but if there are medical issues with the heart pumping blood effectively, this process cannot occur as usual. Medication and lifestyle change may be suggested to get medical problems under control before normal sexual function and relations can resume.

The aging process and ED

As the body ages, some systems become strained. One of the major components of sexual function is the hormone testosterone. It is created in the testes, and the pituitary gland directs its creation. During the normal aging process, the production of testosterone may be slowed or stopped altogether. When this occurs, a man’s sexual desire and ability to perform may dissipate. This is the typical cause of impotence in men near retirement age and beyond.

Conclusion

Speaking to a doctor about erectile dysfunction may yield insight and treatments. The fix may wind up being medical or psychologically based.

Request an appointment here: https://mb.futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Infusion Clinics at (843) 788-9718 for an appointment in our Myrtle Beach office.