Erectile dysfunction (ED) happens when you can’t consistently maintain or achieve an erection firm enough for sex. Sometimes called impotence, the condition is more common with advanced age. But it affects younger people, too. One study concluded that 25% of new ED cases happen in those under 40.
ED can be caused by a host of factors, including health issues, taking certain medications or alcohol use. Psychological or mental health issues can trigger ED, too. When that happens, it’s called psychogenic erectile dysfunction.
Here, we explore how mental health affects ED. Plus, how you (or your partner!) can get safe, effective erectile dysfunction pills online with help from Dr. B.
Erections require a complex series of actions. To make a penis erect, emotions, muscles and hormones must work together.
Here’s a summary of that process.
Some long-term health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol can trigger ED as a side effect. Regularly drinking alcohol in large quantities can increase ED risk, too. So you may wonder, “If I stop drinking, will my ED go away?” No matter your health problems, you should always seek guidance from a licensed health provider before trying a treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Sexual arousal is a complex process that’s as mental as it is physical. So erectile dysfunction often stems from psychological issues. In fact, causes of erectile dysfunction in your 20s and 30s are more likely to stem from psychological—rather than physiological—problems.
Such psychological issues include:
After someone experiences ED, they may doubt their future ability to achieve an erection. Also called performance anxiety, this can exacerbate ED and lead to a worsening cycle.
If the source of ED is psychological, symptoms may come and go.
Fortunately, most people with psychogenic erectile dysfunction respond very well to ED medications. The phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors include Cialis and Viagra. So if you’ve already started to address the underlying causes of ED, you may be ready to get such ED meds online.
Taking active steps to improve your mental health can boost your sex life. So if you’re ready to treat erectile dysfunction at its source, talk to a medical provider. They may have you consider therapy, medication or couples counseling.
Before your consultation, consider the following:
Erectile dysfunction prescription medications like Tadalafil (Cialis), Avanafil (Stendra) and Vardenafil address the physiological causes of ED by improving blood flow. But they won’t address psychological factors like mood, feelings or sexual desire.
So while these medications may bolster a more significant treatment strategy, the best way to treat ED is to treat the root cause. Addressing psychological factors often requires patience and effort—plus help from a psychologist or counselor.
If you want to resume your love life, a licensed provider can talk you through your treatment options.
Start a discreet $15 online consultation. A provider will review your treatment. If they recommend a prescription treatment like Cialis or Viagra online, they’ll send the prescription to your chosen pharmacy.
Sources:
Capogrosso, P., et al. (2013). One patient out of four with newly diagnosed erectile dysfunction is a young man--worrisome picture from the everyday clinical practice. The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Liu, Q., et al,(2018). Erectile dysfunction and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Rosen, R.C. (2001). Psychogenic erectile dysfunction: classification and management70137-3). Urologic Clinics of North America.
Yafi, F.A., et al. (2016). Erectile dysfunction. Nature Review Disease Primers.