PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS erectile dysfunction

PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS

Experts believe that 10% to 20% of cases of erectile dysfunction are caused by 
psychological (emotional) factors. This doesn't necessarily mean that you are losing your mind, 
but rather your emotional well-being is being affected by certain circumstances that are 
plaguing your life which in turn affect your sexual health.
Here's a rundown of some of these psychological factors.
I ) Depression
In patients with depression, the causes of erectile dysfunction may by psychological, physical 
or a combination of both. For many men, erectile dysfunction creates additional depression, 
loss of self-esteem, poor self-image, anxiety and tension between themselves and their 
partners. These emotional disturbances can create physical conditions that lead to increased 
difficulty in getting an erection.
ii ) Lack of emotional well-being
Sex is not just a physical function - it is also an emotional experience. Just as how 'feeling 
good' can stimulate sexual appetite, and negative feelings can have the exact opposite effect. 
Feelings such as anxiety, fear, anger, sadness and resentment are just some of the 
negative feelings that can overcome you in some stage in your life thus resulting in 
psychological impotence. The very fear of impotence can be enough to cause the problem. 
Once a problem occurs, fear of failure can add worry.iii ) Stress
Stress is any demand or pressure that induces physical or mental tension. Stress in itself is 
not negative but too much stress is bad for us. Symptoms such as headaches, heartburn, 
dizziness, muscle spasm, chest pains, cold sweats and loss of sex drive are some of the 
most common symptoms faced by people who are stressed. Stress and sex don't mix as it can 
adversely affect arousal and intimacy.
iv ) Poor sexual self-esteem
Good sexual self-esteem is about feeling confident about your own individual sexuality. It's 
about identifying your own needs, wants and desires and communicating them to your partner. 
It's also about having pleasurable sexual thoughts and fanning your flames of desire to feeling 
confident about your body and making the most out of it.
v ) Inadequate sex education
There is a certain people are taught by their parents and other caregivers that sex is bad, and 
sexual feelings are wrong. The cultural situation may also not allow for free talk on sexuality 
thus inhibiting one's desire and freedom. Cultural and religious taboos relating to sex have also 
been known to have an impact on sexual activity especially among older couples who have 
passed their reproductive cycles.
LIFESTYLES FACTORS
It's bad for us but we do it anyway – smoking (tobacco) and excessive drinking (alcohol) 
often cause erectile dysfunction and with decreased sexual drive. Smoking in addition to 
causing cancer adversely affects circulation, and it also affects blood flow in veins and arteries.
Drinking can sedate your nervous system and interfere with your ability to get an erection. 
Prolonged heavy drinking can damage the nerves and liver which further causes hormonal 
abnormality.
Both of these can lead to erectile dysfunction.
In addition to numerous other health risks, the use of drugs such as marijuana and cocaine 
has been reported to cause erectile dysfunction.