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Psychological factors are responsible for 10%-20% of all cases of ED. It is
often a secondary reaction to an underlying physical cause. In some
cases, the psychological effects of ED may stem from childhood abuse or sexual
trauma. The most common psychological causes of ED include:
- Stress: Stress can be job-related, money-related or the
result of relationship problems, among other factors.
- Anxiety: Once a man experiences ED, he may become overly
worried that the problem will happen again. This can lead to "performance
anxiety" or a fear of sexual failure and consistently cause ED.
- Guilt: A man may feel guilty that he is not satisfying his
partner.
- Depression: A common cause of ED, depression affects a
person physically and psychologically. Depression can cause ED even when a man
is completely comfortable in sexual situations. Drugs used to treat depression
may also cause ED.
- Low self-esteem: This can be due to prior episodes of ED or can be the result of other issues unrelated
to sexual performance.
- Indifference: This may come as a result of age and a
subsequent loss of interest in sex, be the result of medications or stem from
problems in a couple’s relationship.
All men at one time or another will experience ED. Only if the problem
becomes persistent (occurs more than 50% of the time) should you be
concerned and consider seeking medical advice and treatment. For men whose
erectile dysfunction is caused by psychological problems, therapy may be needed.
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