To tell if ED is physical or mental, consider if it happens in specific situations (mental/situational) versus all the time (physical), if you get erections when masturbating or sleeping (mental), and its onset (sudden suggests mental, gradual suggests physical), but a doctor's evaluation with tests (blood, physical) is crucial, as often both factors (physical and mental) contribute.
“Do I wake up with strong erections in the morning?” If so, this could indicate a psychological rather than a physical cause. “Is the problem still present during solo masturbation?” If not, then a psychological issue, such as performance anxiety, could be causing ED.
To receive an accurate diagnosis for ED, a person will need to see a doctor. A doctor will assess their medical history to identify whether they have any underlying conditions that can cause ED, such as heart disease. They may also take blood and urine samples to perform further tests.
Psychological factors are responsible for about 10%-20% of all cases of erectile dysfunction, or ED. It is often a secondary reaction to an underlying physical cause.
Types of Self Examinations for ED
Various forms of ED self tests can include: A nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) stamp test that utilizes a roll of stamps around the penis to confirm erections at night. A newer type of NPT test that includes the use of a device to evaluate the quality of the man's night time erection.
You might only get a semi-erection due to issues with blood flow, nerves, hormones, or mental health, often stemming from conditions like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stress, anxiety, certain medications, smoking, or excessive alcohol/drug use, requiring a doctor's visit for proper diagnosis and treatment, as it's often a mix of physical and psychological factors.
What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
Using Viagra for psychological ED
But, if your erection problems are a result of psychological reasons (like stress or anxiety), Viagra can't do much to help. This is because psychological ED isn't connected to an underlying blood flow issue, it's down to mental blocks.
Psychological ED: No specific diagnostic tests may be required, but a psychological assessment is valuable. Organic ED: Diagnostic tests such as blood tests (for hormone levels, diabetes), imaging studies (to assess blood flow), or nocturnal penile tumescence testing may be conducted.
The result is a lack of self-confidence, embarrassment, emasculation, and a negative image of themselves that can lead to uncertainty, avoidance, and depression.
There are many neurological (nerve problems) causes of ED. Diabetes, chronic alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, heavy metal poisoning, spinal cord and nerve injuries, and nerve damage from pelvic operations can cause erectile dysfunction. Drug-induced ED.
Urologists diagnose the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction (ED) through medical history reviews, physical examinations, and specialized tests. A urologist can suggest various treatment options for ED, ranging from lifestyle adjustments and medications to medical devices and surgical implants.
In summary, the structures above are responsible for the three types of erection: psychogenic, reflexogenic and nocturnal.
Although ED and absence of ejaculation are common after prostate surgery or radiation, sexual desire and the ability to achieve orgasm are still possible.
To get an erection, your brain, nerves, hormones, and blood vessels all need to work together. If something gets in the way of these normal functions, it can lead to erection problems. An erection problem is usually not "all in your head." In fact, most erection problems have a physical cause.
ED can crush a man's confidence, self-worth and lead to depression. A man with erectile dysfunction may pull himself away from his partner and try to avoid intimacy altogether because he may fear failure in bed. Those who are single often avoid relationships altogether.
Erectile dysfunction that happens all the time may suggest an underlying physical cause. Erectile dysfunction that only occurs when you are attempting to have sex may suggest an underlying psychological (mental) cause.
If you've experienced ED, but you do still get morning wood it means your body is healthy enough to produce erections, so the problem likely isn't physical, but in your mind. If your ED is psychological it's good news for your health.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is one such method that has proven highly effective for treating anxiety-related ED. CBT works by helping you reframe your thoughts, allowing you to approach sex with a more relaxed and positive mindset. Learning to focus on the experience rather than the outcome is key.
The following tips can help you support your partner if they have erectile dysfunction: Encourage open communication. Tell your partner you care about their feelings and well-being. Find appropriate times to talk to your partner that won't make them feel vulnerable.
To increase penile blood flow, adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle with regular cardio and strength exercise, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables (like spinach for folate), and whole grains, maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking, stay hydrated, manage stress (yoga, meditation), and limit alcohol, as these improve overall circulation; if lifestyle changes aren't enough, consider ED medications or devices like penis pumps, but consult a doctor first as erectile dysfunction can signal serious underlying conditions like heart disease.
For men in their 50s who do develop ED, the majority will find that it's caused by an underlying physical health condition. One of the most common causes of ED in this age group is atherosclerosis. This is a condition where your arteries become clogged with plaque, becoming harder and narrower.
The duration, strength, and frequency of erections may decrease gradually with ED. Many people experience trouble getting an erection from time to time, but if it happens more than 25% of the time, it may be ED. While ED may disrupt how often a person gets an erection, it does not mean they cannot get hard.
You should use a vacuum pump for erectile dysfunction (ED) frequently, often daily or several times a week, as part of penile rehabilitation, aiming for 5-15 minute sessions with multiple short erections (30-60 seconds each) to improve blood flow and tissue health, especially after prostate surgery, but always follow your doctor's specific guidance and manufacturer instructions for safety.