The common sexual dysfunction in males is Erectile Dysfunction (ED). There are many psychological and physical factors that can provoke this condition. Physical factors include age, heart disease, blood pressure issues, obesity, and others. One of the psychological factors that can cause erectile dysfunction in men is stress. This psychological factor may also harm your mental and physical being. In this document, we will talk about how stress can provoke erectile dysfunction and the available treatment methods.
Can Stress provoke Erectile Dysfunction?
Stress is a part of everyday life and consistent stress may provoke some physical and mental problems. Besides cardiovascular and blood pressure problems, it also may negatively affect your erectile function. Usually, stress results in anxiety that provokes ED, according to a study. Furthermore, consistent stress every day leads to ED. Thereafter, your ED causes more stress. This is a cycle of stress and erectile dysfunction. According to research, the common sexual dysfunctions are Premature Ejaculation (PE) and Erectile Dysfunction (ED) usually provoked by stress, anxiety, and depression.
When you are stressed, your body produces stress hormones (such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol). Thereafter, these hormones negatively impact blood flow and blood pressure. This effect leads to decreased blood flow to the penis tissues, causing erectile problems.
Types of Stress that Provoke Erectile Dysfunction
Some types of stress can cause ED. For example, if you feel stressed about your work or relationship problems may become a cause of erectile function problems. In addition, some people may be concerned about their sexual performance in bed, which may also provoke ED.
Work of Financial Stress
The most common stressors in life are money and work. According to a study on Stress in America in 2020, almost 63% of the study participants were stressed about the economy. Additionally, 64% of adults said that a source of stress is work and approximately 56% of people said that stability at their job is a significant factor.
Relationship Stress
An additional factor that causes stress is loss of job and it can affect mental health. Therefore, an individual may experience decreased sex drive as well as a loss of intimacy in the relationship. Thus, relationship problems and frustration can cause erectile dysfunction.
Anxiety
Males with anxiety disorder have an increased risk of developing erectile function problems, according to a study. In some cases, the fear of inability to perform well may also negatively affect your sexual performance. This condition is called Sexual Performance Anxiety. Additionally, stress may also provoke severe high blood pressure (hypertension), which may lead to myocardial infarction or strokes.
Methods to Relieve Stress
In case, the main factor that provokes ED is stress, it is recommended to decrease stress. Some methods are physical exercise and meditation. Moreover, another method to decrease stress is talk therapy if meditation and physical exercise are not enough.
Meditation
This is one of the most common methods to decrease stress. A group mindfulness meditation training program can decrease your anxiety and panic symptoms, according to a study. Thereby, you can join a meditation group or class if you are not sure how to do it.
Physical Exercise
Regular exercise can improve your mental and physical health over time. Moreover, people who exercised for at least one week had a lower heart rate than those who did not, according to a study. Moreover, those who did not exercise had a significant decline in positive moods.
Talk Therapy
There is a talk therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps fight against stress and ED simultaneously. This therapy consists of talking with your therapist without judgment and fears about your emotions and feelings. In addition, you can try sex therapy in case, you have stress particularly associated with sex.
Treatment
In most cases, stress factors go away on their own. However, constant daily stress may harm your body where it cannot recover on its own. If you experience continuous erectile function problems, it is advised to consult a doctor for proper treatment. Physicians usually prescribe erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate), Cialis (Tadalafil), or others. Using one of these medications can help you to get hard and long-lasting erections. All ED medicines belong to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. It works by relaxing the muscles in the genital area and widening blood vessels, allowing more blood into the penis.
In addition, healthcare providers may also advise mental therapy and physical exercises alongside medicines. However, if you experience severe ED, you may need surgery or injections. It is not allowed to start any ED treatment without a physician’s approval because it may lead to unwanted results such as severe adverse effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lack of sleep and stress provoke erectile function problems?
As we know, stress is a major factor that causes ED in men. Moreover, lack of sleep can cause hormonal imbalance, which may also provoke erectile function disorders.
What is the fastest method to treat erectile dysfunction symptoms?
If you experience certain symptoms of ED, medicines such as Viagra (Sildenafil) or Cialis (Tadalafil) can help you treat these symptoms quickly. ED drugs usually show effects within 1 hour after you administer the tablet. Talk with a healthcare professional before using any ED medication.
Are erectile function problems from stress temporary?
Commonly, stress goes away on its own and ED problems are temporary. In some cases, stress can harm your physical and mental health, which may lead to severe symptoms. Therefore, you should see a doctor immediately.
