What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Having problems in the bedroom can be stressful, awkward, or embarrassing. Your partner may start to wonder if you’re really attracted to them, and you may start to wonder why this keeps happening to you. Fear of the pattern repeating itself can create even more anxiety, which tends to make the problem worse.

Erectile dysfunction or erectile disorder involves having one or more of the following symptoms: difficulty obtaining an erection during sexual activity, difficulty maintaining an erection during sexual activity, or difficulty maintaining erectile rigidity. Needless to say, these symptoms can be a bit of a downer.

Please don’t suffer alone, a therapist specializing in sexuality can help you overcome this problem, so that you can get back to feeling more confident and in control.

What causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Like most sexual problems, contributing factors can be related to a number of things, such as partner factors (e.g., health status), relationship factors (e.g., poor communication), individual factors (e.g., history of sexual or emotional abuse, job stress, bereavement, anxiety, depression), cultural or religious factors (e.g., inhibitions and beliefs), medical factors (e.g., diabetes), or biological factors (e.g., age), or behavioural factors (e.g., smoking tobacco, lack of exercise).

Can Erectile Dysfunction be treated?

It’s time to get your hopes (and other things) up! The good news is that therapists specializing in sex therapy can help you get your groove back.

Once you’ve ruled out medical causes, underlying psychological issues can be addressed and resolved. You can also be taught exercises to reduce your anxiety and get your confidence (and performance) back on track.