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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What are the psychological causes of impotence?

    Related Topics
    Impotence & Erectile Dysfunction Men's Health
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  • Marian Spencer

    Counsellor

    Marian Spencer Counselling is a private practice located in Cornubia, South East QLD, and offers services Specifically for Women. I am a graduate member of … View Profile

    There are many psychological causes of impotence.  The list can be quite extensive.  However, here are some of the most common causes:

    • Feeling under pressure to be a ‘great performer at all times.
    • Stress from overwork.
    • Worry of premature ejaculation. 
    • Infertility problems.
    • Bad sexual experiences in the past.
    • Suffering from depression – lack of libido
    • Health fears after major illness – eg., heart attack patients, fearing onset of another attack when engaging in sexual activities.

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    Roeann Miller

    HealthShare Member

    My male friend aged almost 70 is having problems with geting and maintaining an erection - he says it's because he has had some mini-strokes but the situation is getting worse and otherwise we enjoy a very good relationship and I do not want him to give up on it. He says there's nothing that can be done but I do not believe that. Any suggestions?

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  • Dr Christopher Fox

    Sex Therapist

    I am a European Certified Psycho-Sexologist and a trained Counsellor/Therapist with over 20 years experience, holding Clinical/Level 4 membership of the Australian Counselling Association, one … View Profile

    Rosyrose,
     
    I saw this post under psychological causes of erectile dysfunction and would like to say this is a common question.
     
    Your male friend maybe correct in his answer - the mini-strokes maybe related to his erectile dysfunction (ED).  If he has not seen his GP or physician about his ED - I highly recommend he does sooner rather than later.  Erectile dysfunction is related to cardio-vascular health.
     
    Also we know that as men age erectile issues also increase.  There are a number of options. A GP or physician can prescribe PDE5 inhibitor like Viagra or Cialis.  Yet through sex therapy we are able to assist the both of you.  Erectile issues are common issues I deal with in my practice.
     
    Through sex therapy I use a solution-focused approach - there is always a solution.  This may include exercises (at home) to increase erection potential, as well as increasing the sensual touch he uses and experiences.
     
    In some cases, there maybe a use for penis rings to enhance erections and even vacuum erection devices (penis pumps) to assist with gaining an erection.   Without seeing him I cannot recommend any specific strategies.  It is possible for the both of you to experience a healthy and happy sexual life.
     
    I would suggest that your friend contacts a psychosexual/sex therapist and make an appointment.  You find accredited psychosexual (sex) therapists through the Society of Australian Sexologists.
     
    Good luck and remember a healthy life includes a healthy sex life.
     
    Dr Christopher
    Sex & Relationship Therapist
    www.sexlifetherapy.com.au

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  • Dr Christopher Fox

    Sex Therapist

    I am a European Certified Psycho-Sexologist and a trained Counsellor/Therapist with over 20 years experience, holding Clinical/Level 4 membership of the Australian Counselling Association, one … View Profile

    This is an excellent question. It recognises that often there are psychological aspects to erectile issues.  Erectile issues often result in psychological and relationship issues, even if the causes are not psychological.

    Psychological causes of erection difficulties can include:

    • anxiety or stress
    • anxiety about sexual performance or sexual identity
    • fear of sexual contact (from issues such as pregnancy or HIV/Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
    • psychological trauma or abuse
    • sexual problems with partner
    • sexual boredom
    • depression
    • lack of communication in the relationship or other relationship issues
    • grief or the effects of illness of self or family member

    Erectile issues can also result in psychological-related problems.  These can turn into a cycle where the issues causes another issues, which feeds the original issue.

    The psychological impact of erectile issues may include:
    • diminished sexual confidence and self-confidence
    • lowered sexual esteem and self-esteem
    • anxiety (including sexual anxiety)
    • relationship issues (including partner communication issues)
    • mild depression
    • sexual dissatisfaction.
    One avenue to treat erection issues is to see a sex (psychosexual) therapist.  Through psychosexual therapy you will explore the history of erection difficulties and identify the cause/s of erection difficulties.  If there is a possible physiological basis to your erection difficulties you may be referred back to your GP for further investigation as part of your psychosexual therapy.  Often erection difficulties have a psychological basis, where a physical basis exists or not.
    After your first session, a personalised treatment plan will be developed to assist you in developing healthy erections.  As part of your therapy you will be expected to complete “home-work” exercises.

    The benefits of sex therapy for erectile issues;
    • Understand erections and how they work;
    • Develop skills to better manage erections;
    • Develop skills to increase erection function; and
    • Learn new ways of being sexual.
    Good luck and remember a healthy life includes a healthy sex life.

    Dr Christopher
    Sex and Relationship Therapist

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  • Anonymous

    My bf ejaculated on my vagina my last period was 12th oct 2014,i had seen in net and calculated ovulation chart my ovulation date was 24 or 25 is there any chances of becoming pregnent

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  • Anonymous

    My bf ejaculated on my vagina my last period was 12th oct 2014,i had seen in net and calculated ovulation chart my ovulation date was 24 or 25 is there any chances of becoming pregnent

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