Reasons for Erectile Dysfunction and How to Self-Test ED
Erectile dysfunction, which is the inability to obtain and maintain an erection enough to have intercourse, can be caused by psychological or physical issues.
By performing a simple at-home test, it can be discovered whether ED stems from psychological issues or physical issues. Also, once a man finds out which is the cause, he can proceed in finding an appropriate treatment for erectile dysfunction.
The Average Man
The average man experiences three erections per night while sleeping. Each erection can last between 30 minutes to one hour. If a man does not have an erection at night, it is likely that he suffers from ED because of physical issues. If a man has an erection at night, but is unable to during intimate times, the issue could be caused by psychological factors. An ED self-test is a good way to discover the root cause of ED.
At Night
Before going to bed, place several stamps around the circumference of your flaccid penis. Ensure that each stamp is secure so that if you had an erection, the stamp seals would break. Use anywhere between 4 and 6 stamps. Avoid the self-sticking kind, which would be difficult to break. Do not have alcohol or sleeping pills for 2 days prior and the immediate night of the test. It is best to perform this test for 3 nights to gauge the results.
Attempt to sleep on your back, but be aware that the average person moves about 12 times during the night so you may not wake up in the same position you fell asleep in. Sleeping on your back helps to prevent interfering with the stamps.
In the Morning
In the morning, check to see whether the stamps have broken. You may find that experiencing an erection while the stamps are on your penis is uncomfortable. If you happen to wake during the night, check your penis to see whether it is erect. Each morning, you should be able to see whether you had an erection during the night. If you have an erection each night, your erectile dysfunction is most likely be caused by psychological factors.
To rule out all physical issues, talk with your general doctor or urologist. There may be a slight chance your ED is linked to a physical problem.
What Your ED Could Mean on a Larger Scale
ED occurs when the penis cannot get enough blood to obtain and maintain an erection. The issue of having ED can be a sign of a bigger concern. If your penis is not receiving enough blood for an erection, you may also be experiencing an inadequate amount of blood supply to your heart. In fact, Viagra initially started out as a heart medication.
If your erectile dysfunction is a result of physical issues, you may need to check into possible heart problems as well. This is especially true if you have diabetes, are a smoker, drink alcohol, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, are advanced in age, are obese or have low testosterone.
Psychological Reasons for ED
Another way to check whether your ED is psychological or physical is to assess whether you’re able to have a normal erection from self-stimulation. If you’re able to get an erection through self-stimulation and not with a partner, it’s very likely that your reason for ED is psychological. Psychological ED usually stems from one of three reasons. These three causes are:
- Performance anxiety
- Impulse control
- Fear
Performance anxiety is worrying that an erection cannot be obtained, but this sort of worrying makes it a self-fulfilling prophecy. Too much anxiety can prevent sufficient blood flow to the penis, making an erection difficult or impossible. The solution is to stop worrying about performance and remain in the moment.
Some men have an issue with impulse control. Somewhere, they have gotten the impression that having sexual feelings or attention towards their partner is wrong so they pull themselves back subconsciously. The solution is to realize that it’s healthy to connect on a physical and emotional level simultaneously with another person.
Fear is another common factor of psychologically induced ED. For instance, there are times when a man does not feel comfortable or ready to engage in sex but feels pressured by his partner or society to do so anyways. ED can be attributed to this discomfort or fear of being “different.” Don’t stress – it is completely natural. It’s the body’s way of saying, “Something is wrong here.”
Treating Erectile Dysfunction
Whether the cause of your erectile dysfunction is physical or psychological, there are ways to solve it. Take it slow, and don’t beat yourself up. You will recover at the right time, and if your partner is right for you, they’ll understand.
Talk to your general doctor or an expert urologist if ED is negatively affecting your relationship. Treatment may not always mean prescription drugs or an operation; often, erectile dysfunction can be easily treated by simply changing some bad habits or starting some good ones. Bring it up to your doctor so that they can help you. It’s what they’re here for!