Psychological problems may cause erectile dysfunction (ED) by themselves or together with other causes, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Relationships can be complicated and numerous factors cause tension and anxiety, which can in turn affect sexual relationships. For some men, these problems can become constant causing stress and anxiousness, it can help to talk through these issues with a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist.

The longer ED is left untreated, the greater the effect it may have on relationships, another reason why early treatment is important.

Psychotherapy, also known “therapy”, is when a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist establishes an interpersonal relationship with a patient to assist them in working through mental, emotional, or behavioural issues.⁷² Psychotherapy is a non-medical treatment. Psychotherapy and/or behavioural therapy alone may be helpful for you even if you have no physical cause of ED or if you’re not ready for medical or surgical treatment.

Counselling is often considered the provision of professional assistance and guidance in resolving personal or psychological problems in a non-judgmental atmosphere. Counselling can also be beneficial in combination with other treatments.

Psychological factors are responsible for about 10%-20% of all ED cases and is often a secondary reaction to an underlying physical cause.² The most common psychological causes of ED include:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Depression
• Low Self-Esteem, Guilt or Indifference