If you’re a man suffering from erectile dysfunction, consider yourself lucky! Never in the world’s history has it been easier to lead a satisfying sex life despite problems with getting and maintaining an erection. All thanks to Viagra and other ED drugs. They are quick, effective and safe for most men.
Psychotherapy can help treat ED
While medication offers a much-needed solution to a more mechanical side of the problem, most men can further improve treatment results by seeking help from a therapist. In some cases, psychotherapy may even eliminate the need for taking the drugs.
One of the most popular approaches to dealing with ED these days is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Many physicians include it in the treatment plan for their ED patients. Why is this particular method worth a try when you’re dealing with erectile problems?
When is CBT recommended for ED?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most popular forms of psychotherapy today. It’s based on the assumption that our thoughts influence our actions. The therapist helps the patient identify negative thoughts and teaches him or her to transform them into more supportive beliefs.
When it comes to intimate problems, sometimes it’s hard to say what came first – was it the stress or other psychological factors that caused bedroom problems, such as erectile difficulties? Or perhaps ED – especially untreated for a long time – has made a man more worried, ashamed or tense in the sexual context?
Whatever the reason, if your ED impacts the way you feel or behave with your partner, CBT may offer a solution. For example, you may be avoiding intimacy because you’re afraid you’ll lose your erection before your partner has an orgasm. You may also feel you’re not man enough. Or you might worry that you’re losing interest in your partner if you can’t get hard with her or him.
Dealing with performance anxiety
When it comes to sex, one general rule applies – less thinking, more feeling. For men with ED this might be difficult. Instead of focusing on being with your partner and enjoying the pleasant sensations that come from physical contact, you’re constantly thinking about your ability to keep the erection long enough.
CBT uses many techniques to help people reduce anxiety. Although researchers are still not unanimous as to the impact of anxiety on sexual functioning, some of them believe that fear is a huge factor in ED patients. CBT therapists teach men how to reduce stress and transform negative thinking and self-judgment.
Effectiveness of CBT in treating ED
Studies have shown that CBT is an effective method in treating many types of sexual dysfunction in both men and women. One research was specially designed to evaluate how effective online CBT sessions are in treating ED patients. Men who completed a 10-session therapy reported improved erections and better sexual functioning overall.
Can CBT be combined with Viagra?
Some studies suggest that combining medical interventions with therapy brings the best results. One research followed two groups of men suffering from ED over a period of time. Men who took a PDE5 inhibitor, such as Viagra, and went to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy showed continuous improvement of their erectile function and other aspects of sexuality. Men who only received ED-medication without the therapy did not show these additional improvements in the long term.
These results confirm what we intuitively know – that sex is not just about biology. It’s a combination of body, mind, and emotions.
When CBT might not help?
CBT is not a magic, one-size-fits-all solution to erectile dysfunction. For some men, therapy alone can help get rid of the problem. For others – in particular, those whose ED is connected to other health conditions such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes – treatment will not be effective without Viagra or similar medication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of many approaches to psychological problems. Some men will benefit more from other methods, such as mindfulness techniques. Others will need to dig deeper into the past to get to the root cause of their sexual blocks and traumas. For them, psychoanalysis might be more beneficial.
Make that first step to treat your ED
If you’re currently suffering from erectile dysfunction, the most important thing is to take action. If going to a psychotherapist frightens you or makes you uncomfortable, see your family physician first. He or she will make an initial diagnosis and prescribe ED-medication if appropriate. Once you feel you can enjoy your sexuality again, you will be able to figure out your next steps. Remember to order your medication from a reliable source, such as our website. Click here for more details.
Anka Grzywacz is a sexologist, reproductive health expert and Certified Sex Coach™. In her online practice she helps busy women and couples solve their intimate problems.