Life stressors contribute to erectile dysfunction but do not have to mean the end of a healthy sex life.
Major life stressors are known to negatively affect mental and physical health. Poor mental and physical health is directly related to erectile dysfunction (ED).
Major life stressors that influence overall health and sexual health may include:
- Loss or grief
- Job loss or career change
- Relocation
- Leaving or entering the dating world
- Family issues
- Relationship problems
- Financial stress
- Chronic illness or medical diagnosis
Stress and Health
Those experiencing major life stressors, such as relocating, changing careers, going through a divorce, or the loss of a loved one, are at risk for also experiencing erectile dysfunction.
Stress can lead to engaging in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors or forming poor health habits. These behaviors and habits can contribute to health problems such as excess weight gain or poor cardiovascular health. Males that experience issues related to cardiovascular health are at an increased risk for erectile dysfunction.
Examples of unhealthy habits related to stress include:
- Smoking
- Overeating
- Substance use
- Poor sleep patterns
- A sedentary lifestyle
It is important to note that stress can be managed once identified. Stress does not have to lead to a decline in overall health or sexual health. Those experiencing stressful life events or chronic stress can seek mental health and stress management resources to reduce the impact of stress on their health.
Mental Health and Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is linked to several physical and psychological causes. Sexual arousal begins in the brain, making psychological distress a significant barrier to optimal erection health. Severe stress or anxiety has been demonstrated to interrupt the brain’s ability to allow for additional blood flow to the penis.
Psychological factors that can lead to erectile dysfunction include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Chronic stress
- Substance use disorder
- Other mental health disorders
It is common for young men and teenagers to experience psychological ED caused by nervousness and anxiety surrounding sexual activity. It is more common for middle-aged men to experience psychological ED caused by personal and professional stress. Senior men often experience physical ED, but may also experience psychological ED caused by loss of a partner or other form of distress.
In addition to the physical effects of stress on sexual health, medications taken to treat mental health disorders can cause or contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Finding Solutions
Fortunately, a variety of medications and lifestyle changes can prevent and treat erectile dysfunction. Most physicians recommend using a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications to most effectively reduce complications related to ED. Medications such as Viagra have proven effective at treating erectile dysfunction, but a physician can determine which treatment is right for each situation.
Those suffering from erectile dysfunction may want to take the following steps to experience success in living with ED:
- Take an inventory of stress or life changes
- Speak with a health professional to identify best treatment options
- Practice communicating with intimate partners about ED
- Begin making necessary lifestyle changes to improve erectile health (e.g. exercise, diet, stress management)
- Learn more about erectile dysfunction and explore all treatment options available
Learn more about sexual health and erectile dysfunction medications available with the click of a button by visiting eDrugstore.com today!
Shelby is a public health professional with research and field experience in sexual and reproductive health. She holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).