Could his problem downstairs be caused by problems upstairs?
Erectile dysfunction refers to the inability of a man to not only get, but maintain an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse.
The causes can be physical, drug induced or psychological — such as resulting from inadequate sleep, depression, stress, anxiety and fatigue.
Tackling these problems head on can often bring relief.
Many men, when they first begin to experience the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, will go to their GP with the hope of solving just a physical problem. But during the treatment process it usually becomes clear that there is more than a physical problem.
Then, a general practioner will give a referral to a mental health care professional such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist.
“Oftentimes the root cause of man’s erectile dysfunction is a psychological one,” said Dr Geoffrey Walcott, consultant psychiatrist.
He said while there are no population studies available for Jamaica on erectile dysfunction, there are local studies done on specific groups.
“What they have found is that there is a higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction in men who have diabetes and renal failure as well as individuals who experience childhood abuse. Internationally the prevalence of erectile dysfunction is related to age. It ranges from one per cent under age 19 to 25 per cent by age 75. And this data is coming from the Massachusetts Male Aging study.”
Irrespective of whether the cause is a psychological one, most times men with erectile dysfunction will have psychological problems.
It is thus important for men and their partners to recognize this and seek professional help with the aim of resolution. A multi-dimensional approach is usually taken to the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Not only are pharmaceuticals prescribed, but men and their partners are urged to seek professional help in the form of counselling and sex therapy.
“Ironically the medication we commonly prescribe to treat the psychological causes of erectile dysfunction are antidepressants, which are commonly distributed on the black market as sexual boosters; for example ‘gungo’ or the bomb as it is more popularly known.”
Dr Walcott said sex therapy, as well as counselling can be quite helpful especially when dealing with the myriad of emotional issues which are associated with erectile dysfunction.
