Psychological factors are responsible for about 10% to 20% of all cases of erectile dysfunction. It is often a secondary reaction to an underlying physical cause. In some cases, the psychological causes of erectile problems lie in sexual abuse or trauma in the past. But the most common psychological causes of erection problems include:
- Stress: Stress can be related to work, money or relationship problems.
- Fear of failure: If a man experiences erectile dysfunction, he can start worrying again next time if he can get an erection. This can eventually lead to performance anxiety or fear of sexual failure, erectile problems which persist and grow.
- Guilt: A man may feel guilty because he feels that his partner can give no sexual gratification.
- Depression: A common cause of erectile problems is depression. Depression affects a person both mentally and physically. Depression can even cause erectile difficulties in men who are completely healthy sexually. And the medication prescribed for depression can themselves cause erection problems.
- Low self-esteem: This can be due to previous experiences with erection problems or other problems not related to sexual performance.
- Indifference: This might be the result of age and no longer interested in sex which in turn may be caused by medications or relationship.
All men will sooner or later be confronted with erection problems. But only if the problem persists, say in half the cases could not get an erection, or a nuisance for you or your partner, would you be concerned and consider a doctor visit.
