How Relationship Problems Can Contribute To ED

The physiological causes of ED are easy to understand. Poor circulation and heart problems can both contribute to erectile problems. When it comes to erectile dysfunction, however, things can get a bit more complex than that.

Very often, ED has an emotional component. It could be caused by poor self-esteem and it could even stem from relationship troubles. Male sexuality is rather complex and erections themselves are incredibly delicate. Here’s a bit more about the psychological factors that have an impact on them.

The Psychology Of The Penis

The way in which a guy gets an erection is easy to understand. Erections, however, have both a physiological and a psychological component.

The psychological component triggers an erection in response to a sexual stimulus, a fantasy or even a memory. Impulses from the brain lead to arousal and cause the erectile response to take place (the corpus cavernosum of the penis getting filled with blood).

As a result, erectile dysfunction can be both psychogenic and neurogenic. In the case of a psychogenic problem, an inhibitory message is sent by the brain, preventing an erection from taking place. A balance between sexual excitatory and inhibitory impulses is incredibly important to maintain the erectile response strong.

ED And Performance Anxiety

With the scientific explanation out of the way, it’s now time to explore some of the specific ways in which relationship problems can lead to ED. Performance anxiety is one of the most common occurrences.

Performance anxiety is one of the root causes of sexual issues in men. It can happen with a brand new partner or it could happen with a significant other that’s way too demanding when it comes to sex.

Men tend to suffer from performance anxiety when communication about sex is ineffective or non-existent.

Having an honest conversation, sharing ideas about intimacy, fantasies and even fears is essential for a satisfactory sex life and overcoming performance anxiety. Many couples, however, have problems talking about sex. As a result, frustrations will keep on piling up and eventually, they’ll put too much pressure on one or both partners.

How She Aggravates The Situation

Many women find it very difficult to relate to the sexual problem that their partner is experiencing. For ladies, it may be almost impossible to understand the depths of male sexuality.

ED could occur once or twice as a result of stress or fatigue. In such instances, the response of the partner is crucial for making things better.

Unfortunately, many women commit the grave mistake of thinking that ED is about them. They start wondering about desirability and the quality of their sex life. Possibly, these women put additional blame and pressure on their partners.

The manner in which a significant other responds to such sexual issues can make or break things. A woman can easily alienate her partner by asking questions about her own desirability (when in fact ED has nothing to do with her).

In many couples, the sexual relationship is somewhat biased towards the woman and giving her satisfaction. This is the main reason why numerous women aren’t equipped with the tools to handle a sexual problem in their partner. In fact, they’re likely to make things a whole lot worse.

Anger – The Killer Of All Desire

Eventually, such relationship problems will cause a vicious circle. Partners will begin distancing each other because of ED. As a result of this alienation, ED will become even worse.

The next emotion that will follow is anger. When anger settles into the relationship, the problem becomes deeper and even more difficult to address.

Anger is usually two-directional. A man experiencing ED is angry at his partner for the lack of understanding. She is angry at him because she no longer feels desired and loved. Unless both address the real issue and start seeking an adequate solution for ED, the relationship may be doomed.

Psychological and relationship factors may play an even more prominent role in ED than physiological issues. This is why proper communication in the face of a sexual hindrance is mandatory. Partners that are open to talking about ED and seeking a solution together are the ones that will probably strengthen their relationship while discovering an adequate solution.