“An erection problem is the difficulty or impossibility of obtaining an erection sufficient to have a satisfying penetrative sexual intercourse.”, explains Diane Deswarte. These erectile dysfunctions can affect men of all ages, including young men. “We talked for a long time about impotence, which fortunately we no longer do at all today because the fact of having an erection has nothing to do with the notion of power.”, specifies the sexologist.
Erectile disorders: what are the main causes?
The causes of erectile dysfunction can be divided into three categories: physical or physiological causes, psychological and mental factors and finally external causes.
“These are physiological causes, linked to the body but also to lifestyle.”, details the sexologist. The first cause is obviously age (1 out of 2 men is affected by erectile disorders after 50 years) but we can also mention cardiovascular problems which disturb blood circulation, overweight (especially abdominal fat), diabetes, certain neurological diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases, cancers. “Some medications can also cause erection genes, including diabetes medications, for example..”, adds Diane Deswarte.
- Psychological causes
“Erection problems are very often linked to stress, to performance anxiety which leads to questioning of virility. It’s a real vicious circle“, observes the sexologist. Some men will once have an erection gene only once, but this will generate anxiety for the following times.
Depression, even mild, anxiety, social pressure, difficulties at work and obviously within the couple also have an impact on sexuality.
“We are talking here about external causes concerning lifestyle such as diet, quality of sleep, sports activity, cigarettes, alcohol, etc..”, explains Diane Deswarte.
Erectile dysfunction: when to worry?
“We talk about erectile dysfunction when it lasts more than three months and causes suffering.”, explains the sexologist. “Of course, this does not prevent men from consulting quickly if they need to be reassured.. The stress related to performance anxiety is not the same for everyone”, she adds.
After three months, erectile dysfunction can be a sign of a heart problem or sleep apnea, so you should consult.
I have erection problems, who should I consult?
“Dn the first time, you should always consult a sexologist or an andrologist to eliminate physical causes and take stock.”, explains the sexologist.
The management is rarely only medicinal (tablets, creams or injections etc.) and must be personalized according to the expectations of the patient but also to his type of erectile dysfunction. It is obviously necessary to act on the medical causes (for example by correcting a hormonal problem or diabetes) and on the way of life (food advice, physical activity, etc.)
This support is coupled with a follow-up with a sexologist or a sex therapist for all the psychological aspect of the problem. The objective is also to give men techniques to relax and expand their sexuality beyond penetration. “These are two complementary approaches.”, confirms Diane Deswarte. “Society expects men to want sex all the time. They must have erections on command. But the erection is something that cannot be controlled. It is then a real source of stress and suffering for men when there is a problem.”, recalls the sexologist.
Thanks to Diane Deswarte, sexologist and founder of the Club Kamami. Author of “Exploring Desire” (Mango, 2023)
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