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Anxiety and erectile dysfunction: a global approach to ED enhances results and quality of life

Abstract

Anxiety plays a major role in the development of the problems associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). Psychological and behavioural responses to ED can lead to a vicious cycle of increased uneasiness, distance and conflicts. This in turn leads to a lower frequency of sexual encounters, less time spent together and lack of communication between partners in a relationship. In this review, methods to decrease sexual anxiety are discussed. Primary care psychosexual counselling including a detailed explanation of ED, reassurance to the patient and proposal of a solution for ED are outlined. A multidisciplinary approach to ED therapy is recommended using psychosexual counselling in conjuction with pharmacotherapy.

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Correspondence to F Hedon MD.

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Hedon, F. Anxiety and erectile dysfunction: a global approach to ED enhances results and quality of life. Int J Impot Res 15 (Suppl 2), S16–S19 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3900994

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