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.
This is a preview of subscription content
Access options
Subscribe to Journal
Get full journal access for 1 year
$119.00
only $14.88 per issue
All prices are NET prices.
VAT will be added later in the checkout.
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.
Buy article
Get time limited or full article access on ReadCube.
$32.00
All prices are NET prices.


References
Hale VE, Strassberg DS . The role of anxiety on sexual arousal. Arch Sex Behav 1990; 19: 569–581.
Rosen RC . Psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Classification and management. Urol Clin North Am 2001; 28: 269–278.
Halvorsen JG, Metz ME . Sexual dysfunction, Part I: Classification, etiology, and pathogenesis. J Am Board Fam Pract 1992; 5: 51–61.
Collins WE et al. Multidisciplinary survey of erectile impotence. Can Med Assoc J 1983; 128: 1393–1399.
Dzegede SA, Pike SW, Hackworth JR . The relationship between health-related stressful life events and anxiety: an analysis of a Florida metropolitan community. Community Ment Health J 1981; 17: 294–305.
Rampin O . Mode of action of a new oral treatment for erectile dysfunction: apomorphine SL. BJU Int 2001; 88(Suppl 3): 22–24.
Beutel M . Psychosomatic aspects in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction. Andrologia 1999; 31(Suppl 1): 37–44.
Sadovsky R . Integrating erectile dysfunction treatment into primary care practice. Am J Med 2000; 109(Suppl 9A): 22S–28S.
Smith AD . Psychologic factors in the multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment of erectile dysfunction. Urol Clin North Am 1988; 15: 41–51.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hedon, F. Anxiety and erectile dysfunction: a global approach to ED enhances results and quality of life. Int J Impot Res 15, S16–S19 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3900994
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3900994
Keywords
- anxiety
- erectile dysfunction
- psychotherapy
- apomorphine SL
Further reading
-
Erectile dysfunction in patients with anxiety disorders: a systematic review
International Journal of Impotence Research (2022)
-
Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on sexuality: a cross-sectional study among couples in Turkey
International Journal of Impotence Research (2021)
-
Phenomenological and existential contributions to the study of erectile dysfunction
Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy (2021)
-
Lifestyles and sexuality in men and women: the gender perspective in sexual medicine
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology (2020)
-
Physical activity as an adjunct treatment for erectile dysfunction
Nature Reviews Urology (2019)