How Does Anxiety Impact ED?

Anxiety can negatively impact your physical health in a number of ways. If you’re a man, uncontrolled anxiety and too much stress can also affect your sex life.

At Urology Specialist Group, our team of expert urologists offer complete care for erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by injuries, underlying medical conditions, and psychological issues.

We recommend that you schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of ED early, so you can get the treatment you need to enjoy a happy, healthy sex life.

What to know about ED

Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is a condition that describes the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that’s healthy enough for sex.

Most men experience difficulties getting an erection from time to time. However, if the issue is ongoing, it may be a warning sign that something more serious is wrong with your health. Medical conditions that can contribute to ED include:

• Obesity
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Low testosterone
• High cholesterol
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

ED can also increase your risk for relationship conflicts, self-esteem issues, and stress-related health problems.

The link between anxiety and ED

While physical conditions can play a role in erectile dysfunction, there are studies that show psychological factors are the leading cause of ED.

When you have unmanaged anxiety, it can interfere with the way your brain sends signals to your body. Anxiety can disrupt how your brain sends messages to the penis that increase blood flow to make an erection possible. Men who try to manage their anxiety with illicit drugs or alcohol may also face issues with ED.

There are many things in life that can contribute to stress and anxiety, such as job loss, illness, financial issues, and conflicts in relationships. Men who have chronic stress or undergo physical or psychological trauma may also be at risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can increase your risk for ED exponentially.

Unfortunately, the connection between anxiety and ED can create a vicious cycle – too much anxiety leads to ED, which can lead to more anxiety. To stop the cycle and improve your sexual health, we offer customized treatment plans at Urology Specialist Group.

Exploring your options for treating ED

To treat your ED issues effectively, it’s important that you get a complete health evaluation, so our team can identify its underlying cause. We offer in-office urine and blood tests, physical exams, and other diagnostic testing services to pinpoint underlying health issues that contribute to ED.

Based on the results of your tests, our urology team tailors a treatment plan to your needs. If your ED symptoms stem from psychological conditions, we can discuss your options for stress management counseling or the need for anxiety medications. You may also need to make lifestyle and diet changes to support your general health.

In addition to psychological treatments, our team may also recommend medications to improve the quality of your erections. These medications work by relaxing the muscles in the penis to improve blood circulation.

If conservative therapies aren’t enough to treat ED, you may be a candidate for a penile implant. Implants allow you to inflate your penis before intercourse with a device that fits inside your penis.

To learn more about treatment options for erectile dysfunction, call Urology Specialty Group today to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.