Erectile Dysfunction | Marital Discord

Psychologists and sex experts suggest that relationship issues can significantly influence the quality of sex life and can contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED Causes Learn More). Surveys indicate that males who are in healthy relationships (Healthy Sexual Relationship Learn More) are least likely to experience erectile dysfunction.

Common cause of marital discord are

– Performance anxiety (ED & Anxiety Learn More) (especially if the relationship is new)

– Loss of interest in intimacy (especially if the relationship is old)

– Relationship issues like arguments, quarrels, guilt, infidelity

Other risk factors that can also lead to ED are

– A known history of temporary or permanent impotency (Impotence Prevention)

– Infertility (Male Infertility Learn More)

– Other financial, personal, family related issues

Research and clinical studies (1) indicate that males tends to get less sexual gratification from sexual encounters if either of the partner is infertile. In addition if couples are performing intercourse for childbearing, the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED Treatment Learn More) increases significantly due to psychological pressure of impregnating the partner and also due to limited/ restricted days of sexual activity (on fertile days)

Notable Symptoms of ED Due to Marital Discord

In most cases, marital discord symptoms may be evident or concealed. For example,

Common symptoms include

– Hesitation to pursue with sexual acts or approach the partner

– Inability to achieve orgasm (Bigger Orgasm Learn More)

– Lack of excitability upon sexual stimulation (Male Orgasm Learn More)

– Restrained movements

– Inability to connect to your partner on a mental level etc.

Any of these singly or combined factors can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED Help Center Learn More) that is mainly psychological. It may lead to complexities in the relationship and may serve as a major constrains in the execution of normal sexual encounters.

Erectile Dysfunction due to Marital Discord

It has been observed that the roots of erectile dysfunction due to marital discord are deep-rooted and may have cause-effect relationship (inadequate sexual activity can lead to marital conflicts and vice versa). For example, research published in British Journal of Psychology (2) suggested that male sexual problems (such as erectile dysfunction, impotency and ejaculatory issues contribute to more relationship issues than female sexual problems like vaginismus and anorgasmia.

Psychotherapy to Manage Erectile Dysfunction

The cause of erectile dysfunction in this situation is mainly psychological in nature, a side most physicians do not attend to; therefore individual or couple sessions with a psychotherapist can prove more helpful and life changing than pharmacological treatments alone. During these sessions not only can an individual identify his/ her internal fears and phobias, but as a couple, both individuals can share/ discuss important issues that affects the quality of sexual encounters.

The nature of this issue is such that often patients are not comfortable in sharing or discussing their problems with others. If you have mustered up the courage to seek professional help it is utmost necessary to find psychotherapy from an expert who has experience in treating disorders like erectile dysfunction, a disease with both physical and mental manifestations.

References

Monga, M., Alexandrescu, B., Katz, S. E., Stein, M., & Ganiats, T. (2004). Impact of infertility on quality of life, marital adjustment, and sexual function. Urology, 63(1), 126-130.
Rust, J., Golombok, S., & Collier, J. (1988). Marital problems and sexual dysfunction: how are they related?. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 152(5), 629-631.
Levine, S. B. (1976). Marital sexual dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction. Ann Intern Med, 85(3), 342-50.