It’s important to understand the difference between erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE). ED is a condition that affects around 30 million men in the United States. This condition is characterized by an inability to achieve an erection during intercourse, therefore leading to no penetration. On the other hand, PE, or premature ejaculation, is a condition that is caused by an inability to last for the desired length of time during intercourse. Some men might experience ejaculation well before penetration, while others ejaculate too early during intimacy. Both of these conditions can lead to some serious mental health effects on men, as well as damage some relationships. It’s important to understand that men are not alone in their plight, and seeking medical advice and finding a solution isn’t impossible. Below are some common causes of ED, how you can treat it, and overall solutions.Â
Performance Anxiety
Many people think performance anxiety is only for athletes. On the contrary, performance anxiety is a general term that encompasses the inability to perform due to a heightened sense of fear. Some of the many symptoms of performance anxiety include:
- Freezing before a performance
- Thoughts of failure
- Heart racing or palpiatations
- Excessive sweating
- Panic attacks before performance
All of these symptoms can be felt not just by athletes and actors on stage, but also by regular men that are experiencing issues with intimacy. It’s vital to understand that there are many solutions to performance anxiety. One of the best is to practice breathing techniques. Breathing techniques are a powerful way to slow down the brain and improve your ability to handle stress. To begin, find a comfortable position and start to focus on your breath. Notice the air coming in through your nose, filling up your lungs, before slowly exhaling through pursed lips.
Try to notice the sensation of each inhale and exhale for as long as you can. As thoughts come into your head, gently acknowledge them but then let them drift away, returning your focus back to the breath. You can also try alternate nostril breathing, which involves alternating between each of your nostrils while you inhale and exhale. This type of breathing creates balance in the body’s energy channels. Finally, adding visualization to your deep-breathing practice can be even more effective in helping you relax before sex, allowing you to find relief from ED.
Trauma
Trauma, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), might also be a contributor to ED. For many men, trauma has lasting effects, leading to issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and other issues that might impact their sexual health and activity. If you know you’ve undergone issues with trauma and PTSD, it’s important to know that you’re not alone, as an estimated 85% of combat veterans have experienced ED after their experiences.
How can PTSD lead to ED? For starters, people with PTSD are often in a perpetual fight or flight stage, meaning they don’t have time to unwind from stress and are constantly on edge. If you’re experiencing symptoms of PTSD, such as:
- Constant hypervigelance
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Flashbacks
- Outbursts
- Increased substance abuse
- Nighttime insomnia or other sleep issues
If you are also experiencing ED on top of these symptoms, it might be time to visit a professional therapist for help. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for PTSD that can help you overcome your trauma as well as the symptoms of ED. For instance, you might begin behavioral therapy to help improve your emotional regulation, and might also undergo trauma therapy to help process your experiences. In addition, therapy might also be a great way to help you learn more about what leads to your ED, and also find ways to address the issue head-on.
Fatigue and Low Performance
Lastly, some men might also experience erectile dysfunction due to physical issues, such as fatigue and not performing at their best. Fatigue is a common part of many men’s lives as they get older. The loss of testosterone, increasing age, and lack of exercise later in life can all contribute to lower performance and ED. However, there are many ways to help boost your performance and improve your physical health!
Erection tea is one option that may be helpful for men who experience erectile dysfunction. Dr. Jed Kaminesky offers a medical explanation on how erection teas work can work to prevent ED. Many teas, such as green teas and black teas, can help you improve performance since they are a rich source of antioxidants. In addition, teas contain caffeine, which acts as a small boost and gives you sustained, clean energy. There are lots of teas on the market for you to try, but it’s best to try an erection tea that you know won’t trigger any food allergies and with great reviews.
In addition to tea, starting a regular exercise routine and losing weight can also help you get back in shape and improve fatigue levels. In addition to tea, starting a regular exercise routine and losing weight can also help you get back in shape and improve fatigue levels. Exercise is vital in helping your body regulate hormones and in getting much-needed oxygen to your brain. Regular exercise can help improve the quality of sleep, reduce stress levels, and increase energy during the day. Making sure you get enough restful sleep is also important for maintaining overall health. Sleep helps keep moods stable, regulates hormone production, and allows physical restoration, and better performance.
