What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
Men's Sexual Health Concerns
Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex for six (6) months. It can't be explained by anything else like stress, depression or anxiety. "ED" also stands for erectile disorder or erectile dysfunction.
Research shows that about 49.4% of Canadian men aged 40 to 88 experience ED, and it becomes more common with age and health conditions. Other studies suggest that about 20% of men over 30 have dealt with ED at some point in their lives.
Occasional erection difficulties are normal. However, ongoing stress about performance can make ED occur more often, lowering self-confidence and creating strain in relationships. For some men, ED may appear only in partnered sex, while others may struggle with erections in every situation.
A man who can have an erection while masturbating but not during partnered sex differs from a man who cannot have an erection under any circumstances.
There are two types of Erectile Dysfunction:
Primary occurs when a man has never been able to have or sustain an erection, and this is rare, but it happens.
Secondary occurs in people who once had regular erectile function and now they don't. This is the most common type.
Erectile Dysfunction Causes
ED has both psychological and physical causes. Anxiety, depression, sexual anxiety, and relationship concerns are frequent contributors. In counselling, men often describe withdrawing emotionally and sexually when facing conflict, which can make ED worse.
Relationship issues such as high conflict, low intimacy, or feeling undesired can play a significant role. For some couples, disagreements about pregnancy or family planning can also erode desire, making sex feel like a chore instead of a connection.
The mind and body are deeply connected. Because the brain is the biggest sex organ, stress and relationship struggles can directly affect erectile function.
Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms
Trouble getting and keeping an erection
Reduced sexual desire
Not getting a firm erection
Sometimes losing and gaining an erection several times in a single sexual experience
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
For many men, the first step is visiting their doctor. Medical providers often prescribe medications such as Viagra or Cialis, whether the cause is psychological or physical. While medication may help symptoms, it does not always resolve the root cause.
Sex therapy provides another option. By addressing psychological and relational concerns, therapy can help reduce sexual anxiety, restore confidence, and rebuild intimacy.
Sex Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
At Life Collective Counselling, Kingsley Moyo and our consellors work with men and couples in Alberta to address ED from a holistic perspective. In therapy, men often discover that unresolved anxiety, self-esteem concerns, or relationship struggles are at the core of their difficulties.
Some men find that intense anxiety about sex prevents specific treatments from working. However, addressing this anxiety can improve overall results.
Individual counselling with a Sex Therapist can aid in uncovering the cause of the problem. In addition, a Sex Therapist can help you resolve relationship issues, manage anxiety and gain confidence with your sexual partner.
Sex Therapy can also incorporate couples counselling. Erectile dysfunction is not an individual concern but a relationship issue. Sex Therapy can help sexual partners talk through their feelings and find healthful, constructive ways to communicate about ED and heal together.
Lifestyle and Supportive Treatments
Sex therapy can be combined with healthy lifestyle changes that support erectile function. These may include:
Relaxation exercises to manage stress and blood pressure
Regular physical activity to improve circulation
Weight management to lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol
Strengthening pelvic floor muscles through specific exercises or physiotherapy
Addressing underlying health conditions such as diabetes, smoking, or cardiovascular issues with a doctor is also important.
Moving forward
ED is common and treatable. While it can affect self-esteem and relationships, open conversations and the right support can make a difference. If you are experiencing ED, consider booking a confidential session with Life Collective Counselling in Alberta. Counselling can help you uncover the causes, rebuild confidence, and restore intimacy in your relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Erectile Dysfunction
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Not always. While medical conditions can contribute, ED is often linked to stress, anxiety, or relationship issues. Therapy can help uncover and address these psychological causes.
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Yes. Sex therapy can reduce performance anxiety, improve confidence, and strengthen relationship connections, which often improves ED symptoms even without medication.
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It can. Couples counselling is often helpful because ED is not only an individual concern but also a relationship issue. Therapy can improve communication and intimacy.
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Research shows that about half of men between 40 and 70 experience ED. It can also affect younger men, often due to stress or psychological factors.
