How is cognitive behavioral therapy used in erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is one of the most frequent sexual disorders among the male population: it is estimated that it affects more or less 10% of men. And this percentage shoots up to 50% if we look at middle-aged men.

However, as a general rule, it is an alteration that can be treated effectively. What happens is that due to the taboo subject that sexuality continues to be, accentuated by the stigma associated with men who "do not perform" sexually, it makes many men not even consider seeking professional help due to factors such as embarrassment, attempts to avoid thinking about the problem, fear of putting their manhood at risk, etc.

In this article we are going to clear up a whole series of unknowns, myths and problematic ideas about erectile dysfunction, talking about the way in which you can intervene in it from cognitive-behavioral therapy.

• Related article: "Erectile dysfunction (impotence): what is it and what is its treatment"

Why go to psychological therapy to treat erectile dysfunction?

The first hurdle that must be overcome to adequately deal with the problem of erectile dysfunction is that belief so widespread that it is above all an organic problem, which can only be remedied from the medicine. This idea makes many people fearful at the thought of starting treatment, since given the lack of knowledge on a subject, it is easy to imagine the worst possible scenario, such as going through the operating room and having to undergo painful operations.

But the truth is that in most cases, erectile dysfunction can be treated painlessly. And not only that; In most cases, the key lies in psychological intervention and not in invasive treatments that involve manipulating specific organs and tissues of the body.

And it is that although many people do not know it, psychological factors are among the most common causes of erectile dysfunction, so that intervening in them from psychological therapy it is possible to overcome this type of alterations. For example, incorrect management of stress or anxiety, as well as low self esteem (which produces feelings of shame when undressing or in sexual encounters due to the self-fulfilling prophecy phenomenon), fears or even phobias linked to sex, etc.

Yes indeed, It may happen that it is necessary to combine visits to the psychologist with the follow-up of a medical treatment. And it is that the situations in which the disorder is caused by an injury or an inadequate functioning of an organ are relatively rare; If there are organic factors that contribute to erectile dysfunction remaining in the person's day-to-day life, these usually have to do with the blood supply. and/or the flow of hormones that travel through it, so normally the use of certain pills is the main route of medical treatment, and/or the operations.

And other ways to improve the patient's situation are a mixture of psychological and organic processes; for example, the application of healthier lifestyle habits, such as quitting smoking (the tobacco contributes to the onset of erectile dysfunction), exercise, diet balanced etc In short, strategies in which the behavioral and the organic go hand in hand to reduce the chances of having problems achieving and maintaining an erection.

That is why erectile dysfunction is a problem that can be treated from sexology and/or psychotherapy in general, although in some cases it is also recommended that this route and intervention be combined with biomedical strategies (normally, the use of certain prescription drugs). In some cases, once the first stages of psychotherapy have been passed, the use of medication may cease.

• You may be interested: "What is sexology for?"

Application of cognitive behavioral therapy in patients with erectile dysfunction

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which psychologists have the double mission of help patients to modify their beliefs and their way of thinking, on the one hand, and their routines and habits when relating to the environment and with others, on the other.

In other words, it intervenes both in cognitions (internal psychological processes based on abstract thought) and in behavior, actions observable by third parties. Through this double action, both dimensions of the person's life, the subjective and the objective, mutually reinforce each other to consolidate changes in the way of living life. And in the case at hand, in the manner of enjoy sexuality and take advantage of its potential without giving in to unfounded fears, attacks of stress or anxiety, limiting beliefs, etc.

Thus, the main ways in which cognitive behavioral therapy helps with erectile dysfunction are the following.

• Helps the patient to manage anxiety at key moments through relaxation techniques

• Reinforces self-esteem through cognitive restructuring applied to the concept of the Self.

• Train in sexual game strategies that are not based on immediacy and allow you to relax more.

• It offers fear management strategies through techniques such as controlled exposure.

• Related article: "Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: what is it and what principles is it based on?"

Do you want to start a therapy process?

If you are interested in having psychotherapeutic assistance, please contact me.

Am Diego Red Sebastian, psychologist specialized in Clinical Psychology and cognitive-behavioral therapy with more than a decade of experience in the sector. I work helping people who need to go through a psychotherapy process individually, or in the context of couples therapy. I can assist you in person or through the online therapy format by video call.