Non-Surgical Treatments | Behavioural Therapies

Non-Surgical Treatments | Behavioural Therapies

Behavioural Therapies | Counselling and Life Style Modifications

How Does It Work

Psychological problems may cause erectile dysfunction (ED) by themselves or together with other causes, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Relationships can be complicated and numerous factors cause tension and anxiety, which can in turn affect sexual relationships. For some men, these problems can become constant causing stress and anxiousness, it can help to talk through these issues with a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist.

The longer ED is left untreated, the greater the effect it may have on relationships, another reason why early treatment is important.

Psychotherapy, also known “therapy”, is when a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist establishes an interpersonal relationship with a patient to assist them in working through mental, emotional, or behavioural issues.72 Psychotherapy is a non-medical treatment. Psychotherapy and/or behavioural therapy alone may be helpful for you even if you have no physical cause of ED or if you’re not ready for medical or surgical treatment.

Counselling is often considered the provision of professional assistance and guidance in resolving personal or psychological problems in a non-judgmental atmosphere. Counselling can also be beneficial in combination with other treatments.

Psychological Factors May Cause ED73,74

Psychological factors are responsible for about 10%-20% of all ED cases and is often a secondary reaction to an underlying physical cause.2 The most common psychological causes of ED include:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • PTSD
  • Depression
  • Low Self-Esteem, Guilt or Indifference

Lifestyle Modifications

Changes and modification to lifestyle habits can be used to treat a range of diseases including obesity and some of the underlying causes of ED.

Maintaining good general health, this includes a healthy balanced diet, regular exercise, stop smoking and heavy consumption of alcohol may help prevent problems like such as diabetes and heart disease that cause erectile dysfunction.

Furthermore, early diagnosis and treatment of associated conditions like diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol may prevent or delay ED, or stop the severity of the condition.75

These treatments can be beneficial in combination with other treatments. Speak to your GP or urologist to learn more about this treatment option and whether it is right for you.

Explore other treatment options for ED

Treatment options range from counseling, to non-surgical treatments like oral medication, vacuum erection devices and penile injections, to longer lasting surgical solutions like penile implants.

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Questions to Ask

Helpful hints on how to start the conversation with your GP or urologist, and other useful resources.

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