Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that affects men and can be a sign of a physical or psychological condition. It occurs when a man can’t get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can cause mental stress, relationship strain and low self-esteem. It can affect men of all ages at some point of time due to stress. 

Relationship between stress and Erectile dysfunction

 The current competitive world we are living in has made it inevitable for one to experience stress and anxiety at some point in their life. It can be work stress, family stress, financial stress etc. 

  • Stress and anxiety can interfere with our body’s hormone production and can cause low levels of the male sex hormone (testosterone). 
  • Stress also causes an increase in the level of epinephrine in our body. This elevated level of epinephrine decreases testosterone production disrupts the blood supply to the muscles of the penis and therefore interferes with its erection. 

What are the symptoms of ED?

  • Reduced sex drive (libido) 
  • Difficulty in getting an erection 
  • Problems keeping the erection long enough for intercourse
  • Premature ejacualtion 

Many advances have occurred in both the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction, Some of the common diagnoses to enlist are :  

  • Chronic sleep disorders (obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia)
  • Peyronie's disease (distortion or curvature of the penis)
  • Depression
  • Alcohol use
  • Inadequate interpersonal relationships
  • Many chronic diseases, especially renal failure and dialysis
  • Smoking exacerbates the effects of other risk factors, such as vascular disease or hypertension
  • Drug use 

Premature ejaculation is a male sexual dysfunction characterized by the following :

  • Ejaculation nearly always occurs prior to or within about one minute of vaginal penetration.
  • Inability to delay ejaculation on vaginal penetrations
  • Negative personal consequences, such as distress, bother frustration, and/or the avoidance of sexual intimacy.

What are tests done to diagnose ED caused due to stress? 

  • The nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) stamp test is a self-test that one can do at home. Small pieces of paper or stamps are wrapped around the penis before going to bed. When you wake up, if you find that stamp papers are broken apart, that means that your penis is physically functioning properly and the ED is due to psychological conditions such as stress. 
  • A penile plethysmograph is a device used to measure the degree of erection of the penis.
  • RigiScan is a digital device that measures the frequency, rigidity and duration of erections. 

 How to treat ED caused due to stress? There are natural treatment methods that do not have any side effects. There are some foods that may try to help overcome and combat Erectile dysfunction (ED). Although Supplemental medicines are available to heal sexual disorders, consultation with psychosexual therapists, psychologists and sex therapists offer treatment for ED caused due to stress and anxiety. They work primarily on stimulus control and cognitive restructuring to eliminate the stress that can impact your sexual life. Sexual counselling involves relaxation techniques, yoga and meditation to relieve stress.  

Nutritive foods to combat Erectile dysfunction (ED) :  

Carrots – The antioxidant in this food, named lycopene, improves blood circulation.

Bananas – This fruit has a sufficient quantity of flavonoids, which can improve blood flow to the penile regions. 

Oranges – All citrus fruits, especially oranges, naturally cure ED as they have a high content of flavonoids.

Oats – This food item is one of the best healers as it contains L-arginine, which improves testosterone levels.  

Seafood – If you are a non-vegetarian eater, you may consider seafood. It contains omega-3 fatty acids that enhance blood circulation. 

Spinach – It is rich in nitric oxide that helps increase blood flow to all body parts, including the penis.  

Supplemental methods : Viagra is a FDA-approved medication used effectively for ED treatment and has to be taken only when prescribed by your doctor. Viagra contains sildenafil which improves blood flow to the penis and helps in getting and maintaining an erection.

Disclaimer : This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.