How stress can negatively impact erections

Sex is a fantastic stress buster, and is great for relieving tension. There are, however, occasions when even the usually most lascivious of gentlemen encounter Mr Floppy (Erectile Dysfunction for those of you who like technical terms). This can cause embarrassment for both parties. Stress and anxiety is one cause, and can lead to a vicious cycle, leading to the gentleman to avoid sexual contact altogether.

Let ‘Professor’ Love explain…might get a bit technical for a mo.

Sexual activity is under the control of involuntary nervous system, something we have no control over. Whenever a man becomes aroused, nerve impulses cause blood vessels in the penis to dilate, allowing a steady flow of blood into the spongy tissue. At the same time, a circular muscle called a sphincter constricts to prevent blood from flowing back. Are you still with me?

During stress, blood vessels don’t dilate fully and the sphincter fails to constrict, both contributing to erectile dysfunction. Negative events create a spontaneous stress response that intensifies the more ingrained it becomes. Because physiological actions such as erection are controlled by the autonomic nervous system, the conditioning process is more easily developed and that much harder to break. In other words, a non-erection occurrence is remembered on consecutive repeat occasions, despite the user’s best efforts.

As with any stress response, a variety of hormones are disrupted as well, including those important to testosterone production; Cortisol, which is a stress hormone, makes the testicles less responsive. Reconditioning the brain is the key element in reversing all of the above, although easier said than done.

Phew, I’m glad I got that off my chest. Time to hang up my lab coat and get ready for my appointment with Doctor Toney Wood, one of the leading theorists in all things hard and dense!

As a final after thought, I will say if you are suffering from stress and or anxiety, please do reach out to friends and family. I also offer social dates, which as well as being a prelude to sexual encounters, provide an opportunity for you to talk about any stress you may have.