Why do I have performance anxiety and erectile dysfunction?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am in a new relationship. I am wanting to impress my partner sexually but my problem is I am getting erection problems in front of her but in the home, when I am alone my erections are normal.

Is this some sort of psychological issue?
Is this common?
How to overcome it?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The probable diagnosis is psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Yes, what you are suffering from is psychological, as you only face this problem in front of your partner and not when you are alone. This has to do with performance anxiety, as you already feel the need to impress her so your anxiety is acting out in this way. This is quite common, particularly in young adults.

You can overcome this by self-counseling and keeping your anxiety at bay while you are being intimate with your partner. If this does not help, then you can get professional psychotherapy and practice breathing exercises.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.