1. See a Sex Therapist
If you're basically healthy, get regular erections in your sleep and have normal lab results, chances are that your erectile dysfunction is due to psychological factors, such as performance anxiety, relationship issues or a mood disorder. Once serious mental conditions like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety are ruled out, a sex therapist can provide useful insight into your impotence. This form of treatment can be done individually or with a partner. Sex therapy focuses on promoting effective communication about intimacy, and learning techniques to improve sexual function. It may also involve take-home bedroom assignments.
Erectile-dysfunction drugs are not tremendously effective for emotional impotence; however, taking oral medications in conjunction with counseling is becoming increasingly common, and does have a high success rate.
2. Talk to Your Partner
When going through erectile dysfunction, it is paramount that you talk openly and honestly about your sex life -- from your anxieties and insecurities to what kinds of treatment you think are best. Remember, sexual impotence also affects your mate. Without communication, you will both end up angry and resentful.
Share your bedroom fantasies and turnoffs. Tell your partner what feels good and what doesn't, all in a supportive and nonjudgmental manner.
Instead of shying away from sex, keep at it. The longer you go without initiating, the more pressure there will be to perform when you do attempt sexual intercourse. Focus on pleasuring your partner. By giving her satisfaction, you will still feel capable in bed, and won't be concentrating as much on whether or not you perform. Remember, this isn't a competition.
3. Engage in Stress-Relieving Activities
Consider holistic treatments to do away with stress. In an anxious state, the body cannot relax, and must work harder to channel blood to the penis. Stress-management techniques like yoga, meditation and exercise all aid in cardiovascular and emotional wellness.
Exercise is one of the most important lifestyle factors when it comes to male impotence. Physical activity lends a greater sense of well-being, increases self-esteem, lowers blood pressure and stress, and improves mood and overall cardiovascular health, all of which play important roles in healthy sexual functioning. Start with a brisk two-mile walk three times a week, at a pace that is comfortable but gets your heart rate up. Do not overdo it; continued, rigorous exercise can actually lower your testosterone level.
Find an activity that is pleasurable to you and get into a routine. If kickboxing helps eliminate stress, try that. If you have a hard time shutting negative thoughts out of your head, look into transcendental meditation, guided imagery or mindfulness-based stress reduction. These are all recommended in conjunction with psychotherapy.
