Erectile Dysfunction | Guilt

Various research studies suggested that about 60 to 84% married couples have sexual fantasies (Male Orgasm Learn More) during intercourse (1, 2). In fact, in some cultures and depending upon gender, age and orientation of person and other factors, the prevalence may be as high as 95% (3).

However, it has also been observed that between 18 to 35% of the individuals feel guilty about their fantasies. Due to high sense of guilt in these individuals, the sexual life may get disturbed due to sexual dysfunction (ED & Narcotics Learn More) (erectile dysfunction, poor libido, inability to ejaculate etc).

One Peer Reviewed Journal Suggested

“The highguilt subjects believed that sexual fantasies during intercourse were significantly more abnormal, immoral, uncommon, socially unacceptable, and harmful to themselves, their partner, and their relationship regardless of whether their partner knew that such fantasies occurred”

Common Causes of Guilt Leading to ED?

There are many other reasons why one may feel stressed, anxious or guilty about. Some of the other most commonly encountered ones are

– Having psychological complexes about the physical appearance or appearance of genitals

– Phobia of leaving a bad impression

– Performance anxiety (ED & Anxiety Learn More)

– Fear of not enjoying the experience

– Fear that the partner may not feel satisfied after the sexual intercourse

– Fear of pre-ejaculation (Premature Ejaculation Treatment Learn More) and other mishaps

Managing Erectile Dysfunction Due to Guilt

Oral drugs such as Viagra (ED Remedies Learn More) are fairly effective in achieving and maintaining normal erection in the setting of erectile dysfunction (ED Screening Learn More) due to ED. The effects are usually instant (within minutes to half an hour). However, OTC drugs should be avoided in patients with hypertension and heart illnesses. For best results, these drugs should be consumed only after discussing with a healthcare professional.

Managing Erectile Dysfunction With Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can help with relationship problems, sex related issues, stress (ED & Stress Learn More) regarding sexual performance issues, psychological complexes concerning body imaging and generalized anxiety. Talking to a psychotherapist is fairly helpful in all psychological cases of sexual dysfunction. A psychotherapist can act as a communication bridge between couples, to facilitate the discussion of important matters, such as their expectations concerning sex life and the short comings in a healthy environment.

Talking openly and discussing the issue has proven beneficial in most cases of ED due to guilt/ fear as psychotherapy helps in coping the stress and guilt in a more positive fashion.

Relaxation Strategies

Mental relief: it is one of the many “focused thinking” methods that are used to treat psychological erectile dysfunction (ED Treatment Learn More) in patients. It involves the use of complete mind focus to build peaceful and calming imagery in your brain. Once the person has succeeded in doing so, he should talk to himself about his fears and phobias, using self-assurance and positive words. Psychotherapists believe that such mental exercises have a positive effect on mental and physical health (Healthy Sex Life Learn More).

Muscle relaxation Exercises: These exercises are designed to control excessive levels of anxiety and stress associated with psychological ED. Perform muscle relaxing and breathing exercises at an isolated, well-ventilated area. Most exercises deal with focusing on the inhalation and exhalation of lungs.

Fuller breathing: the term refers to inhaling and exhaling by your lungs to the maximum capacity, as a result the body gains more oxygen and it can focus more, taking away attention from any stressing matters going in the brain.

References

Moreault, D., & Follingstad, D. R. (1978). Sexual fantasies of females as a function of sex guilt and experimental response cues. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 46(6), 1385.
Gil, V. E. (1990). Sexual fantasy experiences and guilt among conservative Christians: An exploratory study.
Cado, S., & Leitenberg, H. (1990). Guilt reactions to sexual fantasies during intercourse. Archives of sexual