Non-Surgical Treatments | Behavioural Therapies

Non-Surgical Treatments | Behavioural Therapies

Behavioural Therapies | Counselling and Life Style Modifications

How Does It Work

Psychological problems may cause erectile dysfunction (ED) by themselves or together with other causes, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Relationships can be complicated and numerous factors cause tension and anxiety, which can in turn affect sexual relationships. For some men, these problems can become constant causing stress and anxiousness, it can help to talk through these issues with a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist.

The longer ED is left untreated, the greater the effect it may have on relationships, another reason why early treatment is important.

Psychotherapy, also known “therapy”, is when a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist establishes an interpersonal relationship with a patient to assist them in working through mental, emotional, or behavioural issues.72 Psychotherapy is a non-medical treatment. Psychotherapy and/or behavioural therapy alone may be helpful for you even if you have no physical cause of ED or if you’re not ready for medical or surgical treatment.

Counselling is often considered the provision of professional assistance and guidance in resolving personal or psychological problems in a non-judgmental atmosphere. Counselling can also be beneficial in combination with other treatments.

Psychological Factors May Cause ED73,74

Psychological factors are responsible for about 10%-20% of all ED cases and is often a secondary reaction to an underlying physical cause.2 The most common psychological causes of ED include:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • PTSD
  • Depression
  • Low Self-Esteem, Guilt or Indifference

Lifestyle Modifications

Changes and modification to lifestyle habits can be used to treat a range of diseases including obesity and some of the underlying causes of ED.

Maintaining good general health, this includes a healthy balanced diet, regular exercise, stop smoking and heavy consumption of alcohol may help prevent problems like such as diabetes and heart disease that cause erectile dysfunction.

Furthermore, early diagnosis and treatment of associated conditions like diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol may prevent or delay ED, or stop the severity of the condition.75

These treatments can be beneficial in combination with other treatments. Speak to your GP or urologist to learn more about this treatment option and whether it is right for you.

Treatment Options for ED

Explore other treatment options for ED

Treatment options range from counseling, to non-surgical treatments like oral medication, vacuum erection devices and penile injections, to longer lasting surgical solutions like penile implants. We recommend you discuss with your GP / Andrologist and trust him to recommend the therapy most suited to your symptoms.

Learn More

Patient Stories

Hear how ED has impacted the lives of other men and couples.

Treatment Options

ED can limit daily life and impact relationships. But, good news! There is treatment available.

Conversations Starters?

Get tips on how to communicate best with your partner and your specialist about ED.

Take the Quiz

Take our quiz to identify if you are experiencing ED symptoms and help kick-start the conversation with your doctor or andrologist

 

Doctor's Corner

Scroll through a plethora of answers coming straight from the experts- andrologists themselves.

 

DISCLAIMER: The information presented here by Boston Scientific is for educational purposes only and does not recommend self-management of health issues. The information should not be treated as comprehensive and does not intend to provide diagnosis, treatment or any medical advice. Individual symptoms, situations, circumstances and results may vary. Please consult with a registered doctor or urologist regarding your condition and medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options.

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information. Any decision taken based on the information provided herein is not the responsibility of the company or the website.

Please review the Boston Scientific Privacy Policy, for practices on the collection, storage, use and disclosure of your personal information.