Types
of Erectile Disorders
There are four areas of normal sexual function -- libido (desire), erection, ejaculation and orgasm. Problems in these areas can occur separately or in combination. Erectile dysfunction can often affect libido and ejaculation, especially when the erectile dysfunction persists.
The following table highlights the various causes of sexual dysfunction (excluding impotence). Each problem, regardless of cause is potentially treatable. When due to erectile dysfunction, they may resolve spontaneously when the erection problem is successfully treated, if not they need to be addressed separately. (The term “organic” means from a physical cause.)
| |
Type of Dysfunc-
tion |
Psychological Cause |
Organic Cause |
Treatment |
| Libido |
Low |
- depression
- stress |
- hormonal
- medication
- secondary to organic erectile dysfunction |
- testosterone
- antidepressants |
| |
High |
- obsession
- unfulfilled sexual desire |
- hormonal
- secondary to organic erectile dysfunction |
- antidepressants |
Ejacula-
tion |
Early |
- anxiety |
- secondary to organic erectile dysfunction |
- antidepressants |
| |
Delayed |
- inhibitions
- depression
- anger
- stress |
- alcohol
- medication (particularly antidepressants) |
- sex therapy |
| |
Unable |
- inhibitions
- usually is associated with difficulty achieving orgasm |
- spinal cord surgery
- medication (some antidepressants)
- extensive pelvic surgery
- radical prostatectomy & diabetes may cause “retrograde” ejaculation |
- sex therapy |
| Orgasm |
Prolonged/ Unable |
- inhibitions
- depression
- anger
- secondary to low libido |
- medication (some antidepressants)
- extensive pelvic surgery |
|
