Trying to figure out if ED is physical or psychological

[stupidmop]

Hi there,

I am a 21 year old male who has been suffering from ED for several months. I am in a monogamous relationship, and while I am nearly always able to get and maintain an erection stiff enough for intercourse, I often feel it is not a solid as it was a year or so ago. Sometimes I quickly lose an erection if not being constantly stimulated. I have seen the doctor several times about it, and I have been told my problem is stress related. My hormone levels are normal, I have no infections or STDs according to urinalysis. My only abnormality is a slightly high alkaline phosphotase level (I have 175 and the norm is roughly 125). My doctor does not know why and I am due to go back for another blood test this coming week.

Now then, sometimes I have an extremely difficult time getting erections, other times I can get full ones. I always can orgasm and ejaculate if I can get sufficiently erect. Thus: Does it sound like my problem is psychological (i.e. stress related) or does it sound like I have an physical problem? I have been worrying about this for some time now, and the fact that I am worrying about having a physical problem with my penis makes me even more susceptible to ED.

HELP

[RavensFan2k3]

Can you get an erection when watching porn to masterbate? I'm going through the same thing where I cant get an erection when with a girl when about to have sex, but I can get one when watching porn. Someone told me if you can get an erection when watching porn, then its most likely a psychological problem rather thana physical problem...

[stupidmop]

I usually can, but sometimes, like today for example, I can only get a weak one. I think it may still be stress related because when I am watching porn it is often a "test" to see if I can get an erection.

[mboy]

listen here stupidmop. i use to have the same problem ur having. believe me, i thought life was over, but it is all stress. u can overcome anything. it really helps to have an understanding partner when this occurs. once u overcome this just once, chances are u will 4get all about the stress u put upon yourself. let me recomend not masturbating for a few days, say 4 days, so ur sex drive will be through the roof, and then try to have sex. dont think about anything, just live in the moment and try to enjoy ur partner's company. i promise u that this can be overcome. believe me, i overcame it.

[stupidmop]

Thank you for your advice!

[pmaule]

Do you have 'morning wood'?  That is generally a good indicator of proper erectile function.  Do you ever wake up with one at night?  Don't let doctors tell you its all in your head.  Insist on tests.  You need to be your own advocate in this.

[RavensFan2k3]

I know I dont have morning wood, nor do I get spontaneous erections :(. What should I do?

[Kelika]

Hi Everyone,
My husband has been suffering with ED for 6 years.  It started soon after his vasectomy.   The doctor said he is okay phsyically and we have been struggling with this.  
He said that he loses feeling in his penis.   Please tell me what I can do to help him. He tried Viagra but said they made him feel too dizzy.  
I try to be supportive but he is understandably reluctant to have sex and it's frustrating for both of us. I don't want to pressure him but at the same time I want him to know that I am interested.   Before this happened we had a very good sex life.