By Virgilio C. Ventura
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a sensitive subject, but it doesn’t have to be. It is estimated that nearly half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 experience some degree of ED. Truth is that as much as some men in their 70s may deny it and even claim to be as resilient to sexual intercourse as when they were in their younger years. This is so because people measure a man’s appeal in his ability to get it up. Yet, ED is part of the aging process, and its occurrence increases with age. Part of the explanation to the denial is the social embarrassment that comes with the admission of not being able “to rise to the occasion” anymore.
However, with increased awareness about the condition, more people are beginning to understand that it isn’t something to be ashamed or embarrassed about; instead, talking openly about it may help others come to terms with their own experiences. Additionally, a better understanding of the condition could lead to greater knowledge on how to best manage symptoms.
By approaching the ED discussion in the psychosocial realm, we hope to reduce any stigma associated with it while also exploring an uncommon area on the diagnosis and treatment options available today. Whatever the cause of erectile dysfunction, the psychosocial impact it has on individuals, and those around them, can be significant. While medication can be a simple solution, a holistic approach to treatment can often have much better outcomes.1/
The Phallus as a Cultural Symbol for Masculinity
From an anthropological perspective, we can look at how penis talk has been used to measure masculinity throughout history. The importance of phallus imagery has been institutionalized in many cultures (and especially among white male) where “Guns hold power not only in their concrete ability to inflict violence and death over others, but also in their symbolic power as a phallic symbol to reassert the owners’ masculinity and dominance over others”2/ causing anxiety about sex education and performance of social roles. While some have argued that attaching such status to genitalia reinforces gender roles, others believe it’s just part of human nature. Transcending physicality, the concept of the phallus as a cultural icon speaks to deeper ideals than simply its function or size – it reflects our complex relationship with understanding masculine power and identity.
Unfortunately, many men with erectile dysfunction have experienced marital problems and feelings of inadequacy. EDs are often caused by poor physical health or psychological conditions like stress or depression. Issues like these require medical attention and support to improve the quality of life for those affected by them. Additionally, age-related changes in hormone levels can also contribute to symptoms of ED; while this is not necessarily indicative of any underlying issue, it still has a major impact on a person’s sexual life. As a result, ED should be treated with care and understanding. Sufferers can regain confidence in their ability to perform and enjoy intimacy with their partner with the right treatment plan.
Erectile Dysfunction as a Sign of Aging
While the feeling of emasculation can be particularly intense in young men, ED is deemed to be a natural sign of aging that can be difficult to come to terms with. It’s not uncommon for men to feel ashamed or embarrassed about their ED; after all, masculinity has long been tied up with phallic performance. However, ED doesn’t have to define our self-worth; rather, there are ways we can address it in the psychosocial realm.
The first step towards accepting one’s ED is acknowledging that it’s part of life—everyone ages and experiences physical changes as they do so. In some cases, these changes can even bring unexpected benefits, such as improved relationships with partners or better overall mental health. Allusion aside, this understanding can help individuals accept and adjust to any age-related issues like ED more easily.
Addressing Erectile Dysfunction in the Psychosocial Realm
ED is not only a physical problem but can also be an emotional one, too; it’s essential to consider the psychological aspects of living with ED. Many men may feel embarrassed or ashamed about their condition, which can cause them to experience feelings of low self-esteem or inadequacy because of their inability to perform certain sexual activities. This sense of shame and guilt can have serious implications for mental health, as well as relationships between partners.
Talking openly about these issues is key to helping individuals cope better with ED. Seeking professional support from counselors or therapists can help provide guidance on how to best manage the emotions associated with the condition. Indeed, it may also be helpful for those struggling with ED to find support primarily from partners, and from friends or family members who understand what they’re going through. This could involve sharing stories about how each person dealt with similar situations or just connecting on an emotional level by listening and offering reassurance. Moreover, seeking professional services like therapy might very well aid in relieving feelings of shame or guilt associated with ED while also providing practical strategies for managing symptoms over time.
At the end of the day, understanding ED as a normal part of aging helps us recognize that being affected by it doesn’t diminish our identity as masculine people; instead, different coping options exist that allow us to take control back into our own hands and get back on track emotionally and physically. From here, addressing erectile dysfunction in the psychosocial realm then becomes possible.
It’s clear that while managing erectile dysfunction medically is important, addressing it psychologically is just as crucial if we want people affected by this issue to feel supported and empowered enough to talk more freely about it without fear of judgement or stigma.
Conclusion
The phallus is a symbol of power, strength, and masculinity. It is no wonder, then, that when men experience erectile dysfunction, it can be incredibly distressing for them. It’s not just the physical symptoms they have to contend with but also the emotional toll: feeling like their masculinity has been diminished or taken away from them.
However, there are ways to cope with this issue and regain control over one’s own body and self-image. By addressing ED in the psychosocial realm through therapy, mindfulness techniques, lifestyle changes, and more—I believe we can help men find peace within themselves again, knowing that overcoming such a challenge doesn’t make them any less of a man. END
NOTES:
- Ziyan Sheng (2021) citing: Kale S. Erectile dysfunction or performance anxiety? The truth behind a modern malaise. The Guardian 18 October 2018 (www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/oct/18/erectile-dysfunction-performance-anxiety-truth-modern-malaise; accessed 27 October 2021)
- Bergman, Jenna, Firearms and the Phallus: Using Guns to Reclaim Masculinity, Columbia Political Review, August 11, 2021.http://www.cpreview.org/blog/2021/8/firearms-and-the-phallus-using-guns-to reclaimasculinity#:~:text=A%20phallic%20symbol%20is%20any,%2D%2Dto%20reaffirm%20their%20masculinity.
- Ziyan Sheng, Psychological consequences of erectile dysfunction, TRENDS in Urology & Men’s Health, 24 November 2021. https://doi.org/10.1002/tre.827. https://wchh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/tre.827#:~:text=Common%20feelings%20among%20partners%20of,it%20occurred%20is%20undoubtedly%20difficult
