A Holistic Treatment Approach to Male Erectile Disorder

Abstract

Male erectile disorder (ED), the inability to reach or sustain an erection, is a prevalent condition affecting the psychological well-being of millions of U.S. males, their families, and their prospective partners. It can be caused by an aberration of a body’s physiology, psychological factors, or a rather complicated interplay of both. Whereas current treatment options for ED are primarily focused on medical choices, a biopsychosocial approach is a more logical option for this often multifactorial condition. In this article, we offer information about erectile functioning, provide a DSM-IV-TR interpretation of ED, and discuss a biopsychosocial approach to ED treatment.