Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2025
04:22
Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
Published on: May 30, 2025
424
Phenomenological and existential contributions to the study of erectile dysfunction
Chris A Suijker1,2, Corijn van Mazijk3, Fred A Keijzer3
1Department of Urology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. c.a.suijker@umcg.nl.
Medicine, Health Care, and Philosophy
|June 9, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a new phenomenological framework for understanding erectile dysfunction (ED), focusing on the concept of sexual projection. It complements existing medical approaches by exploring cognitive and existential factors influencing ED.
Area of Science:
- Phenomenology
- Philosophy of Mind
- Medical Humanities
Background:
- Current erectile dysfunction (ED) models integrate physiological, psychological, and social factors.
- Phenomenology offers a novel lens to explore the lived experience of ED.
- Sexual projection is proposed as a key, yet often overlooked, component of sexual experience.
Discussion:
- This paper analyzes ED through the philosophical framework of phenomenology, specifically Merleau-Ponty's 'Phenomenology of Perception'.
- It posits a weakening of the 'sexual projection' function as a potential etiological factor in ED.
- Cognitive interferences, alterations in the 'intentional arc,' and changes in the 'body schema' are identified as mechanisms that can disrupt sexual projection.
Key Insights:
- ED can be understood as involving disruptions in the capacity for sexual projection.
- The 'existential situation' of individuals with ED is crucial for a comprehensive understanding.
- Phenomenological analysis reveals overlooked dimensions of ED beyond traditional medical paradigms.
Outlook:
- This framework can complement existing medical approaches to ED diagnosis and treatment.
- Further research can explore the clinical applications of phenomenological insights into sexual projection.
- Integrating existential and cognitive factors may lead to more holistic patient care strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Horney's Sociocultural Approach
772
Karen Horney's psychoanalytic theories emphasize the potential for self-realization and the importance of addressing social and cultural, rather than biological, factors in personality development. She challenged traditional Freudian views, particularly Freud's concept of "penis envy," which she argued stemmed from cultural influences rather than inherent biological differences. Horney believed that any sense of inferiority in women was a result of societal conditioning, such as...
772
01:23Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
192
In a study where individuals posing as strangers offered compliments and proposed casual sex to students, the responses differed significantly based on gender. Not a single woman accepted the proposal, while 70% of the men agreed. This outcome provides a useful scenario to explore through the lens of evolutionary psychology and social learning theory, highlighting the diverse perspectives on human sexual behaviors.
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
192
02:40The Scientific Method
63.9K
Research is what makes the difference between facts and opinions. Facts are observable realities, and opinions are personal judgments, conclusions, or attitudes that may or may not be accurate. In the scientific community, facts can be established only using evidence collected through empirical research.
63.9K
01:17Male Sexual Response: Erection & Ejaculation
8.7K
Sexual stimulation can take various forms, such as physical touch and visual or auditory cues. When this happens, the parasympathetic reflex in the sacral portion of the spinal cord is activated. This reflex stimulates the release of nitric oxide (NO), which then dilates the arterioles in the penis, increasing blood flow to the erectile tissues - the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum.
The blood filling the erectile tissues compresses the veins, which helps to prevent blood from leaving...
The blood filling the erectile tissues compresses the veins, which helps to prevent blood from leaving...
8.7K
02:45Self-Discrepancy Theory
18.6K
One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.
18.6K
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
3.2K
Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
3.2K