Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2025

Treatment Model for Young Patients with Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Resultant Infertility
Published on: May 30, 2025
Sexual Inhibition and Sexual Excitation Profiles in Men with and Without Erectile Disorder
Ana Luísa Quinta-Gomes1, Erick Janssen2, Ganesan Adaikan3
1Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Psychology at the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Objective:
To investigate sexual excitation (SE) and sexual inhibition (SI) profiles in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and to examine how these dimensions discriminate between men with and without ED.
Methods:
A clinical sample of 37 men with situational (psychogenic) ED and a control group of 40 sexually healthy men (matching the clinical group in age, marital status, and educational level) were constituted. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires assessing sexual function and the propensity for SI and SE.
Results:
Higher propensities for SI due to the threat of performance failure (SIS1, P < .001) and SI due to the threat of performance consequences (SIS2, P < .01) were found in the group of men with ED. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in the propensity for SE.
Conclusion:
Findings offer additional support for the Dual Control Model of Sexual Response and underscore the relevance of inhibitory mechanisms as potential psychobiological risk factors for the development and maintenance of ED. Findings also highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the clinical management of ED.
Related Concept Videos
Male Sexual Response: Erection & Ejaculation
The blood filling the erectile tissues compresses the veins, which helps to prevent blood from leaving...
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Genital
Penis
Anatomy of the Penis
The glans penis, or the head, is the terminal part of the penis and houses the external urethral orifice, the exit point for urine and semen. Covered by the prepuce, or foreskin, the glans is noted for its sensitivity and plays a key role in sexual pleasure. The body of the...
Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Latency
The latency period is not...

