Approximately 10% to 15% of ED cases are purely psychological, which can make diagnosis particularly difficult. Physicians generally divide the causes of erectile dysfunction into three categories. However, doctors have recently determined that a combination of physical and psychological factors are responsible for most cases. Until fairly recently, emotions were thought to cause more than 90% of impotence cases. If something affects one of these functions, or interferes with the delicate balance among them, impotence can result. Achieving a successful erection involves the coordinated actions of your brain, blood vessels, nervous system, and hormones.

After ejaculation occurs, or when sexual arousal passes, the blood drains out of the corpora cavernosa and the penis returns to its normal, nonerect size and shape. The penis remains erect as long as sexual stimulation continues. Although impotence; Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a variety of physical and psychological conditions. To some degree, most women consider their partner's erection, or lack of erection, as a reflection of their own desirability. If you're experiencing occasional or persistent periods of ED, it's also important to think about the effect it has on your sexual partner. If you do experience an episode of impotence, it's best to just forget it and assume that your next sexual encounter will be successful. Because your thought processes are important in successfully achieving an erection, negative thinking can actually cause the problem.

It's important not to assume that an episode of impotence signals a permanent problem, and thus will happen again during your next sexual encounter. Most men experience temporary periods of impotence at some time in their lives. Marital conflict or a strained relationship with a partner, ignorance about anatomy and sexual function, and strong religious beliefs also can be factors that contribute to impotence. Psychological impotence usually occurs suddenly, triggered by such things as stress, anxiety, depression, guilt, low self-esteem, or fear of failure.