Articles By Psychosexologist Rishabh Bhola

Usually, stopping masturbation alone does not fix erectile dysfunction. Masturbation frequency has only a weak and inconsistent relationship with erectile function, while factors such as anxiety, depression, medical conditions, low sexual interest and relationship satisfaction appear to be much more relevant. That said, your masturbation habits can sometimes be part of the picture. The more useful question is not simply “How often do I masturbate?” but “How do I get an erecti

If you are struggling to get or maintain an erection, one of the first questions that often comes to mind is, "Should I see a urologist or a sex therapist?" The answer depends on what is contributing to your erectile difficulties. Erectile dysfunction can involve physical health, medication, hormones, anxiety, sexual expectations, relationship dynamics, or several of these factors at the same time. A urologist can evaluate possible physical causes of erectile dysfunction and

Erectile dysfunction is not always caused by a physical problem. A man can have normal blood tests, healthy hormone levels and no obvious medical condition, yet still struggle to get or keep an erection during sex. When psychological factors are contributing to the problem, working with the right sex therapist for psychological ED can make a significant difference. Psychological erectile dysfunction, also called psychogenic erectile dysfunction, can be linked to performance a

When you're told your testosterone is low, it is easy to believe that replacing it will solve your erection problems. So when you start TRT and nothing changes, it can be confusing and disappointing. Many men begin to wonder whether the treatment is failing, whether the dose is wrong, or whether something more serious is going on. The reality is that testosterone is only one part of the erection process. While healthy testosterone levels are important for libido and overall s

Many men become confused or worried when they notice a specific pattern during sex: the moment their partner experiences pain, discomfort, or hesitation during penetration, their own erection immediately weakens or disappears. This often feels sudden and difficult to explain. Some men begin questioning whether they have erectile dysfunction, low attraction, or a physical problem. In many cases, the issue is psychological rather than physical. The erection loss is not happenin

Medications like Tadalafil and Sildenafil are commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction. They work by improving blood flow to the penis, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection when there is sexual stimulation. But what happens if someone takes them without actually needing them? The answer is not as harmless as many assume. How These Medications Actually Work Tadalafil and sildenafil do not create sexual desire. They do not switch on arousal by themselves. The

Medications like Viagra are widely known for treating erectile dysfunction. Because of this reputation, some people assume the drug simply improves sexual performance for anyone who takes it. That belief has led to a growing trend where men use Viagra recreationally even though they do not have erectile difficulties. At first glance it might seem harmless. If the medication helps men with erectile dysfunction, why would it be a problem for someone with normal sexual function?

Erectile dysfunction is often assumed to be a purely physical problem. Many people immediately think of blood flow issues, hormone levels, or age-related changes. While medical conditions can certainly contribute, a large number of erectile dysfunction cases are influenced by psychological and relational factors. This is where a sex therapist can play an important role. Sex therapy focuses on the mental, emotional, and behavioral aspects of sexual functioning. Instead of trea

Losing an erection during oral sex is more common than most men admit. Yet when it happens, it can hit your confidence hard. You may start wondering if something is wrong with your body, your attraction, or your masculinity. The truth is far less dramatic. Erections are not just physical reactions. They are strongly influenced by your mind, emotions, relationship dynamics, and overall health. Let’s look at what is really going on. Performance Anxiety Is a Big Factor Oral sex

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has long been understood as a condition affecting attention, impulsivity, and executive functioning. Yet in clinical practice and recent research, a lesser-known aspect has emerged: a significant number of men with ADHD report sexual difficulties , especially erectile dysfunction (ED) . For many, this issue isn’t just about biology — it’s deeply connected to attention, emotional regulation, self-esteem, and relational dynamics.

Many men are confused when tadalafil or sildenafil works physically but fails during real sex. Erections may appear during masturbation or with porn, yet disappear with a partner. This leads to frustration and the belief that the medication is ineffective. In reality, the issue is not the drug. It is the type of erectile dysfunction being treated. What Is Porn‑Induced Erectile Dysfunction (PIED)? PIED refers to erection problems caused by long‑term exposure to high‑stimulat

If you can get an erection easily when you are alone but struggle to stay hard with your partner, you are not broken. You are not weak. And in most cases, you are not physically ill. This is one of the most common yet misunderstood sexual concerns seen in young and middle-aged men today. Many men silently panic because their body works during masturbation but seems to fail during real sex. That confusion often leads to fear, avoidance, and worsening performance. What Does It

Mental block erectile dysfunction is a psychological form of ED where erections fail due to anxiety, fear, overthinking, or conditioned responses despite normal physical function. Sex therapy is an effective treatment because it targets the cognitive, emotional, and nervous system factors that suppress arousal. By reducing performance anxiety, addressing porn-related conditioning, and restoring mind-body balance, psychosexual therapy helps men regain natural erections without

Penis rings or cock rings are often marketed as harmless accessories that improve erections or sexual performance. On social media and adult platforms, they are increasingly promoted to young men as a shortcut to stronger erections or longer-lasting sex. What is rarely discussed is that penis rings can carry real risks, especially for young men who do not have erectile dysfunction. For many users, the decision to try a penis ring is driven by anxiety, curiosity, or comparison

Noticing the absence of morning erections can feel alarming. For many men, morning erections are seen as a sign that everything is working normally. When they disappear, the immediate fear is erectile dysfunction. The truth is more nuanced, and the answer is not always yes. Morning erections, medically called nocturnal penile tumescence, are influenced by a mix of neurological, hormonal, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Losing them does not automatically mean permanent o

As a psychosexologist, I can tell you with confidence that this is one of the most common issues men bring to therapy. It happens to men in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s or whether they’re single, dating, or married. In most cases, it’s not a sign of a medical disorder. It’s a sign that something in your mind-body system is getting blocked. And the good news? Most men recover completely with the right psychological and behavioural strategies. In this article, I’ll explain exactly

Performance anxiety is one of the most common yet least openly discussed sexual challenges men face. You may want sex, feel attracted, and even be physically healthy, yet your erection disappears, your mind spirals into fear, and the moment becomes stressful instead of intimate. This experience can be confusing, embarrassing, and frustrating. But here’s the truth: Performance anxiety is not a sign of failure, it’s a sign that your mind is working overtime, not your body. This

Psychological erectile dysfunction refers to erection difficulties caused not by physical health problems, but by stress, anxiety, past experiences, relationship conflicts, or mental exhaustion . Many men spend months visiting urologists or taking pills before realizing that the issue is rooted in their mind, not their body. So, who should you actually consult when the problem is psychological rather than medical?Let’s break it down clearly. What's Psychological ED? Psycholo

Antidepressants can be life changing for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, or mood disorders. They help regulate brain chemistry and restore emotional balance, allowing people to function better in daily life. However, many people taking antidepressants notice changes in their sexual health, particularly a decrease in sexual desire or difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. This condition is known as antidepressant-induced erectile dysfunction, and it is

Losing an erection during foreplay is often linked to performance anxiety, overstimulation, or lack of emotional connection, and it is not always a sign of physical dysfunction. Introduction It can be confusing and even discouraging when a man loses his erection during foreplay. Many instantly assume it’s a sign of erectile dysfunction, but in most cases, it’s a temporary physiological or psychological response — not a chronic problem. The truth is, erections are as much abou