Sexual Inhibition and Sexual Excitation Profiles in Men with and Without Erectile Disorder

Abstract

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.