Did you know that toxic masculinity can aggravate erectile dysfunction?

When you have trouble getting and maintaining an erection at least half the time, you may have erectile dysfunction.

Although thought to be typical of older men, this condition with its burden of shame, stigma and silence, affects 24% of people with penis. A figure that increases to 52% in those over the age of 65.

It may have biological causes, which we will discuss later, but toxic masculinity and machismo may be an important cause or contributing factor of erectile dysfunction whose root cause is psychological.

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Toxic masculinity promotes performance pressure, the notion that men must be sexually potent, always willing and that sexual performance is a measure of manhood and personal worth.

In addition, hegemonic masculinity is based on a culture of silence, in which men should not show themselves to be vulnerable. Erectile dysfunction is perceived as shameful and stigmatizing, and this prevents those affected from seeking professional help, perpetuating the problem.

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That same silence extends to their partners. Emotional disconnection inhibits them from discussing their problems with their partners and addressing their mental health, so disorders such as depression and anxiety, which are causes of erectile dysfunction, can go unnoticed.

Penetration as a symbol of power

A Cambridge University study emphasizes that this negative way in which erectile dysfunction is perceived, experienced, and dealt with has an impact on the self-esteem of those affected, their sexual partners, the way they relate to each other and their willingness to seek treatment.

The perceived failure of not being able to maintain an erection affects the confidence and self-esteem of those affected, who isolate themselves and avoid other types of sexual encounters that do not include penetration, due to the traditional notion that sexual intercourse is the valid form of sex.

In addition, the stereotype that it is the person with a penis who should be in control of the sexual act prevents them from adopting a more passive and receptive position in sex, as this is interpreted as a sign of weakness.

Sexual partners are also affected, as they may believe that erectile difficulty is their fault, that they are not as attractive, or that it is a sign of relationship problems.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Dysfunction can be caused by one or more physical and psychological factors. Physical factors include alcohol, drug and cigarette use. Also, diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, and metabolic syndrome.

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Psychological causes may include depression, anxiety, stress, sleep disorders, past traumas and problems with sexual partners.

Those who are sedentary, have high blood pressure or low testosterone are at risk of developing some degree of erectile dysfunction.

Why a feminist approach is important

From a feminist perspective, it is necessary to analyze how gender constructs affect both people with penises and their partners.

These ideas and social expectations about how men, women and other identities should be and act are often restrictive.

It is important to change these constructs by reinforcing the idea that healthy sexuality is not just about penetration. It is about consent, shared pleasure, honest communication, mutual respect and the exploration of diverse forms of intimacy.

When erectile dysfunction becomes the exclusive focus of sexual discourse, it risks perpetuating the idea that penile-vaginal intercourse is the "valid" or "primary" form of sexual activity, leaving aside other pleasurable practices and the needs of everyone involved.

The pill is not the absolute solution

While pharmacological treatments may be helpful in some cases, a feminist perspective advocates a more holistic approach, including open communication, comprehensive sex education, psychological therapy, challenging gender norms, and the need for shared pleasure.

In this way we can transform the way we understand and approach erectile dysfunction, promoting a healthier, more equitable and pleasurable sexuality.

This is not an isolated problem of an individual, but an opportunity to rethink our conceptions of sex, intimacy and well-being in relationships.

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