Erectile Dysfunction: A Systemic look at the Mind-Body connection in Erectile Physiology

Abstract

Sex is, without a doubt, an experience for the senses and, as such, it is fundamentally an experience for the "here and now". Human sexuality is a natural and poignant experience. Although they may be accentuated by words, the vitality and depth of feelings provided by sexual contact are expressed through immediate sensory experience. Despite this, few people know how to create the satisfying and rewarding sexual experiences they desire. Since sex is essentially a present and undoubtedly a sensual experience, the most important change in internal processes involves paying attention to the sensations. This review aims to show how essential it is to have a careful attention of the patient as a whole, requiring a systemic look at him through a multidisciplinary approach, seeing the individual. Additionally, it will be shown the sexual dysfunction, as a psychosomatic being, integrating the physical and psychological evaluation, seeking data on the sexual life of the patient, relevant to the treatment of his dysfunction. The use of such approach facilitates the obtaining of unconscious information, brought through an extremely careful interview to raise the individual internal processes; understand attitudes, external behaviors, subjective states, representative systems and beliefs, in addition to a thorough observation of the ocular access tracks of the patient with erectile dysfunction, where incongruities may arise that could otherwise be disregarded and hinder the proper treatment of the patient. All this will allow a more complete understanding of his physiological response and will facilitate the reconnection of the individual to his natural process of sexual response.