Can Narcissistic Abuse Lead To Erectile Dysfunction? – Understanding The Link

by Ella Carrillo · October 12, 2023

Can Narcissistic Abuse Lead to Erectile Dysfunction? Narcissism can leave damaging and devastating effects on both individuals, the narcissistic partner, and their victims. Can narcissism have negative effects on people’s physical health conditions too? Let us find out further.

Narcissism and erectile dysfunction are experiences that can consume a few aspects of your life. These psychological events are totally different ideas and may also seem unrelated to each other. This may come to you as a surprise, but these concepts or ideas might be connected and related to each other.

Narcissism can have devastating effects on relations. However, the fact that is unaware is the link between narcissism and erectile dysfunction. They may seem disconnected from each other, but research shows that men who suffer from narcissistic personality disorder are susceptible to erectile dysfunction. However, these concerns can be cured with the help of therapies, as they are related.

Knowing more about the link between narcissism and erectile dysfunction can benefit those affected by either of the conditions. So it is a good idea to know about both of these ideas, from what is already known and available. So let us know “Can Narcissistic Abuse Lead To Erectile Dysfunction?”, and “What is the link between both of these?”

Understanding Narcissistic Abuse and its Impact on Men’s Health

Let us understand what is Narcissistic abuse,

What is Narcissistic Abuse?

Abuse in a relationship follows a pattern that includes, a damaging incident, followed by hurt, accompanied by reconciliation, a smooth period of calm again followed by tension, and lastly by settlement between both partners. In this case, the hurtful or damaging incidents are caused by the abusive partner, and the victim is always the other partner, who might bear the consequences of the derogatory nature of their partner.

Abuse or repetitive abuse is always followed by an insincere or feigned apology in some cases, justifications, blame shifts, a period of pause of calm, and acceptance of abuse and thus this becomes a cycle of abuse for the abusive partner and the cycle of acceptance and apologies for the other partner in the relationship.

The Narcissistic cycle of abuse may have a similar approach to abusive relationships but with an extra touch of love bombing, insulting, devaluing, and discarding.

The victims of narcissistic abuse usually accept the abusive behavior and start feeling okay with it and also adjust to the same to keep the relationship going. They might even start to ignore the abusive behavior in the eventual hopes of working out things in the relationship.

Narcissistic abuse often gets overlooked, or just starts to feel normal after a while as narcissists manipulate their victims and blindfold them virtually with their sweet, charming, and fake personalities, so much so that they are no longer able to draw differences between healthy and unhealthy behavior.

Thus narcissistic abuse may not be visible that vividly as it may be more inclined to a subtle form of abuse, but it is like slow poison for the victims which may tear them down emotionally.

Narcissistic abuse can lead to many negative effects on the victims like,

PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder)
Anxiety
Depression
Life long Traumatic memories
Sleep difficulties
Erectile Dysfunction for Men
Cognitive issues
Fear and Panic
Headaches and body aches
A breeding ground for more mental health disorders

One such particular negative repercussion of narcissistic abuse is being discussed here further, Erectile Dysfunction for Men, and the link between narcissism and erectile is established here further.

Impact of Narcissistic Abuse on Men’s Health – Can Narcissistic Abuse Lead To Erectile Dysfunction?

Men who suffer through narcissistic abuse may experience a series of negative health effects. A few negative effects of narcissistic abuse include depression, insomnia, chronic stress, and much more. One such negative effect is erectile dysfunction, which may add up to the ongoing problems that a man might face due to narcissistic abuse.

Narcissistic abuse can take a toll on the victim’s health as it may lead to increased levels of blood pressure, heart disease, and other psychological issues due to constant stress, anxiety, and unhappiness. Thus it becomes crucial for victims of narcissistic abuse to seek professional help and support as immediately as possible.

It is emotionally and mentally draining when you have or have had a relationship with a narcissist. You need to vent out and discuss the pent-up emotions, hurt, neglect, rejection, toxicity abandonment issues, and all your suffering with someone. This way you can let go of the agony you have been holding up till now. You can let go of the trauma by seeking help from people who care about you and also find ways to cope with the narcissist by getting some professional help.

Do not hesitate to reach out to friends and family for emotional support and also join some social groups, or join some communities or therapy groups that help in healing and dealing with trauma. You may also seek help from therapists and mental health experts in such cases of narcissistic abuse. You may also seek online therapies, learn more about narcissism, and teach yourself through the internet or some self-help books.

The connection between Narcissistic Abuse, Trauma, and Erectile Dysfunction

Narcissistic abuse can cause a lot more trauma for the people suffering through it than you can even imagine. It leaves a significant impact on the victims. Trauma, abuse, and sadness can interfere with a person’s mental, physical, and psychological health and well-being, which may also include achieving and maintaining erections in the case of males.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Men’s Health, erectile dysfunction is prevalent in men who have experienced and suffered trauma and abuse. Now just imagine if you receive the complete package of narcissistic abuse and trauma altogether, then just imagine the suffering that your mind body, and soul might suffer!

Males who are victims of narcissistic abuse may not only suffer erectile dysfunction but also have other experiences like difficulty in reaching orgasm, pain during sexual activities, loss of interest in pleasure and coitus eventually, and much more. These are physical symptoms, mental symptoms may include difficulty in leading a normal life as abuse may deteriorate the quality of the victim’s life.

Signs and Symptoms of Narcissistic Abuse-Induced Erectile Dysfunction

Men who suffer from Narcissistic Abuse-Induced Erectile Dysfunction may experience an extent of symptoms. that include,

Trouble in achieving erections and maintaining them
Difficulty in having arousal
Loss of sexual desires
These inabilities may lead to feelings like shame, anxiety, guilt, and sexual performance unease and lack.
Men who experience such traumatic situations may avoid sexual encounters altogether in the first place.
Loss of interest in sexual activities may further affect their new relationships and make them stressful.

It is crucial to note that these symptoms may also be a part of other types of trauma in life. Thus it is essential the root cause of these symptoms and start linking them to the original cause. List out the possibilities and decide thereafter.

How to cope with Erectile Dysfunction caused by Narcissistic Abuse?

If you have come across this article for facing a similar problem, then do not get disheartened and stressed, as many men experience this issue and there are efficient ways to cope with this issue,

Recognize and address the trauma

Therapists or mental experts especially those related to or specialized in the field can be the first step in improving mental and sexual health.

Making healthy lifestyle choices

Having balanced meals, exercising enough, avoiding overworking that may increase stress, avoiding any kind of substance abuse like alcoholism, doing drugs, or staying away from any stressful events can help you to improve your psychological, physical, and sexual health.

Getting Support

Seeking support from someone you can trust and have complete faith in can help in dealing with the stress, trauma, and emotional turmoil of narcissistic abuse-induced erectile dysfunction.

Considering medications

Considering and taking medication by consulting a physician or clinicians can be effective for males. Discuss various options with your health expert before deciding upon any specific medication course.

Why is healing from Narcissistic Abuse so difficult?

The narcissistic cycle of Abuse leaves the person experiencing emptiness, deep scars, and a long-lost connection with the world. Narcissists have a very negative impact on their partners and thus their partners find it hard to recognize genuine feelings once they are out of the toxic narcissistic cycle of abuse.

Yes! Breaking up the toxic cycle of abuse by a narcissist can be a cynical and delusional process, but once you gather the strength it is not impossible.

Narcissistic relationships are unique and gripping which makes the freeing process even more difficult. There are a few prominent features that make the leaving process most difficult,

Narcisists have a strong hold over their partners making it a trauma bond. Trauma bonds are quite difficult to leave due to the dependency that they have created for you.

The Guilty feeling brings in all the shame and guilt of leaving the narcissist. Narcissists may not allow you to forget the guilt and thus this guilt drives you back to the toxic relationship.

The absence of help and support may make the leaving process even more strenuous. Thus seek help from family, friends, or therapists.

If you have been struggling with erectile dysfunction for a while now and you feel and believe that it is linked with narcissistic abuse, then seeking help is essential. But what happens when that guilt and shame kicks in?

Seeking help for narcissistic abuse-related erectile dysfunction can be a little difficult and may feel emotionally burdensome. As healing takes time, give yourself enough time and do not rush the healing process.

The social stigma puts many men to shame and makes them feel shameful and guilty for openly discussing these issues related to erectile dysfunction. Recognizing erectile dysfunction as a common condition and issue and addressing the causes and factors freely about the connection between these two issues can help in reducing the social stigma that makes some men feel overwhelmed.

The best way you can cope with narcissistic abuse is by believing in yourself, gaining your self-confidence back, and having faith in yourself. Definitely, professionals would be helping you, but to completely cope with erectile dysfunction induced by narcissism, one must believe in oneself as only you can help yourself to overcome these tough times. People can help, be supportive, and always bring you back home, but the person who would be responsible for healing the trauma is the person yourself.

The role of Therapy and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse associated sexual dysfunctions

Healing is the process of becoming healthy both mentally and physically. Healing alleviates and eradicates mental illness, and physical illness and increases energy flow.

Why is Emotional and Mental Healing important?

So take your time, build hope and faith in yourself, and do not think you are alone as everyone is there to support you including your family, friends, and well-wishers.

Emotional and Mental healing is important for stabilizing the beneficial behavior for the emotional and mental well-being of society.
It can enhance mental stability, productivity, and confidence and improve relationships.
Helps to cope with stress.
It increases work productivity.
It helps in maintaining healthy relationships.
It helps in maintaining balance in life.
It enhances self-esteem, self-worth, and positivity in life.
It helps eradicate stress, depression, and negativity from life.

Emotional, Mental, and physical Healing becomes very important when you have a narcissist in your life. A narcissistic relationship tends to deteriorate your mental, physical, and emotional health along with decreasing your confidence, willpower to live, and the simple joys of life.

Also, it becomes essential to seek a therapist who is experienced in treating narcissistic abuse and sexual dysfunction. Not all therapists are trained in such areas, so seek out the best professional and discuss your problems without hesitation, guilt, and shame.

Self-care techniques for managing the physical and emotional toll of narcissistic abuse and its effects on sexual health

Look after your physical health with the help of exercises, yoga, meditation, and any form of physical workout.
Look after your mental health with the help of meditation, reading good books, seeking help from your loved ones, listening to music, and doing more things that keep your interest at its peak.
Try connecting more with nature by hiking, swimming, jogging in the fresh air, and any possible means that can get you closure to nature.
Give appropriate time to yourself to heal internally; do not force healing upon yourself.
Find things that keep you away from negative thoughts, negative people, and a negative atmosphere.
Learning new skills, meeting new people, and visiting new places also play a crucial role in freeing yourself from narcissistic characteristics and negative emotions.

It is important to note that self-care should always be a priority for you even if it means to let go of the toxic relationship. Seeking help can help you navigate your life more efficiently, especially after suffering hardships due to your past narcissistic relationships.

Prioritize self-care, self-forgiveness, and self-compassion and solely focus on healing your physical, emotional, and psychological health. Remember that healing is a long process and requires care, patience, and a lot of endurance.

Final Thoughts

Narcissistic abuse-induced trauma can have a significant impact on a man’s sexual health.

Author
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Ella Carrillo

Hey Reader, I am Ella, an Online and Offline Therapist holding an experience of 6 years in this field.

From Relationship, Depression, and Personality Disorder to Narcissistic problems, I have helped a lot of people find their solutions. Upon gathering a number of common problems that people face, I decided to put the information on this blog so that anyone can get their answers easily.

Can Narcissistic Abuse Lead To Erectile Dysfunction? – Understanding The Link