A Man's Relationship With His Mother Could Cause Erectile Dysfunction, Research Suggets

Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) may find the cause of their problem is closer to home than they expect.

New research suggests males who had a strained relationship with their mothers during childhood may be more likely to experience sexual issues as an adult.

The study, conducted by the Charles University in Prague and published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, questioned 960 men aged between 15 and 88 on their sexual habits.

Researchers found that "psychogenic factors" - when physical illness stems from an emotional stress - may be a key cause of ED.

It went on to suggest that men who experienced emotional issues (such as a strained relationship with a parent) during their formative years often went on to suffer physical issues regarding sex later in life.

Additionally saying "I love you" later in life was linked to men experiencing problems in the bedroom.

"The association of poorer current sexual function with (historical) older age at first being in love might suggest some enduring conflict regarding sexuality and/or intimacy," the study concludes.

Although this study suggests ED is often psychological, previous research has suggested the issue stems from physical illness.

Gout has been listed as a cause of ED, as has heart disease and diet.

Previously speaking to HuffPost Post50, Dr. Mehdi Shishehbor, a cardiology specialist at Cleveland Clinic, said: "As you age and if you don’t take care of your risk factors - if you smoke, don’t eat healthy, don’t control your blood pressure - those things can lead to the same process that leads to blockages in the heart and can cause blockages in the penis."

The NHS suggest that all men visit their GP if they experience ED for more than a few weeks, as it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue.

SEE ALSO:
Breaking the Erectile Dysfunction Taboo
Ten Things You Need To Know Before You Ignore an Unreliable Erection

Best Foods For Erectile Dysfunction

Nitrates in Leafy Greens and Beets(01 of06)

Leafy green vegetables, like celery and spinach, may increase circulation because of their high concentration of nitrates. Beet juice has been found to be really high in nitrates. Nitrates are vasodilators, which means they open up blood vessels and increase blood flow. Many years before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first ED drug in 1998, several case reports on the beneficial effects of nitrates for erectile dysfunction had already been published. The ED drugs used today are based on the relaxing effects of nitrates on the blood vessels that supply the penis. (credit:Shutterstock)

Flavinoids in Dark Chocolate(02 of06)

A recent study in the journal Circulation found that flavonoids in dark chocolate improve circulation. That could be good for erection problems that are due to poor circulation. Flavonoids are naturally-occurring antioxidants that protect plants from toxins and help repair cell damage. Studies show that flavonoids and other antioxidants have similar effects on people. They may help lower blood pressure and decrease cholesterol, both of which are factors that contribute to erectile dysfunction. (credit:Shutterstock)

Protein in Pistachios(03 of06)

A recent study found that men with erectile dysfunction who ate pistachio nuts every day for three weeks experienced significant improvement in sexual issues, including ED, sexual desire, and overall sexual satisfaction. The benefits of pistachios for erection problems may be due to a protein called arginine, which may help relax blood vessels. "This is another example of how good circulation is good for sexual health, which is good news because I eat a lot of pistachios," says Dr. Daneshgari. (credit:Shutterstock)

Zinc in Oysters and Other Shellfish(04 of06)

The oyster has always had an aphrodisiac reputation. One reason may be that oysters have high levels of the mineral zinc, which plays an important role in the production of the male hormone testosterone, and low levels of testosterone could be one reason for erectile dysfunction. Research presented at an American Chemical Society meeting may offer another connection: Raw shellfish contain compounds that stimulate the release of sexual hormones in both men and women. (credit:Shutterstock)

Antioxidants in Watermelon(05 of06)

Some studies show that watermelon may have effects on erectile dysfunction that are similar to the ED drug Viagra and may also increase sexual desire. Watermelon is rich in beneficial ingredients known as phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are also antioxidants. One of their benefits is that they relax the blood vessels that supply an erection. Although watermelon is 92 percent water, the other 8 percent may work wonders for your heart and your sexual enjoyment. (credit:Shutterstock)

Lycopene in Tomatoes and Grapefruit(06 of06)

Lycopene is one of those phytonutrients that is good for circulation and good for sexual issues. Lycopene is found in deep red fruits like tomatoes and grapefruits. Some studies show that lycopene may be absorbed best when mixed with oily vegetables like avocados and spinach. So you might want to make yourself an ED-fighting salad. Research also shows that antioxidants like lycopene help fight male infertility and prostate cancer. (credit:Shutterstock)

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