FREE GUIDE AND SELF-TEST FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Human Sexuality Expert • Sex Therapist • Author • Board-Certified Sexologist
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
The three distinct types of erectile dysfunction and what causes each
How to distinguish between medical and psychological causes
A simple 3-question self-test to determine your next steps
When to see a doctor vs. when therapy is the answer
Clear direction toward effective treatment options
Welcome to Your Journey Toward Solutions
Hi, I’m Gloria Brame, Ph.D. in Human Sexuality, Sex Therapist, Author, and Board-Certified Sexologist.
Welcome to this free guide to understand more about ED, and the bonus self-test that will start you on your journey!
Why This Guide Matters
ED affects approximately 30 million American men, with prevalence increasing with age—affecting about 40% of men at age 40 and nearly 70% of men by age 70. Despite how common it is, ED remains widely misunderstood.
ED is a widely studied issue and a fairly common part of the male reproductive life cycle. However, what most men know about it isn’t based on evidence, but rather on cultural mythology. The attitude we learn in our culture is that men should be sex machines, ever ready to pop a woody when the occasion arises.
It’s an unfair and insulting stereotype. It ignores the reality that men are emotionally and psychologically complex. It makes it seem as if simply being in good physical health guarantees 100% performance all the time. And there are not-so-hidden messages throughout culture that a man is only “a real man” when he can have a raging hard-on.
The evidence shows us a completely different reality. ED has identifiable causes and effective treatments. Understanding which type you’re experiencing is the key to getting the right help quickly.
What Causes ED?
There are three types of ED: Organic, Psychogenic (psychological), and Situational. Each requires different approaches to treatment.
Organic ED
Organic ED occurs when a physical cause creates the issue. For example, in elderly men, “Organic ED involves abnormalities in the penile arteries, veins, or both,” according to Johns Hopkins Medicine¹.
Roughly 60% of reported cases of ED have been medically documented as organic. However, many cases involve both physical and psychological components.
Leading Physical Causes:
Testosterone insufficiency
Heart conditions and cardiovascular disease
Obesity and metabolic disorders
Cancer and cancer treatments
Diabetes and diabetic complications
Neurological conditions
Medication-Related ED:
Medications that interfere with sexual function are among the most common causes of ED. Prime culprits include:
Antidepressants (especially SSRIs)
Cancer medications
Beta blockers
Blood thinners
Blood pressure medications
Diabetes medications
Important: If you have organic ED, only a physician—optimally, a urologist—can address the problem and refer you to other specialists if appropriate.
Critical Health Note
Sometimes ED serves as an early warning sign of cardiovascular problems. Before taking any erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra, get cardiac clearance from a cardiologist. This isn’t optional—it’s essential for your safety.
What Readers Are Saying
“Too many resources are either cold and clinical or full of shame-based marketing. Your approach of giving struggling men a lot of positive support, while delivering solid, evidence-based solutions, was transformative for me! The way you balanced clinical advice with warmth and understanding helped me move from shame and confusion to hope and healing.”
The Quick ED Assessment: Determine Your Type
Knowing which type of ED you’re experiencing saves time, money, and frustration by directing you to the right professional from the start. I’ve seen too many clients waste resources going to the wrong specialist first.
Gloria’s Rule of Thumb Test
I developed this assessment to help my clients understand whether they need medical intervention, therapy, or both. Answer these three critical questions honestly:
1. Do you still get “morning wood” occasionally?
2. Can you get hard when you pleasure yourself?
(If you don’t typically masturbate, try it for this assessment—you may use adult content or toys if helpful)
3. Can you maintain an erection long enough to reach orgasm during self-pleasure?
Your Results:
If you answered NO to at least two questions:
Your ED is likely organic. Schedule an appointment with a urologist for comprehensive evaluation, including testosterone screening and cardiovascular assessment.
If you answered YES to all three questions:
Your ED is psychogenic or situational. You’re an ideal candidate for sex therapy and behavioral interventions. Medical evaluation may still be helpful to rule out contributing physical factors.
Your Next Steps
For Organic ED:
Consult a urologist for medical evaluation
Request cardiac clearance before starting any ED medications
Consider working with a sex therapist to address the emotional impact of ED
For Psychogenic/Situational ED:
Work with a qualified sex therapist
Consider individual or couples counseling
Explore evidence-based self-help resources
Remember: Many cases involve both physical and psychological components. Don’t be surprised if you need both medical and therapeutic support.
Ready for Comprehensive Solutions?
This guide gives you the foundation, but there’s much more to explore. My comprehensive program “BEAT ED with Dr. Brame” provides detailed strategies, exercises, and step-by-step protocols for overcoming ED based on decades of clinical experience and current research.
What’s included in the full guide:
Detailed treatment protocols for each type of ED
Communication strategies for partners
Evidence-based exercises and techniques
Lifestyle modifications that support sexual health
How to work effectively with healthcare providers
Long-term maintenance strategies
Visit gloriabrame.com to learn more
© 2025 Dr. Gloria Brame, Ph.D. | All Rights Reserved
This guide is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.