Does hypnosis work for erectile dysfunction? Many men with ED wonder whether hypnotherapy offers a viable alternative to medication or psychological therapy. Erectile dysfunction affects a significant proportion of UK men, particularly with advancing age, and whilst standard treatments like PDE5 inhibitors and cognitive behavioural therapy have robust evidence, hypnotherapy remains a less-studied option. This article examines the role of hypnosis in managing ED, comparing it with established treatments, exploring the evidence base, and helping you understand what to expect if considering this complementary approach.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction and Its Common Causes

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. ED is common in the UK, with prevalence increasing with age. While occasional difficulty with erections is normal, consistent problems warrant medical evaluation.

ED can arise from physical, psychological, or mixed causes. Physical factors include:

• Cardiovascular disease – reduced blood flow to the penis due to atherosclerosis or hypertension

• Diabetes mellitus – nerve damage and vascular complications affecting erectile function

• Hormonal imbalances – particularly low testosterone levels

• Neurological conditions – such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury

• Medications – certain antihypertensives, antidepressants, and other drugs may impair erectile function

Psychological causes are equally significant and often underestimated. These include performance anxiety, stress, depression, relationship difficulties, and past sexual trauma. Research suggests that psychological factors contribute to ED in 10–20% of cases as the primary cause, though they frequently coexist with physical factors.

NICE guidance recommends a comprehensive assessment for men presenting with ED, including medical history, physical examination, and relevant investigations. These may include blood pressure, BMI assessment, cardiovascular risk calculation (QRISK3), and blood tests such as fasting glucose or HbA1c, lipid profile, and morning testosterone (when clinically indicated). Identifying the underlying cause is essential, as ED can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease. Men experiencing persistent erectile difficulties should consult their GP for proper evaluation rather than self-diagnosing or seeking unregulated treatments.

How Hypnosis Works for Psychological Sexual Health Issues

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses guided relaxation and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness, sometimes called a trance. During this state, individuals may be more receptive to suggestions aimed at changing thoughts, feelings, or behaviours. For psychological sexual health issues, hypnosis targets the mental and emotional barriers that interfere with sexual function.

The theoretical basis for using hypnosis in ED centres on addressing performance anxiety, negative thought patterns, and stress responses. Sexual arousal involves complex interactions between the brain, nervous system, hormones, and blood vessels. Psychological factors can disrupt this process by triggering the sympathetic nervous system (the 'fight or flight' response), which inhibits the parasympathetic activity necessary for erection.

During hypnotherapy sessions, practitioners may use techniques such as:

• Positive suggestion – reinforcing confidence and reducing anxiety about sexual performance

• Visualisation – creating mental imagery of successful sexual experiences

• Ego-strengthening – building self-esteem and reducing self-criticism

It's important to note that NICE does not specifically recommend hypnotherapy for ED, and the evidence base remains limited, with most studies being small-scale or lacking robust controls. Hypnotherapy should be viewed as a potential complementary approach rather than a standalone treatment, particularly when psychological factors are identified during clinical assessment.

Hypnotherapy is not suitable for everyone. It is generally not recommended for people with certain mental health conditions such as psychosis, and those with epilepsy should seek medical advice before considering hypnotherapy. For accredited practitioners, consider those registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) or for psychosexual issues, the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT).

Hypnotherapy vs Standard Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

Standard treatments for ED recommended by NICE include lifestyle modifications, psychological interventions, and pharmacological therapies. First-line pharmacological treatment typically involves phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, or avanafil. These medications work by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. They are effective in approximately 70% of men with ED and have well-established safety profiles.

Important contraindications include concurrent use of nitrates or nicorandil (risk of severe hypotension), recent heart attack or stroke, severe heart failure, unstable angina, and certain eye conditions like retinitis pigmentosa. Common side effects include headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and dizziness. Any suspected side effects should be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

In the UK, generic sildenafil is widely available on NHS prescription, while other PDE5 inhibitors may have prescribing restrictions. Sildenafil is also available without prescription as Viagra Connect from pharmacies following assessment by a pharmacist.

For men where psychological factors predominate, NICE recommends cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or psychosexual counselling. These evidence-based psychological therapies have demonstrated effectiveness in addressing performance anxiety, relationship issues, and negative thought patterns contributing to ED. NHS Talking Therapies may provide access to psychological support.

Second-line options include vacuum erection devices, alprostadil (intraurethral or injected), and for selected cases, surgical penile implants.

Hypnotherapy differs from these standard approaches in several ways:

• Evidence base – PDE5 inhibitors and CBT have extensive research supporting their efficacy, whilst hypnotherapy for ED has limited high-quality evidence

• Mechanism – PDE5 inhibitors directly affect physiological processes; hypnotherapy targets subconscious thought patterns

• Regulation – medications are MHRA-regulated; hypnotherapy practitioners may have varying qualifications

• Accessibility – PDE5 inhibitors are available on NHS prescription; hypnotherapy is rarely NHS-funded

Hypnotherapy may offer advantages for individuals who prefer non-pharmacological approaches, have contraindications to medications, or have not responded to standard psychological therapies. However, it should not replace medical evaluation or evidence-based treatments. A combined approach—addressing physical factors with medication whilst using psychological techniques for anxiety—often yields the best outcomes.

What to Expect from Hypnosis Sessions for ED

If you decide to pursue hypnotherapy for ED, understanding what to expect can help you make informed decisions and maximise potential benefits. Initial sessions typically begin with a comprehensive assessment where the hypnotherapist explores your medical history, the nature of your erectile difficulties, psychological factors, and treatment goals. Reputable practitioners should ask about medical evaluation and may recommend GP consultation if this hasn't occurred.

A typical hypnotherapy session lasts 50–60 minutes and follows a structured format:

• Induction – the therapist guides you into a relaxed, focused state using calming verbal cues and breathing techniques

• Deepening – techniques to enhance the hypnotic state, such as progressive muscle relaxation or counting

• Therapeutic intervention – suggestions, visualisations, or exploratory work targeting your specific concerns

• Awakening – gradual return to normal awareness, often with post-hypnotic suggestions for continued benefit

You remain conscious and in control throughout; hypnosis is not sleep, and you cannot be made to do anything against your will. Most people describe the experience as deeply relaxing, similar to daydreaming or meditation.

Treatment duration varies considerably, typically ranging from 4–12 sessions depending on individual circumstances and therapeutic approach. Some practitioners offer self-hypnosis training to reinforce benefits between sessions.

Important safety considerations:

• Ensure your practitioner is registered with a recognised body such as the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) or for psychosexual issues, the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT)

• Hypnotherapy should complement, not replace, medical treatment

• Be wary of practitioners making unrealistic promises or guaranteeing results

• Discuss costs upfront, as hypnotherapy is rarely NHS-funded (typically £50–150 per session privately)

• Hypnotherapy is not suitable for everyone, including those with psychosis; those with epilepsy should seek medical advice first

• Keep your GP informed, especially if you're also using medication for ED

If you experience worsening symptoms, relationship difficulties, or signs of depression, contact your GP. ED can significantly impact quality of life and relationships, and comprehensive support—potentially including medication, psychological therapy, and lifestyle changes—offers the best chance of improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions