By: Jennifer Nerkie Kenney
Urologist at the Tema General Hospital, Dr. Lemuel Davis Bray, has disclosed that erectile dysfunction is a common condition largely linked to psychological, hormonal and cardiovascular factors rather than the sexual organs alone. He made this known on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, during a health discussion on GTV’s Breakfast Show.
The conversation was sparked by questions sent to the doctor’s WhatsApp from men who reported that they struggle to perform sexually with their wives but perform better with other partners, raising concerns about desire, stress and emotional connection in relationships.
“Erectile dysfunction is not just about the body, it starts from the mind,” he said.
Dr. Lemuel Bray explained that erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, refers to a man’s inability to either obtain or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. He noted that experiencing either of these challenges qualifies as erectile dysfunction.
He added that sexual performance is a multi-stage biological process involving desire (libido), nerve stimulation, blood flow to the penis, ejaculation and climax, and that disruption at any of these stages can result in erectile problems.
“Problems at any stage of this process can lead to erectile dysfunction,” he said.
The doctor further explained that libido, which is the sexual desire or drive, is the first and most critical stage in sexual performance. According to him, libido varies from person to person and is influenced by hormones, stress levels, emotional well-being and relationship satisfaction.
He noted that stress, depression, anxiety, hypertension and other chronic illnesses can suppress sexual desire even when the sexual organ itself is functioning properly, leading many men to mistakenly believe they are impotent.
“Your organ may be working, but without desire, erection will not happen,” he said.
Using an electrical wiring analogy, Dr. Nimo-Bray described the erection process as similar to switching on a light in a house, where electricity must pass through several stages before the bulb lights up. In the same way, the brain releases chemical signals that cause blood to rush into the penis to create an erection.
He revealed that the pressure in the penis during erection can rise as high as 200 millimetres of mercury, much higher than normal body blood pressure, making it the only organ in the human body where high pressure is both acceptable and necessary.
“The penis is the only organ where high blood pressure is desirable,” he disclosed.
Touching on high blood pressure and its effects, he explained that hypertension and the medications used to treat it can both contribute to erectile. He said persistent high blood pressure can harden and narrow blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the penis.
He warned that some men stop taking their blood pressure medication due to fear of sexual weakness, a decision he described as dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
“Stopping your medication can expose you to stroke, heart attack and blindness,” he warned.
Dr. Nimo-Bray also addressed sudden deaths that sometimes occur after sexual activity, explaining that this may be linked to the use of nitrate medications combined with sexual enhancement drugs, which dangerously lower blood pressure.
He said when both medications dilate blood vessels at the same time, it can cause a sharp drop in blood
Dr. Nimo-Bray also addressed sudden deaths that sometimes occur after sexual activity, explaining that this may be linked to the use of nitrate medications combined with sexual enhancement drugs, which dangerously lower blood pressure.
He said when both medications dilate blood vessels at the same time, it can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure, leading to fainting, collapse or sudden death.
“Combining these drugs can cause a fatal drop in blood pressure,” he said.
On how widespread the condition is, Dr. Lemuel Bray stated that erectile dysfunction is extremely common but remains underreported because many men feel ashamed to seek medical attention.
He explained that instead of visiting hospitals, most men discuss the problem among friends or suffer in silence, leading to frustration, anxiety, depression and broken relationships.
“Erectile dysfunction is common, but shame stops men from seeking help,” he explained.
He revealed that erectile dysfunction affects men across all age groups, from young men seeking performance enhancement to older men experiencing natural hormonal decline and chronic illnesses.
He advised that men experiencing sexual challenges, especially those on blood pressure medication, should consult their doctors for possible drug adjustments rather than self-medication.
“Men of all ages experience this condition,” he said.
Dr. Lemuel Bray emphasized that erectile dysfunction is a medical condition that can be treated if addressed early, urging men to seek professional medical care.
He stressed that open conversations, proper diagnosis and responsible medication use are key to restoring both physical health and emotional wellbeing in affected men.
“Erectile dysfunction is treatable when men seek medical help early,” he advised.
