Your personality type is linked to how well you perform in the bedroom, a study suggests.
Men with a type ‘D’ personality — who are shy and pessimistic — were more likely to suffer erectile dysfunction.
These people tend to avoid interactions with others, are prone to embarrassment and have difficulties showing emotions.
Researchers said these people might also be less willing to seek help, which is why they suffer higher rates of ED.
They may also have a lower adherence to medication and a higher risk of depression compared to the general population.
Between 17 and 39 per cent of people in the UK, US and Europe are estimated to have a type D personality.
A study of nearly 2,000 men in Taiwan with erectile dysfunction found that around 15 per cent reported moderate or severe cases. But the rate jumped to a fifth among those who had a type D personality
Scientists surveyed 1,740 sexually active Taiwanese men aged between 20 and 40, who were asked questions about their personality and sex life online.
The results, published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, showed 941 (54.1 per cent) had type D personality.
Out of all volunteers, 15.9 per cent (360 men) reported moderate or severe erectile dysfunction.
But the figure jumped to 19.4 per cent (229 men) among those who were categorised as type D.
And those with this type of personality also had worse depression scores — 17 out of 32, compared to 13 among all participants.
Those who were type D were also less active, more likely to smoke and follow a poor diet, all of which have been shown to increase the risk of ED.
Those with type D personality were also less likely to turn to doctors when unwell and follow medical advice.
The researchers said they didn’t look at participants’ medical history, which could have a role in their erectile dysfunction.
Earlier research has shown that erectile dysfunction, which is thought to affect a fifth of Britons and Americans, worsens men and their partner’s quality of life.
Rates are much higher among older men but the disorder is ‘not uncommon’ in young men, among who it could have a ‘dramatic effect’ on their life, the researchers from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taipei said.
Poor mental health also raise the risk of erectile dysfunction, with studies showing those with depression are 40 per cent more likely to have the condition, while those with erectile dysfunction are three-times more likely to be depressed.
