How Erectile Dysfunction Affects Couples

Erectile Dysfunction, ED, is a condition that affects men of all ages, it is not unique to men who are over 65.

Men will often feel embarrassed by the condition and this can lead to a variety of problems including becoming increasingly distant from their partners. If your partner is suffering from ED, you should encourage him to take the first step of visiting his doctor.

There can be a variety of reasons as to why a man is suffering from ED and it is always best to talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying health issues that may be responsible.

Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

According to Gabriela from Private Doc “Unhealthy lifestyles can create problems with getting and maintaining an erection. A man who smokes, drinks and eats a diet high in processed sugars and fats will be more likely to be at risk from ED.”

If your partner has an unhealthy lifestyle, then the ED could be a symptom of a larger problem such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes. Changing the foods he eats to healthier options and getting more exercise will help to decrease the risks and may result in eliminating the problem altogether.

High or low blood pressure can also be a cause of ED. Some medications can cause the side effect of ED, so it is worth checking these with your GP as you may be able to use an alternative that will have a less devastating impact on your sex life.

Your partner may have sustained an injury to his penis, it is quite possible for some injuries to go unnoticed. But that doesn’t mean that they are not affecting his penile function.

Not all causes are to do with physical health, your partner may be suffering with anxiety or depression which can also cause his sex drive to diminish. He may have suffered a trauma that has not been dealt with or be very stressed.

How Can You Help?

A little understanding goes a long way, but there is so much more to it than just being sympathetic. Remember your partner may not want to talk about the problem due to embarrassment, so it is important to approach the topic a sensitive way.

If you have ruled out any other underlying health conditions or injury, then counselling may be an option. In the first instance he may want to do this alone, try not to feel rejected by that, it is often difficult for men to admit they are struggling. Remember it is not a reflection on you or your ability in the bedroom, and it is definitely not about how attractive your partner finds you.

It is also not his fault, and he needs to understand that and feel comfortable within himself. Once he is ready, couples counselling can really help you to reconnect and understand one another and how you are feeling without blame or hurt feelings.

Help in the Bedroom

When your partner has been seen by a doctor, he may be prescribed medication such as Viagra or Cialis to help with the immediate problem of ED. It is important to remember that ED medication is not an aphrodisiac and will only work when sexually aroused.

Bear in mind that medication may not work instantly. Your partner may need to take the drug a few times before feeling the full benefit, so it is important to create a relaxed atmosphere and not be focused on the end goal.

Try creating a romantic experience, to really get you both in the mood. Don’t focus on sex, but rather on connecting on a more intimate level. Begin with being close, holding hands when out, kissing, cuddling and rebuilding that feeling of togetherness.

Go on dates with no expectation of sex at the end. Just enjoy exploring one another and getting to know each other on an intimate level once again.

If he feels pressure to perform, the likelihood is that he won’t be able to. So just let it flow naturally and even remove sex from the agenda in the beginning while you find your way back to one another.

Think about introducing toys to add to the stimulation and excitement when you are ready to try and have sex again. Have fun and take the pressure off. Remember, the more relaxed and happy you both feel, the more likely you are to have successful intercourse.

This article was created in collaboration with Private Doc for which we received payment.