ED is a common condition that affects many men as well as their partners. ED is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that is firm enough to have sexual intercourse.1 In other words, the penis doesn’t get hard enough to allow you to have sex. It may begin in the bedroom, but it can have a profound effect on a man, his self-esteem and his relationships.2
You may be surprised when you experience ED for the first time. In fact, more than half of men over 40 suffer from some degree of ED.3 If you can’t get an erection more than 50% of the time, you should see a doctor. To better understand the link between your symptoms and ED, take the Sexual Health Inventory Management (SHIM) survey. The results should be shared with your doctor to help initiate a conversation about treatment options.
ED happens when blood flow to the penis is limited or nerves are damaged. The causes of ED include diabetes, heart disease, prostate cancer treatment, depression, anxiety, and the side effects of some medications.3, 4 Stress, lack of sleep, smoking, and excess drinking can also affect your performance. In other words, ED affects men of every ethnicity, age, and lifestyle.
ED is treatable at any age. Treating the underlying cause of ED is a good place to start, such as adjusting your lifestyle, quitting smoking, and reducing your stress. Medications (Viagra™, Cialis™, Levitra™, and Stendra™) are typically the first line of therapy, but many men need more. Medications are typically followed by one or more of these treatments: vacuum devices, surgically implanted devices (penile implants), or penile injections.
In the United States alone, more than 39 million men suffer from erectile dysfunction.5
ED is a difficult topic for couples to discuss. Talking openly can help reduce stress and improve your relationship. Acknowledge your feelings, reassure each other, and resolve to work through the problem, together.
ED is a common medical problem. It is both physical and emotional, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept it. Most importantly, ED is treatable. The more you know about ED, the more helpful and positive you can be.
Go to the doctor and ask questions. You can help him seek treatment, something many men are hesitant to do. If you both have adjusted to a life without sex, you may also want to explore treatment options for yourself.
Try to find a non-sexual place to talk at a time when both of you are relaxed. Communication is key. Turn off the TV and cell phones. Take a deep breath and take the plunge. Focus on ways to solve ED, rather than on how it affects your relationship. If he isn’t ready to talk about it, see if he will talk to a doctor.
A man with ED may withdraw from sex and his partner. Be patient. You may blame yourself, thinking you are no longer desirable. You may blame him and suspect infidelity. Be honest. Talk about what you each expect. If you noticed changes during sex, bring it up to him. While difficult, talking about ED may bring you closer and strengthen your relationship.
The fact that your partner is open to talking about ED is overcoming the biggest battle. But, it may not be as easy as taking a pill. Find solutions acceptable to both of you. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Many couples report an increase in desire after focusing on intimacy — kissing, hugging, stroking, etc. Talking about ED solutions may lead you both to healthier lifestyle choices.
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