How do we talk about it?

It’s not about what she wants to hear; it’s about being open and honest.

Talking to your partner about ED can be difficult. Don’t shut out your partner and try to deal with this problem alone. Your partner is also affected by your ED. Not only is good communication essential to successful diagnosis and treatment, it can help your partner understand what you are going through.

Try these questions to start an open conversation about sex and your relationship:

1. Could one of the medicines I am taking be causing the problems I'm having when we try to have sex?
2. Do you think I could have ED? I thought the problems I've been having would just go away, but they haven't.
3. Can a surgical procedure, like a radical prostatectomy, cause ED?
4. I read that ED can sometimes be a sign of other health problems. Do you think I should see a doctor?
5. I miss being physically intimate with you. What can we do to stay close while I look into treatments for this problem I’ve been having?