Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be quite an embarrassing issue. This is one of the reasons why most men don’t seek treatment for ED.
While ED has many underlying issues, the stress and embarrassment can heighten if you’re in a relationship. In addition, ED affects your partner just as much as it affects you. But when you know how to handle ED in your relationship, you may be able to come up with an erectile dysfunction treatment option to create a more pleasurable experience.
How do you handle ED if you’re in a relationship? Here are some relationship tips to better deal with ED while maintaining a close, physical connection with your partner.
What Causes ED?
While it’s normal to not feel aroused on occasion, erectile dysfunction occurs when you frequently struggle to achieve an erection.
Every man is different and there are certain risk factors that make men more likely to experience impotence. For some, inevitable factors, such as age, play a part in erectile dysfunction. Other causes include general health and lifestyle decisions.
Some common risk factors include:
- Certain medications
- Mental health problems
- Certain diseases (such as liver, cardiovascular, and kidney disease)
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Using tobacco, alcohol, and drugs
- Low testosterone
Identifying the cause of your ED is a great way to approach this issue with your partner. If you’re unsure of the cause, you can talk to your doctor. They will also be able to help in treating erectile dysfunction.
How Can ED Affect Relationships?
The main reason why ED affects relationships is the lack of sexual intercourse. Sex has more benefits than just physical pleasure. It’s a way to connect emotionally with your partner, which is why many believe that sex is an essential part of a relationship.
Lack of sexual intercourse is different for everyone suffering from ED. Your erection may only last temporarily and/or you won’t have sex as frequently as you did. Of course, there are those who are unable to have sex at all.
The inability to have sex or satisfying sex may make you and your partner feel at a loss, in your overall relationship as well as your sex life. Lack of sex may also cause more anxiety within the relationship.
Erectile dysfunction also comes with many mental health symptoms, particularly in men. These include:
- Anger
- Depression
- Social isolation
- Repressed masculinity
- Insecurity
- Denial
- Avoiding their spouse
ED also affects the partner. Some common emotions experienced include:
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Suspicion (assuming their partner is having an affair)
- Feeling undesirable
All of these emotions combined can cause a strain on your relationship. In addition, there’s a stigma surrounding ED. It’s easy for a man to feel shame about their ED, making it more difficult to talk about this problem.
Low Libido vs Erectile Dysfunction
Keep in mind, low libido and erectile dysfunction are often confused. Those with low libido have no interest in having sex. Patients with ED do want to have sex, but they are physically unable to achieve an erection.
Keep in mind, ED may also make you lose your libido. Don’t worry, there are professional treatments that can give you the physical ability to have sex.
How to Deal With ED in a Relationship
Fortunately, ED is treatable. If you’re positive what you’re experiencing is ED, there are ways to better handle it in a long-term relationship or marriage. Here are a few examples.
Communication
Communication is everything in a relationship. If you suspect you’re suffering from ED, be honest with your partner.
This will not only improve your relationship but will reduce the strain of ED. That’s because men are often embarrassed and shameful of their ED, and they will avoid any physical contact.
Open communication will also take some strain off your partner. Lack of intimacy may make them feel unattractive and unwanted. When they understand the lack of intimacy is due to ED, they will be more understanding.
If you’re honest about your impotence, you and your partner could work out a solution to experience intimacy, even if you are unable to achieve an erection.
Some couples may want to take the priority off of sex. Focus on spending time with each other. If you suspect your ED is due to unhealthy habits, stop those habits and see if your condition improves.
Counseling
If you’re struggling to communicate, it may be time for counseling. Many ED patients benefit from therapy since they’re in a safe space to discuss their feelings and emotions.
You can either choose individual therapy or couple’s counseling. Couple’s counseling can be beneficial because you can discuss problems within your relationship and will learn how to communicate better. Going to therapy will not only improve your relationship but may uncover some mental causes of erectile dysfunction.
Lifestyle Changes
There are many lifestyle changes that can increase the chance of you gaining an erection. These include:
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Quitting cigarettes
- Losing weight and exercising
- Stopping drug use
Your partner may want to participate in these changes, too.
Other Treatment Options
If open communication and counseling aren’t helping, there are other treatment options out there.
Shockwave therapy is an innovative ED therapy that combats impotence using intracellular and extracellular reactions. It induces blood flow to the corpus cavernosum and crus of the penis, helping you achieve an erection.
Shockwave Therapy is user-friendly and compact. You can use this treatment at home and it doesn’t require a doctor’s appointment or prescription.
Use These Relationship Tips to Reduce the Effects of ED
If you have ED, it can affect many factors of your relationship. By following these relationship tips, you can enhance your intimacy and improve your ED.
If you’re looking for a solution, you should consider shockwave therapy if you have mild-to-acute ED.
