How to Deal with Erectile Dysfunction in a Relationship?

It is doubtless to say that erectile dysfunction (ED) has a huge impact on one’s relationship. Not just about the one who is affected by the condition, but another partner also goes through unwanted sex life stress.

Men likely find it embarrassing to talk about their condition with their partner or even see a doctor for it. Though, leaving the disorder untreated is not going to do any well for them instead a man with ED has higher chances of developing other related serious health conditions too. So, how do you help your partner in such a situation? In this post, we will be discussing how to deal with erectile dysfunction in a relationship and have a happy sex life ahead.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

While you look forward to helping your partner cope with his erectile dysfunction, you better get to know what this male sexual disorder is and in what ways it can be treated.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) or male impotence is a sexual disorder in men which has been affecting men since ancient times. More commonly develop throughout aging, erectile dysfunction makes a man incapable to get or keep an erection. ED often occurs due to contracted penile blood arteries either due to aging or some physical health condition. Or, because of poor sexual stimulation, commonly a poor psychological health consequence.

Most men prefer not to share their erectile condition with anyone or even get it treated as they find it embarrassing. But leaving the disorder untreated is not well to go; erectile dysfunction is often an early sign of some other serious health concern such as heart disease, prostate cancer, atherosclerosis, and more.

Maybe with your help, he might cope. After all, sex is not all about a relationship, there is care, affection, and concern too.

How Spread ED in Men’s?

There are several physical and psychological health conditions that contribute to erectile dysfunction in men. However ED is common throughout ageing, a man may also develop the condition at a young age too.

A 2014 study stated that over 41% of young men in the United States also have some strength of erectile dysfunction. So, what factors do really develop the condition?

Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

•       Atherosclerosis (clogged blood arteries)
•       Heart disease
•       High cholesterol
•       Hypertension (high blood pressure)
•       Obesity
•       Type-2 diabetes
•       Spinal cord or nerve injury
•       Low testosterone
•       Metabolic syndrome
•       Priapism
•       Prostate cancer

Psychological Factors of Erectile Dysfunction:

•       Stress and depression
•       Performance anxiety
•       Low self-esteem
•       Guilt
•       Relationship problems

How to Deal with ED When You Are In a Relationship?

Starting a conversation about your partner’s erectile dysfunction might be complicated and can also go bad. But you feel in love with the person not just for sex, right? So you have got to do this – but be accepting. You got to know how to deal with erectile dysfunction in a relationship. And it is not that erectile dysfunction cannot be treated. The best part is ED is an easily treatable health condition as there are several effective treatment options already available.

You just have to start somewhere while making your partner comfortable and tell him that you are alone no matter what. Men with ED develop a relationship insecurity scenario and if you make your partner comfortable, he may ease up. You also have to understand that leaving erectile dysfunction untreated may trigger other serious health conditions indeed. 

Common ED Treatments

As mentioned, erectile dysfunction is an easily treatable male sexual condition. There are several natural, mediational, surgical, and DIY options available to treat the dysfunction.

Though there are so many treatment options to choose from, one has to pick treatments as to the underlying causes of what developed ED in your partner. Understand in this way, if your partner has erection issues due to performance anxiety, no medicine is supposed to drive any effective changes– instead, going for lifestyle changes and seeing a sexologist might help.

Like that, some common yet effective ED treatments include:

Oral medications

In the late 1990s, Pfizer first introduced 200 mg Viagra (sildenafil citrate) as an effective meditational treatment for erectile dysfunction. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Viagra and some other prescription medications are available to treat male erectile disorder. These medications are available over prescription and include Viagra (sildenafil), Generic Cialis 60 mg (tadalafil), Levitra 40 mg (vardenafil), and Stendra (avanafil).

These medications belong to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors which are known to dilate penile blood vessels to increase blood flow to penile tissues (corpus cavernosa) to fill with adequate blood and eventually develop a firm erection. This treatment is suggested if ED is not psychological, hormonal, or injury concerned.

Penile injections

Well, it is a quick way to get an erection and males use it as an alternative option to oral ED medications/drugs. Penile injection treatment refers to injecting an ‘Alprostadil’ drug directly onto the base of the penis to drive an erection.

Though it also works by dilating penile blood arteries, it can be complicated to use and may have health consequences too. Usually suggested as second-line treatment if the oral medication does not work or is less effective on male erection.

Penile implants

Though not recommended as a first-line treatment to ED, penile implants can fix erectile dysfunction permanently by surgery. Penile implants are a surgical treatment option for ED in which a malleable or inflatable rod is implanted in the penile to support erection while sexually stimulated. Penile implants are recommended if one had an injury, else first-line treatments are to be considered.

Vacuum device

Being used by men since the 1800’s when no oral medication was available for ED treatment, a vacuum device or enhancement pump works decent way to push firm erection by using the device on a penile. Vacuum devices can be used as an alternative treatment option for first-line treatments.

Natural Supplements or Herbs

Some people prefer not to go for prescription oral medication, instead, they would rather go if there is some natural herb or supplement out there to help. And when it comes to ED, there are some for the help.

Some of these supplements work as PDE-5 inhibitors, some work as aphrodisiacs, some boost testosterone, and some boost nitric oxide to facilitate blood flow. These ED supplements include Korean red ginseng, Rhodiola Rosea, l-arginine, l-citrulline, DHEA, and Yohimbe. You can pick one considering the underlying cause of your partner’s erectile condition.

Lifestyle Changes

Our lifestyle habits have a huge impact on our overall health, so have on erectile function. While you are struggling with some psychological factors that contribute to ED, the best is to make appropriate changes in lifestyle habits and stay in control.

Some healthy lifestyle changes such as regular exercising, a clean and healthy diet, yoga and meditation, and avoiding smoking and alcohol could be a great help. These lifestyle changes may not only prevent the condition but also cure the current condition gradually indeed.

Conclusion

A relationship is not all about just sex, right? It is also love and affection why it all started– but in the same way, sex is also a part and when your partner is finding it tough to go on well, that’s your turn to give him your helping hand. Erectile dysfunction is a common sexual problem in men and so is treatable: You just have to talk to him about it while making him comfortable.

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Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge only and should not be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health.