Erectile Dysfunction and
Relationship Issues

Erection Problems Can Affect Your Relationship1.

  • ED is a condition that makes it difficult for a person to get or maintain an erection. An erection is necessary for some forms of sexual activity, including sexual intercourse.
  • Relationships in general are hard work. When your sexual relationship is affected due to erectile dysfunction it can be tougher.
  • Embarrassment, frustration, and shame are common feeling for men with erectile dysfunction. These feelings further increase when the problem becomes a common occurrence during sexual activity. Although it may be difficult to talk about erectile problem with your partner, which can create concerns and issues with partner & relationship.
  • When your partner asks questions about erectile dysfunction and you don’t answer them, it can cause further increase issues in relationship.

Relationship issues that can lead to
Erectile Dysfunction1,2

  • Stress and anxiety at home
  • Arguments with your partner
  • A partner with sexual dysfunction or trauma
  • Loss of attraction to your partner or boredom in the relationship

How to deal with Erectile Dysfunction in a relationship?3

  • Find out the cause

    • More you know about ED, the easier it will be to prevent relationship issues. Educate yourself and seek medical help for concerns and answers.

  • Keep communication lines open

    • Listen to your partner and aim to understand their feelings before contributing your own.

    Ask questions to better understand each other and share your understanding back to your partner to support them emotionally.

  • Don’t take it personally

    • A lot of women will mistakenly assume their partner has either lost interest or is having an affair. When in actual fact, men who suffer with ED often become very anxious about letting their partners down, so they then withdraw from sex.

  • Be creative with your sexuality

    • There are numerous ways that you can achieve orgasm and give each other pleasure, which don’t involve a strong erection or penetrative sex. Maintain your closeness and intimacy.

  • Talk to your doctor

    • A person should see a doctor if they frequently have trouble achieving or maintaining an erection. you need to get it checked out because there could be a medical problem – such as diabetes, CVD etc. If ED is because of an emotional issue, therapy can help in maintaining an erection without the associated anxiety.

  • See a sex therapist

    • Look for sex therapy from a “sex therapist” who specializes in human sexuality and erectile dysfunction and understand the dynamics in relationship and help the couple to manage it.

Related Resources

What is Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction?

Take the next step

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can limit your intimacy, affect your self-esteem and have an impact on your relationship with your partner.

Consult / Talk with Urologist near you who specializes in ED and offers the full range of treatment options.

Find a doctor near you

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can limit your intimacy, affect your self-esteem and have an impact on your relationship with your partner.

References

  1. Accessed on10 June 2024 on How erectile dysfunction can impact your relationship https://onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com/uk/mens-health-advice/how-erectile-dysfunction-can-impact-your-relationship.
  2. Accessed on 10 Jun 2024 How erectile dysfunction can impact your relationship https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/.
  3. Accessed on 10th June https://goldenstateurology.com/blog/erectile-dysfunction-and-relationships/.

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