Erectile Dysfunction: You can Help Your Partner
Sometimes there comes a time in our sex lives where we must talk about the less comfortable things, erectile dysfunction being one of them. Don’t think you’re alone in this and know that it affects more people than you think. This is why we are here to help! This article should give a little more insight on how to deal with minor setback and should have your sex life back on track!
So let’s start with the basics; What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It’s sometimes referred to as impotence, although this term is now used less often.
Occasional ED isn’t uncommon. Many people experience it during times of stress. Frequent ED, however, can be a sign of health problems that need treatment. It can also be a sign of emotional or relationship difficulties that you may want to address with a professional.
What Women Need to Know
The more you and your partner know about erectile dysfunction, the better you will be able to manage this sexual issue together. Here are important facts you can share to initiate a discussion and relieve the awkwardness:
- Erectile dysfunction is common. Failure to achieve an erection about 20 percent of the time is not abnormal. True erectile dysfunction affects about 1 out of 10 men, and up to half of all men over 50 at some time during their lives.
- Erectile dysfunction is not a normal part of aging Erectile dysfunction does increase with age, though older men may experience a decrease in the quality of their erections and an increase in the time between erections. They may need more stimulation, but they can still have enjoyable sex lives.
- Erectile dysfunction is treatable In most cases, erectile dysfunction help is both readily available and successful. Treatment options include oral and injectable medications, sex therapy, sexual help devices, and surgery.
- Women also have sexual issues Up to 70 percent of couples have sexual health issues from time to time. Women may experience loss of desire and arousal problems and may even experience pain during sex. These sexual issues also need to be addressed.
Erectile dysfunction causes
There are many possible causes of ED, and they can include both emotional and physical conditions. Common causes include:
- cardiovascular disease
- diabetes
- hypertension, or high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- obesity
- low testosterone levels or other hormone imbalances
- kidney disease
- increased age
- stress
- anxiety
- depression
- relationship problems
- certain prescription medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure or depression
- sleep disorders
- drug use
- consuming too much alcohol
- using tobacco products
- damage to the pelvic area through injury or surgery
ED can be caused by only one of these factors or by several of them. That’s why it’s important to work with your doctor so that they can rule out or treat any underlying medical conditions.
What You Can Do To Help Your Partner;
These nine suggestions can make it easier to cope with your partner’s ED.
- Try something new Very often a big, big first step is just enhancing arousal. This can mean ramping up foreplay, reading or watching something sexy together, or coming up with a suggestion for something you haven’t tried before.
- Take the pressure off Take the emphasis off the penis and try something else for a little bit of time. That can include oral sex, sex toys such as a vibrator, penis sleeve or hollow strap ons. Try putting his hand on the vibrator and showing him exactly what feels good.
- Have a conversation Start with your own feelings about the situation, and be empathetic.
- Go with your guy to the doctor The patients who are the most successful are those where the sexual partner is a true partner. If the woman can go in, that’s a huge help.
- Have patience with pills These drugs work, but erections don’t happen on command.
- Encourage them to get heart-healthy Good heart and vascular health ends up being good penis health. It may not reverse erection problems that are there already, but it certainly may reduce their progression.
7.Get educated Knowing the causes of erectile dysfunction and the treatment options available will lead you to choose something that works best for both of you. Go with your partner to doctor appointments and ask questions. Take an active role in the treatment process.
8.Know that it’s not you Many women, especially older women, may feel that they are part of the problem and take it personally. This is rarely the case.
9.Be positive The fact that your partner is willing to be open about erectile dysfunction and do something about it is the biggest part of the battle. Don’t be judgmental. Positive feedback is more important than assigning blame.
Final Thoughts
Erectile dysfunction is a sexual issue that affects both partners in a relationship, and the best way to manage and cope is to work on finding solutions together. Open and honest communication is the foundation to a good sexual relationship.
