Erectile dysfunction is a medical condition that can negatively impact couples’ sex lives. If your partner is suffering from it, you will have a hard time having pleasurable sex, and this can eventually lead to relationship issues and conflicts. When this happens, your support is very much needed as he deals with it and gets treatment for it.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction, also sometimes called ED, is a sexual health problem that is characterized by the inability to get or maintain an erection for sex. It can afflict men of any age but is most common in those who are 40 years and older.
According to a study, there are about 150 million men around the world who have it, and the risk of getting it increases with age.
- 20 years old – 29 years old – 9.2%
- 30 years old – 39 years old – 8.4%
- 40 years old – 49 years old – 13.1%
- 50 years old – 59 years old – 33.5%
- 60 years old – 69 years old – 51.5%
- 70 years old – 79 years old – 69.2%
- 80+ years old – 76.2%
What are the risk factors of erectile dysfunction?
There are a variety of risk factors associated with erectile dysfunction, such as:
Age
The risk of erectile dysfunction increases with age, so older men have greater odds of getting it.
Neurological problems
Spinal cord injuries, back injuries, stroke, dementia, and multiple sclerosis are examples of neurological conditions that may lead to erectile dysfunction.
Cardiovascular disease
Men with heart problems are more likely to get ED than those who have healthy hearts.
Stress and depression
Being stressed and having poor mental health can prevent you from getting firm and long-lasting erections.
Obesity
The extra fat and weight not only put you in danger of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney problems, but also impairs your ability to achieve and sustain erections.
Certain drugs and medications
Some prescription and recreational drugs contain substances that can affect your sexual performance.
What are the common warning signs of erectile dysfunction?
A man who has erectile dysfunction usually manifests the following signs and symptoms:
- Having trouble getting his penis erect even after a good amount of sexual stimulation
- Having trouble maintaining a firm erection for the duration of the sexual intercourse
If your partner has these symptoms, it is crucial that he seek medical help as soon as possible.
What should you do to help your partner with erectile dysfunction?
Dealing with erectile dysfunction on your own is tough. Support is crucial to be able to overcome this challenge. If your man has it, you can show that you are there by his side throughout this difficult time in his life by:
1. Understanding what erectile dysfunction is
Finding out as much as you can about erectile dysfunction is important. The more information about it you know, the readier you and your partner will be for the necessary steps to take next. You can go online and read about it or consult a doctor to know various things about it, such as what causes it, how to treat it, and so on.
2. Talk to him
For a lot of men, their sex lives are one of the things that they value in life most, something that defines them. So, failing to get their penis hard for sex can be a big blow to their self-worth and self-esteem. To help your partner not feel as bad, you should go talk to him and ask what he is feeling, what his thoughts are, and other things. By spending time with him, you are showing him that you can be relied on, and that you are not abandoning him during these trying times.
3. Try something new in the bedroom
You and your partner should not let erectile dysfunction stop you from enjoying sex. You should look for other ways to pleasure and satisfy each other in the bedroom. Find activities that will not put so much pressure on him to perform. Make him see that there are other ways to be intimate with each other.
4. Ask him if he wants you to go to the doctor with him
There are many people who are not so fond of going to the doctor’s office. It can be scary and nerve-wracking, especially if you go alone. If your partner has decided to seek professional medical help, you should offer to accompany him. The presence of someone he trusts while he waits for a diagnosis or test result can help make him feel less nervous.
5. Think positive
It is not uncommon for men to feel dejected and hopeless after receiving an erectile dysfunction diagnosis. It is at this moment that your partner needs your support the most. While the condition can bring about a number of negative effects, it is treatable. The both of you should not forget that and focus your time and effort on treatment and getting better as soon as possible.
What are the treatment methods available for erectile dysfunction?
Men who are diagnosed with erectile dysfunction are typically prescribed medications that can improve their penile performance. There are many different types of these oral medications, but some of the most well-known ones are vardenafil, tadalafil, avanafil, and sildenafil. When taking these, it is important to follow the doctor’s prescribed dosage to avoid experiencing harmful side effects. Sometimes, doctors may also recommend infections, suppositories, and testosterone replacement to improve erectile functions.
Doctors may also advise making a healthy lifestyle change, as many cases of erectile dysfunction can be caused by bad habits and underlying conditions. By quitting smoking or excessive alcohol drinking, losing weight, eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and sleeping enough everyday, the risk of erectile dysfunction can be lowered. Taking care of one’s mental and emotional health is key to a healthy sex life too, so going to a therapist or psychologist should be strongly considered as well.
