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Nearly every man can experience brief problems with erectile function. In almost all cases it is related to certain and specific life circumstances, problems, or stressful situations. Usually, these erectile problems disappear once the situation is resolved or changed. You generally don’t need to go to the doctor.
If you experience erectile dysfunction (ED) for more than 6 months you should seek professional help. Your doctor can help you find the causes by performing physical and psychological tests.
ED can have a negative effect on quality of life. Quality of life involves both physical and psychological health. It is important not only to feel healthy but also to feel free of the psychological discomfort of living with ED.
Another important issue is that different people can experience the same symptoms differently. Therefore, both your personal experience and your quality of life should not be underestimated: they are as important as diagnostic tests and treatment results.
Personal relationships and sex
An intimate relationship between two people is complex and involves many aspects. ED may affect or change your relationship with yourself and your partner. You may be embarrassed and feel guilty, making it difficult to talk to your partner about this issue.
ED could have a direct impact on a committed relationship.
ED can have a negative effect on your sex life.
It is difficult to feel attractive and confident or be intimate with your partner when you do not feel able to give him or her pleasure. This can have an effect on trust, intimacy, and closeness. Your intimacy as well as your daily interaction may be affected.
You can become more emotionally and physically reserved because you fear you will not be able to have satisfying sexual activity. Even though this behaviour may be a sign of frustration and humiliation, your partner may think that you are losing interest in him or her. This can have a negative impact on their self-esteem and feelings of attractiveness.
These changes can be very difficult to deal with because for most men sexuality and erection remains important throughout their whole life. You may even go into denial or suffer from depression. That is why the effect of ED on your quality of life should not be underestimated.
Many men think it is inappropriate to admit the need affection or just a hug. It is important to address the issue by discussing it with your partner. This may prevent emotional and physical distance, and can provide the comfort and emotional support you need.
Your partner may relate his or her own attractiveness and sexual attraction with the ability to get you sexually aroused. He or she can feel vulnerable, rejected, and fear infidelity or abandonment. These feelings may get worse the more often ED prevents you from having fulfilling sexual activity. While treatment to cure ED may solve the physical aspect, the psychological consequences for you and your partner may also need to be dealt with.
It could help if you see a therapist.
Your partner may suffer without saying much, so it is very important that you openly discuss the best way to cope with this condition.
ED not only affects the sex life of men in a committed relationship. Single men with ED often avoid dating because of the condition.
It may be uncomfortable for you to discuss your sex life with a urologist or a sexologist, but it is the most effective way to deal with your concerns. Together with your doctor, you can identify what is important in your sex life and choose the best treatment option to have a satisfactory sex life. If you have a partner, it is important to include them in these consultations.
Seeking help
ED is a very intimate and private condition. Most patients consult multiple sources of information for erectile problems: friends, the Internet, media, a sexual health shop, a pharmacist, a psychologist, or a medical doctor.
Some men choose not to discuss it with anybody or not to go to their doctor because they:
While these reasons may seem convincing, they should not prevent you from seeking help and improving your quality of life.