Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common occurrence for men, especially as they hit middle age. While ED can be devastating for a man, it can also affect the other partner in the relationship. If you’re a man who has erectile dysfunction, or you’re the girlfriend/boyfriend of your partner that has ED, consider these steps you can take as a couple to improve your sex lives.
Self-Esteem Issues from ED
It’s not unusual for men to feel insecure about their erectile dysfunction, and it may make them act in ways they don’t intend. When we feel embarrassed or hurt, it’s common to lash out at our partners when we’re frustrated, but doing so can harm the relationship. Sometimes, someone who suffers from ED may blame their partner when it has nothing to do with them.
It’s easier to point blame than to see the problem with ourselves – even though ED isn’t an issue involving sexual interest or drive. A man’s sex drive may be high, and they may still be very attracted to their partner, yet they can’t maintain an erection. Men who suffer from ED should never blame their partner because it could foster hatred in them.
Your sexual partner, girlfriend, or boyfriend wants to help you with this situation, and it can be as easy as getting viagra connect in the UK. Most of the time, a man who suffers from ED can maintain an erection with viagra alone.
Understand the Erectile Dysfunction is Common
Erectile dysfunction is common and nothing to be ashamed of. At least 50% of men in the UK experience sexual dysfunction, affecting 322 million men globally. These figures don’t make the issue any less stressful, and couples often state that ED is more of a problem in their relationship than infertility, insomnia, or obesity.
Many men and women ignore the existence of this problem, but it will only make it worse. It’s essential to acknowledge erectile dysfunction because there could be underlying health problems contributing to low blood flow in the penis.
How to Approach the Problem
If you want to seek help for erectile dysfunction, understand that avoiding the issue of alienating your partner could dismantle the relationship entirely. As a partner of someone who had ED, it may be necessary to confront them and help your loved one face the problem. Open the lines of communication, and tell your loved one you’re here to help.
You may get some resistance because many men associate sexual performance with their manhood. Try to help them understand that you don’t see them as any less of a man and that your concern is primarily with their health. State that your objective is to maintain a sexual relationship with your partner, not hurt or belittle them.
Sex Changes as we Age
There is a harmful stereotype that men have to be turned on by the sight of their partner alone, but, like anyone else, men may need more than that to experience sex fully. Especially as we age, couples will notice they need direct stimulation and not just the sight of a sexual turn-on. Understand that this isn’t a sign that their partner finds them unattractive.
Also, there is more to sex than just intercourse. Keep a sense of intimacy as you handle erectile dysfunction by kissing, hugging, or performing oral to maintain closeness. Foreplay and other sexual acts are integral in keeping a sexual relationship between both partners, and couples shouldn’t limit themselves to penetration alone.