Intimacy is the heart and soul of a relationship but when erectile dysfunction enters the picture, it can shake the strongest of couples. It is predominantly a male health condition, but ED has a far-reaching impact that extends beyond the affected individual. In this case, having difficulty maintaining or achieving an erection can cause a ripple effect that also impacts your partner and poses intimacy challenges. While the condition may not have a cure, it doesn’t mean that your sex life has to come to an end.
Understanding Erectile Dysfunction
Having trouble achieving or maintaining an erection from time to time is nothing to worry about. If it is an ongoing issue you may be suffering from erectile dysfunction. Male sexual arousal is a complex process that works in tandem with the hormones, brain, emotions, muscles, and blood vessels. However, factors related to psychological and physical problems or lifestyle factors can impact such arousal and prevent you from achieving a satisfying sexual experience and also affect your overall well-being.
Managing ED in a relationships
Sexual intimacy is an important part of a healthy and successful relationship. However, not being able to achieve an erection can cause relationship problems. While there is an ongoing stigma around addressing male sexual health, it is important to seek help.
- Seeking treatment for ED
Several treatments can help achieve an erection ranging from prescribed medications such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which involves identifying and changing unhealthy patterns of thought that may contribute to erectile dysfunction.
- Communicating with your partner
Like any other issue, communication in ED relationships is necessary to understand any concerns you may have. Although it poses a challenge to speak freely about stigmatized conditions such as ED, it is important to note that problems in relationships may increase when things are kept hidden but building trust can ease the problems.
- Rediscover each other and explore playful options
It is important to enjoy your time together and experiment to discover new ways that might please you both beyond sexual intercourse. Lovemaking and exploring each other’s body such as oral stimulation, stroking, or kissing can be a satisfying experience even without an erection.
- Avoid unhealthy habits
Certain habits such as smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and illicit drugs can worsen ED. Chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage your cardiovascular system, affecting the flow of blood to your penis and increasing your risk of developing erectile dysfunction.
- Remaining stress-free
Worries related to performing in bed (performance anxiety) or anxiety related to work or other problems in life can affect your ability to perform or enjoy in bed. Deep breathing exercises or massage techniques can help you relax and perform.
- Exercise regularly
Monitoring your weight and getting regular exercise can help improve your sex life. It helps improve your cardiovascular and muscular strength and overall well-being.
