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 remain 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 they 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.
