Erectile dysfunction affects more than just the person struggling with it. Without appropriate intervention, erectile dysfunction can affect a couple’s relationship, on both a sexual and an emotional level. Conversations with your partner can be uncomfortable, but they’re essential for maintaining a relationship based on mutual respect and trust. Learn how ED can affect your relationship, and what to do about it.
Intimate Partner Guilt or Anger
Erectile dysfunction has an obvious effect on a couple’s sexual relationship. However, a nagging problem with ED can create other long-lasting issues. Notably, it can have an adverse psychological effect on your intimate partner.
Men handle the embarrassment of erectile dysfunction in different ways – for example, some may blame their difficulties performing on their partner, even indirectly. This can affect the partner psychologically and leave them to believe that they’re partially to blame for the issue. Even if a man struggling with ED explicitly states that they’re not the reason for the issue, a partner might begin to wonder if his interest is waning.
Intimate partners of those who struggle with ED often suffer from feelings of guilt or low self-esteem. It’s also common for the stress of living with ED to translate into anger, bitterness, or resentment. Both partners might treat one another coldly and with a lack of compassion. Addressing the issue is the only way to preserve the relationship and create a love based on mutual respect.
Emotional Distance
In some cases, partners will opt to continue the relationship and not address the issue of ED. This can lead to emotional distance between two partners, especially as they deprive themselves of sexual intimacy. Emotionally distant partners might seem to function normally from the outside but wrestle with pain and loneliness underneath.
Because of the delicate nature of the problem, it can be hard to broach the subject of ED. However, failure to do so can lead to long-lasting effects in a relationship – or even the breakdown of a loving partnership altogether. To avoid emotional distance, it’s essential to address the problem and seek help for ED when it happens.
ED Treatments Build Confidence and Repair
If you or a loved one suffers from erectile dysfunction, you don’t have to settle or suffer through it alone. High-quality treatment plans exist for the remediation of ED. The first step in recovering is being willing to talk about it.
It’s not uncommon for men to feel uncomfortable discussing their erectile dysfunction. It can be hard enough to admit a problem to an intimate partner, let alone a medical professional. However, acknowledging the problem exists is the first step in getting the help you need. Often, erectile dysfunction results from an underlying medical condition such as neuropathy or diabetes.
At Austin Clinic for Men, we understand the impact erectile dysfunction can have on your life and your relationship. We offer personalized solutions based on your medical history and other contributing factors. To get on the road to improvement today, contact us to learn more about erectile dysfunction treatment.