When something in your body isn't functioning properly, feeling concerned is normal. But when it causes issues in other areas of your life, like with your partner, it can bring you and that relationship more stress.
Men aren't the only ones who deal with erectile dysfunction (ED). Their partners also deal with the extent of this issue. Dealing with something like ED can cause a strain on your relationship.
It's a sensitive topic of conversation, but it's something that needs to be addressed if you want your relationship to work. This is how to deal with erectile dysfunction in a relationship.
Be Open and Honest
No matter if you're the one struggling with erectile dysfunction or if you're the partner, it can be difficult to broach such a sensitive topic of conversation. But it's important to remember that you and your partner are a team. Communication, including both positive and challenging conversations, is key in all relationships. You're in this together, and avoiding dealing with it will only lead to pent-up thoughts and emotions that will eventually boil over into something larger.
Educate Yourself
Take some time to educate yourself about ED. Read books, articles and blogs. Listen to podcasts or follow a page on social media to learn more about it. This is a great way to get more informed and not let your emotions or myths get in the way. Plus, knowing more about it can help you have those conversations with your partner and help support one another.
Don't Play the Blame Game
It's important not to blame yourself or your partner for having ED. It's equally important not to blame yourself if your partner is struggling with it. You and your partner didn't choose this. Erectile dysfunction is a medical condition. Instead of placing blame on yourself or your partner, try to focus on finding solutions for bettering your relationship and intimacy. You're a team, you need to work together so that you both win.
Support One Another
Erectile dysfunction can make each partner in the relationship feel down and even bad about themself. They may feel embarrassed, ashamed or experience low self-esteem. Try to show up as a good partner by letting the other know that you're there to support them. Erectile dysfunction doesn't have to change the way you feel about one another. Life is filled with ups and downs. Consider this one of those obstacles that you're going to get through together.
Try New Things
If your sexual intimacy feels like it's off due to erectile dysfunction, consider implementing new activities like holding hands, kissing, cuddling, foreplay, oral sex or toys. Trying something new can help you and your partner connect on a deeper level. You may even discover something that you and your partner both love and want to incorporate moving forward.
Encourage Healthy Habits
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help you feel better from the inside out and can help reduce the impact of ED. Encourage each another to eat healthy and well-balanced meals, aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night and find ways to move your body for at least thirty minutes every day. This also means avoiding those quick short-term fixes that can lead to other issues like alcohol, smoking or drugs.
Seek Additional Support
If erectile dysfunction is getting in the way of your relationship, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for additional support. The advice and knowledge of an outside third party can help you and your partner see things from a different perspective. Erectile dysfunction is something that can be treated with lifestyle changes, therapy or medication. Working with a couples counselor can help you and your partner improve your communication, address any concerns and explore different ways for you to be intimate with one another.
Reach out today to get started.