Download this article as a PDF to print and share with others.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that not only affects a man, it also affects his sexual partner(s). As with many things related to one’s sexual health, ED can be a sensitive subject, and one that is not necessarily easy to broach in conversation.
Therefore, it may be helpful for partners of men with ED to have a few strategies on how to best approach the situation, support their partner, and maintain their own sexual health. The following suggestions are just that.
- Make time to discuss the matter. As uncomfortable as it may feel at first, couples who are able to talk about ED and the feelings that go along with it are better poised to work through the issue and find solutions together. Partners of men with ED may assume that they are unwanted, that intimacy is no longer desired, or they may even suspect infidelity. This is usually not the case at all. Honest communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship, and this extends to matters of sexual health as well. It is important to note, however, that bringing up this conversation in the bedroom may compound feelings of shame and anxiety for the individual with ED. Instead, find another time to address the topic when both individuals are clothed and calm.
- Learn about ED and its treatments. A quick internet search should be enough to reassure couples dealing with ED that they are not alone. ED is a common problem that affects men all around the world. Fortunately, this means that there are several treatment options available for this condition, including sex therapy, oral medications, vacuum erection devices, injection therapies, and penile implants. Although looking into potential treatment options for ED may feel daunting, there are many tools and health care professionals who can help. For example, resources such as the HARD: The Fight to Solve ED video series can help clear up misinformation around ED and explain the implications of getting a penile implant.
- Make an appointment to meet with a health care provider. Whether an individual with ED prefers to visit a health care provider alone or with his partner, it is important that he does so. ED can be an early indicator of other serious health problems like heart disease, so it is a good idea for the individual to have a medical checkup. What’s more, health care professionals can help couples identify the cause of ED and select an appropriate treatment option.
- Experiment with intimacy. While it is okay to want to resume sexual intercourse eventually, a couple’s intimate connection is about more than penetrative sex that requires an erection. Practicing oral sex, using sex toys, reading or watching erotica together, kissing, hugging, and exchanging massages are all ways to spark intimacy and deepen a couple’s sexual connection.
These are just a few ideas for how partners of men with ED can support their partners and themselves while making strides to address the issue. A sexual medicine provider or mental health professional can also help couples as they navigate the challenges of ED.
References:
Solan, M. (2020, November 19). 7 strategies for partnering up with ED. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/7-strategies-for-partnering-up-with-ed-2020111921385
Wait, M. Medically reviewed by William Blahd, MD. (2015, December 13). A Partner’s Guide to Erectile Dysfunction. https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/features/a-womans-guide-to-ed
You may also be interested in...
SMSNA
Review of SMSNA Position Statement on Restorative Therapies
October 22, 2021Did You Know?
Penile Implants From a Partner's Perspective
November 2, 2021SMSNA
Findings on Location and Severity of Pain After Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery
October 21, 2021Did You Know?
Penile Implants for Erectile Dysfunction: A Q&A With an Implant Specialist
September 14, 2021Did You Know?
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
August 17, 2021Did You Know?
A Non-Medicated Gel to Treat Erectile Dysfunction: Snake Oil or the Real Deal?
May 25, 2021Blog
The Role of the Mind in Erections and Erectile Dysfunction
May 27, 2021Did You Know?
Alcohol and Temporary Erectile Dysfunction
February 2, 2021Blog
An Overview of Hard Flaccid Syndrome
March 2, 2021Other Popular Articles
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
How Long Does It Take the Average Man to Ejaculate?
On average, it takes a man between 5 to 7 minutes to orgasm and ejaculate during sexual intercourse.
Can Sex Throw off Your Vaginal pH Balance?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Your vagina is a pretty powerful organ. It is a pathway for menstrual blood and babies. It also is a main player in sexual intercourse. You might hear about your vagina’s pH and worry that yours is at risk. Here’s what to know about vaginal pH, including the impacts sex could have.
Attention: Restrictions on use of SMSNA content in third party applications, including artificial intelligence technologies, such as large language models and generative AI.
You are prohibited from using or uploading content you accessed through this website into external applications, bots, software, or websites, including those using artificial intelligence technologies and infrastructure, including deep learning, machine learning and large language models and generative AI.
