How to talk about erectile dysfunction
Every day I talk with men about erectile dysfunction. It’s common for them to feel embarrassed or to think that that something is ‘wrong’ with them. This can lead to a cycle of negative self-talk and anxiety which in turn further influences the issue.
Avoiding physical intimacy, paired with communication breakdown, puts a strain on relationships. As difficult as the topic can be, simply talking about ED can go a long way to overcoming it and reestablishing connection with your partner.
The first step is simply bringing up the issue
Even if you or your partner don’t have much to say at first, that’s okay. Start by sharing what you’re feeling, either physically or mentally. This can lead to a more productive conversation next time about possible causes and remedies.
It’s important to acknowledge that no one is at fault
ED is incredibly common, impacting up to half of men over the age of 40. Emphasise this point and make it very clear that your partner should not feel ashamed or judged.
Sexual intercourse does not have to be the marker of a healthy, fulfilling relationship
Remove the pressure by discussing other forms of physical intimacy while you search for solutions. Sometimes this can be enough for the problem to resolve on its own!
Of course, there are often underlying physiological factors at play, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. ED can also be linked to certain medications, lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, being overweight), or be triggered by surgery, particularly gastro-intestinal or lower abdominal procedures, such as prostatectomy, as well as radiation treatment.
Stress and anxiety are also leading causes
...either from external factors like work or family, or from ED itself. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma surrounding ED. This can lead to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem, making it harder to achieve an erection.
Despite being so common, people still feel they can’t talk openly about it. This lack of communication only makes things worse.
Just make sure you speak about it!
Peter Fairgray
Pharmacist
TerryWhite Chemmart
Arana Hills, QLD
Every day I talk with men about erectile dysfunction. It’s common for them to feel embarrassed or to think that that something is ‘wrong’ with them. This can lead to a cycle of negative self-talk and anxiety which in turn further influences the issue.
Avoiding physical intimacy, paired with communication breakdown, puts a strain on relationships.
As difficult as the topic can be, simply talking about ED can go a long way to overcoming it and re-establishing connection with your partner.
The first step is simply bringing up the issue
Even if you or your partner don’t have much to say at first, that’s okay. Start by sharing what you’re feeling, either physically or mentally.
This can lead to a more productive conversation next time about possible causes and remedies.
It’s important to acknowledge that no one is at fault
ED is incredibly common, impacting up to half of men over the age of 40. Emphasise this point and make it very clear that your partner should not feel ashamed or judged.
Sexual intercourse does not have to be the marker of a healthy, fulfilling relationship
Remove the pressure by discussing other forms of physical intimacy while you search for solutions. Sometimes this can be enough for the problem to resolve on its own!
Of course, there are often underlying physiological factors at play, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
ED can also be linked to certain medications, lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, being overweight), or be triggered by surgery, particularly gastro-intestinal or lower abdominal procedures, such as prostatectomy, as well as radiation treatment.
Stress and anxiety are also leading causes
...either from external factors like work or family, or from ED itself. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma surrounding ED.
This can lead to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem, making it harder to achieve an erection. Despite being so common, people still feel they can’t talk openly about it. This lack of communication only makes things worse.
Just make sure you speak about it!
Peter Fairgray
Pharmacist
TerryWhite Chemmart
Arana Hills, QLD