Stress, bad lifestyle choices, health issues, and overall an unbalanced emotional environment can lead to a man’s worst fears - erectile dysfunction (ED). Even though experts agree that ED is quite common (especially as you age), the inability to maintain an erection is more than just a masculine health problem.
In addition, this affliction is not just physical. Erectile Dysfunction has deep psychological implications on both partners and can put a lot of pressure on the bond of marriage and long-term relationships. 
However, if approached with care and consideration, there are ways to turn things around and out this problem behind.

It Is a Treatable Condition

ED can be episodic (it happens from time to time) or it can be a chronic problem, but the silver lining is that there is treatment. As such, it shouldn’t be seen as a crisis, but more like a speed bump. 
There are lots of medical treatments available for this problem, but first, it’s important to understand what causes it. That’s why it’s best to first visit a medical specialist, who can recommend the right course of treatment. If you don’t feel like having a face-to-face conversation with a doctor, you can also check sites like Rex MD. Here, men can get specialized help online and access to medical solutions (such as Viagra).
However, if this is the first time you’re experiencing ED, it’s highly recommended that you speak to an in-person doctor. It’s also a good idea to keep your partner in the loop, so they’ll understand your health condition at a different level. 

Trust & Communication Are Crucial

Men are usually taught to keep emotions for themselves, which is why they avoid sensitive topics (such as erectile problems). However, this also blocks real communication between partners, since it can make them both feel uncomfortable or unwanted (without this being true). 
On the other hand, trust is the foundation on which you build a long-lasting and happy relationship with a partner. It gives you the power to open up and be vulnerable about your insecurities while allowing your partner to understand and be supportive. 
As such, when you combine trust and communication, you get a solid foundation with a good structure. That’s why erectile dysfunction needs to be discussed and analyzed with calm and love towards one another. It doesn’t help anyone to assign blame or retreat within yourself. 

It’s not an Attraction Problem

ED makes men feel like they’re not real men and women like they’re no longer attractive for their partners. But this is as far from the truth as it possibly can get. 
The impossibility to sustain an erection has nothing to do with attraction - even tough an unsatisfying sex life can kill the spark in the bedroom. As such, you won’t be able to cure it by simply trying harder between the sheets or getting a new, more exciting partner. 
When you peel the layers of social stigma and misunderstanding, it’s easy to see that this is nothing more but a temporary health problem. And, due to modern medicine and studies, there are plenty of ways to go about solving it. 

Wrap Up

It’s not easy to have this sort of discussion with your partner, but it can be an experience that strengthens the bonds between partners. So, before you retreat within yourself or think negatively about the situation, try to open up and ask for your partner’s love and support. 

WRITTEN BY

Claire Ward