How to Manage Erectile Dysfunction as a Couple 

When most couples think of erectile dysfunction, they often believe that medical help is their only course of action. Getting treatment for erectile dysfunction is necessary, but it is also true that there are ways for couples to circumvent the issues that stem from erectile dysfunction. This article will discuss the relationship strategies that couples can engage in while receiving treatment for erectile dysfunction. 

Tackling Erectile Dysfunction as a Team 

Even though erectile dysfunction is only experienced by men, couples can feel its heavy toll on the relationship. Here are our suggestions for approaching erectile dysfunction as a team: 

• Get Medically Involved 
  Rather than dealing with the medical treatment of erectile dysfunction alone, men can include their partners in the process. Couples can choose to research erectile dysfunction together. In case men are hesitant to seek treatment, partners can step in to help them with the process. Partners can also hold men accountable for adhering to the treatment to improve the chances of erectile dysfunction recovery. 
• Go for a Romantic Stroll 
  One of the lifestyle changes that we recommend when it comes to combatting erectile dysfunction is exercising regularly. Some men struggle to do this because they find the idea of exercise tedious. However, exercise is not only limited to what men can do in the gym. Walking is also a form of exercise that protects cardiovascular health, improving erectile function. Men can go for a romantic walk with their partner, hitting two birds with one stone. 
• Do Paired Sports 
  If walking sounds boring, couples can opt to do paired sports for joint exercise. Not only do paired sports improve multiple areas of your fitness, but they also act as a hobby. Paired sports can also help couples become more coordinated with each other, which deepens their bond. Examples of paired sports are badminton and tennis. Of course, couples can also engage in physical activities that are not necessarily done in pairs, such as cycling, swimming, and golf. 
• Eat Healthy Meals 
  Couples who live together and eat the same meals can make dietary changes together. Rather than ordering takeaways or cooking processed food, couples can switch to organic options. Grocery shopping and cooking healthy dishes can also serve as a bonding experience. Switching to whole foods will prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, which contribute to erectile dysfunction.
• Do Joint Meditation 
  Stress is a key factor for erectile health because cortisol has an inverse relationship with testosterone. This means that the more cortisol there is in the body when we are stressed, the less testosterone. Research shows that men with low testosterone have higher risk of erectile dysfunction. To combat this, couples can engage in stress management techniques. Couples can sign up for a meditation class or follow guided meditation from YouTube together. 
• Try Couple’s Therapy 
  The challenges that come with erectile dysfunction can put a strain on relationships. Even the healthiest of couples experience frustration, which can lead to conflict. To minimise the occurrence of heated arguments, couples can have a therapist guide them when discussing how to best tackle the issues that erectile dysfunction brings to the relationship. This gives couples a safe space to discuss needs and alternatives while erectile dysfunction is still present. 

Non-sexual Ways to Strengthen Intimacy 

There’s more to intimacy than just sex. Couples can do other things to strengthen their physical and emotional intimacy. Rekindle the spark and enhance your connection by following these: 

• Communicate Openly 
  Relationships can’t succeed without proper communication, especially during difficulties like erectile dysfunction. It’s important that couples remain connected by regularly communicating their concerns, needs, and feelings with each other. Effective communication prevents misunderstandings from happening, such as in the case of men who won’t explain to their partners why they are unable to get an erection. 
• Set Up Date Nights 
  Another way for couples to express their affection for each other is by going out on dates. Think about it, when you first got together, you probably went on a few dates. Couples who maintain this in their relationship can maintain their strong feelings for each other. Date nights don’t always have to mean expensive dinners. Couples can set up a DIY picnic in the park or snuggle while watching a movie. 
• Use Other Love Languages 
  There are numerous ways to show love apart from physical touch, as depicted in the five love languages. The other love languages are quality time, receiving gifts, words of affirmation, and acts of service. Usually, a person has more than one love language, so if men are unable to satisfy with physical touch, they can focus on the other love languages instead. So, if your partner likes words of affirmation, shower them with verbal affection, compliments, and reassurance. 
• Have Shared Hobbies 
  Bonding over shared hobbies is a classic way for couples to connect. What better way to get to know someone deeply than to have a mutual love for an interest, right? Relationship experts also suggest finding new activities for couples to do together to remain excited with each other. So, if you can’t spend as much time with each other having sex, perhaps you can play video games together or go on a camping trip for some uninterrupted quality time. 
• Cuddle and Kiss 
  Sexual activities aren’t the only option couples have when touching each other. Hugging or kissing will also trigger oxytocin, the love hormone. Hugs stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system, so they also double as a stress prevention mechanism. Kissing, on the other hand, boosts dopamine levels. This means that, even without sex, couples can increase the circulating happy hormones in each other. 
• Massage Each Other 
  Besides cuddling and kissing, couples can get physically intimate by massaging each other. Additionally, anyone who has back pain would appreciate a good back massage from their partner. Massaging helps stimulate blood flow, which is an integral part of the erectile process. Getting a massage is also a fantastic way to relax after a long, busy day. Since giving a massage is an act of service, you can express two love languages at the same time. 

Sexual Alternatives to Penetration 

Having to deal with erectile dysfunction can make successful penetration a struggle for couples. Fortunately, there are other sexual activities that couples can do to reach climax while making the entire experience more enjoyable: 

• Practise Sensate Focus 
  While sensate focus does not really place an emphasis on sex, the goal is to eventually be able to reach orgasm. Sensate focus is an exercise couples can do where they concentrate on the sensations as they comfortably touch each other. Doing this promotes mindfulness, which allows a deeper immersion in the experience. We recommend sensate focus for those who have erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation due to performance anxiety. 
• Make Sure to Do Foreplay 
  There are multiple sexual acts that couples can do to satisfy each other in bed. Some individuals prefer oral sex to penetrative sex. Women, in particular, report that they experience fewer orgasms when they are engaged in sexual intercourse. Couples can also discuss their fantasies and explore their kinks (e.g., bondage and roleplaying) that do not necessarily involve penetration. Some sex experts recommend joint masturbation for couples. 
• Explore Using Sex Toys 
  Some women struggle to climax during penetrative sex, so couples employ the help of sexual toys like vibrators. This also works in reverse. When men are having a tough time with ejaculation, they can use dildos. They can also stick to vibrators and just use their fingers to stimulate their partner. Of course, people can have even more fun since the improvement of technology has led to better products. For example, couples can use a sex robot for a hotter sexual experience. 
• Experiment with Tantric Sex 
  Tantric sex, also called sexual yoga, is an ancient Indian practice of sensual and ritualistic sex. It is slow sex that has spiritualism involved in it. Couples do not necessarily have to pay attention to the religious aspect to enjoy tantric sex. The point is to be mindful and take one’s time when being intimate. People can create their own ‘rituals’ to make their sexual experience more personal and intense. 

Conclusion 

Erectile dysfunction can cause issues in your relationship, but this doesn’t mean that it’s the end for couples. By utilising our strategic approaches, not only will your relationship survive erectile dysfunction, but it will also be stronger than ever before. If you have yet to seek consultation for erectile dysfunction or your current treatment is not working, book an appointment with us to enjoy penetrative sex once more!