What Your Partner Thinks About Erectile Dysfunction

Whenever the topic of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) comes up, it’s almost always about the men. They’re the ones directly affected. They’re the ones who suffer humiliation. They’re the ones who need to undergo treatment. But what about their partners? They, too, are affected when their boyfriends or husbands have ED. It’s time we start talking about how partners feel about men with erectile dysfunction. How do others feel about men with erectile dysfunction? What should someone do if his or her husband has erectile dysfunction? Let’s find out together! 

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Your Partner 

Erectile dysfunction affects other people as much as men. There is no denying that. How do their partners feel when they have erectile dysfunction? What’s going through their minds? Here are some common perspectives: 

• Empathy – Most people know that erectile dysfunction is a medical condition. Their first reaction is to feel empathy for their partners. They know that this is not something that their partners want. They know that erectile dysfunction is not a reflection of how their partners feel about them. However, if your partner feels that ED is a result of how you feel about them, make sure that you talk to them. Explain to them the science behind ED and that it is not a reflection of how you feel about them. 
• Concern – Your partner might express concern about any underlying health issues that might have caused their partner’s ED. Examples are diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and kidney issues. They’ll encourage you to get tested or get a second opinion. It also often spurs them into action to take a more active role in dealing with ED. Some partners might push their loved ones into making immediate lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, going on a diet, or exercising regularly. 

Your partner might also express concern about the impact of ED on your self-esteem... that their confidence might take a hit. Or that he would think of himself as a lesser man because of ED. 

• Frustration – It is normal for partners to feel frustrated about the situation. They might feel that they could have done something more to prevent the situation. Or they should have noticed warning signs that could have prevented the situation from escalating. Feelings of frustration can also stem from the inevitable changes that ED will cause on the intimate side of the relationship. Intimacy is a critical part of any relationship, and the lack of intimacy caused by ED can be frustrating to your partner. 

What can men do for their partners? 

Now that you know how your partner feels about you having ED, what can you do as a man to support your partner? 

• Communicate – Open up to your partner. Be honest. You might feel embarrassed about the situation, but it is not something you should keep from your partner. Your partner has the right to know what you are going through. 
• Reassure – Reassure your partner that your ED is medical in nature and not because of how you feel for them. They might have the wrong idea that you are unable to achieve an erection because you don’t find them attractive anymore. Or that you no longer love them. Or that you don’t want to be intimate with them because you’re seeing someone else. 

Reassure your partner that ED is treatable and that you are seeking professional help. As much as possible, involve your partner in making decisions regarding the treatment options you are considering. Show them that they are an important part of your life, and their support during these trying times means a lot to you. 

Surviving erectile dysfunction as a couple 

What can a partner do if their husband develops erectile dysfunction? How should you as a couple ensure that your relationship will survive ED? 

• Support each other – Showing that you support one another can lessen the burden of ED. Partners can show their men that they support getting treatment if they wish to avail one. On the other hand, men can acknowledge that their partners are also suffering and that they are there if they need a shoulder to lean on. 
• Manage stress – Battling ED can be stressful for anyone. Find ways of reducing stress which might aggravate ED. Go out on dates, spend time on a vacation, or find a new hobby that you and your partner enjoy. 
• Seek professional help – Enlist the help of a professional in treating ED. Treatment regimens might entail trade-offs so involve your partner in your decision. 

If you haven’t yet talked to a health professional about your erectile dysfunction, contact us at the Men’s Health Clinic (MHC). MHC provides FREE consultation and offers bespoke treatment plans for ED. We thoroughly check your health profile and assess the best medication dosage and other treatments that may be applicable for your condition. 

Conclusion 

We’re often so preoccupied with the question “How does a man feel with erectile dysfunction?” that we forget that our partners are also affected. They also feel stressed about the situation. They also worry that ED is just the tip of the iceberg, and there might be other health issues we just haven’t discovered. Women are our partners, and it’s time we treat them as our primary support mechanism in dealing with ED. With their love and support, the battle against ED just became a lot easier. Ready to manage your erectile dysfunction? Book an appointment with us now.