ED and Intimacy: Maintaining a Healthy Relationship

Erectile dysfunction (ED) comes up in discussions about sex and intimacy as a “medical problem”, but let’s face it, it is not just a medical problem. It can silently affect emotions, feelings of self-confidence, and even the relationship between partners in a romantic relationship. All relationships are rooted in intimacy, and now you have ED that adds the extra part of intimacy (i.e. frustration) that is often uninvited and unwelcomed.  However, couples are able to deal with it move past it and potentially grow from the experience.

The Influence of ED in Relationships

Most men who have faced erectile dysfunction initially, are embarrassed, upset, or anxious. Many men will likely withdraw from physical intimacy with their partner because it may feel less disappointing to deny their partner physical intimacy altogether than to have to deal with the admissions of vulnerability to either their self or their partner in that moment. Communication of the condition is important, especially if the partner believes that their partner has lost attraction for them, escalated distances may occur. The reality of ED is that it is pure health condition, it is not a reflection of love, attraction, or masculinity.

Communication Matters

One of the first things that couples can start doing that is simple, but often the hardest thing is simply talking about it. Open conversations help to relieve some of those assumptions & pressure. Sharing something like, “I’m really struggling with this. But I want us to work through it,” can be very impactful. Once both partners accept it’s a challenge they share, it won’t feel so heavy in the relationship.

Intimacy that is not Intercourse

And let’s remind most people of this: intimacy is not all about intercourse. Cuddling, kissing, holding hands, laughing, cuddling all maintain closeness. Sometimes avoiding the pressure of trying to be intimate, attempting different ways to be intimate instead can make being intimate fun again, instead of stress.

Help/Support Together

ED is treatable. And, the couple does not have to go through this alone. In the case that ED persists in being an issue after doing couples work on it, it is advisable to see a doctor, or a therapist. The couple can even refer to resources, like www.medypharma.com, assuming the site is legitimate. Doing this provides the couple with practical resources and emotional resources. One the couple shifts to approaching ED as a team, it becomes an opportunity for growth instead of an impediment.

Rebuilding Confidence

When recovering from ED, men deal with restoring confidence just as much as restoring erections. A lot of men tend to blame themselves and not understanding the process can take longer. Support from partners can settle the distress and enable healing. Those small things are enough—affection, reassurance, patience will take you far!

ED may challenge intimacy, but it doesn’t mean that intimacy and connection needs to be inherently broken. Actually, facing ED together can produce a healthier relationship and create trust. Know that love is bigger bigger than any diagnosis and with communication, patience, and facing the problem together, couples can stay intimate and happy.

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