Erectile Dysfunction

While erectile dysfunction (ED) is common, it’s also frequently misunderstood. Learn about what ED is…and isn’t.

ED is a subject that is not often talked about—it can be awkward and embarrassing for both and men and women to discuss, even with a healthcare provider. But talking about it, and learning about it, can help men and their partners understand and manage this common condition.

What ED is:

  • The inability to maintain an erection suitable for intercourse.
  • A medical condition that can affect men of any age.
  • A common sexual problem that typically has a physical cause, but can also be the result of psychological issues or a side effect of medication.
  • Often, the first sign of an underlying medical condition.

What ED isn’t:

  • A “natural part of aging.”
  • A sign that a man isn’t interested in sex or isn’t attracted to his partner.
  • Something that only happens to older men.
  • Just a man’s problem.
  • A problem without solutions.

This last point is an important one to remember—there are solutions. The first step to that solution is talking to a healthcare provider to figure out what is causing ED. There are many things that can cause ED:

  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Trauma from surgery, such as surgery related to prostate cancer
  • Hormonal problems (e.g. thyroid disease)
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Relationship problems
  • Fear of intimacy or performance anxiety
  • Drug abuse
  • Alcoholism
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Certain prescription medications

A healthcare provider can help figure out what is causing ED, and what treatment might be best.

Involving Your Partner

ED isn’t just the problem of the person suffering from ED—their partner is affected as well.

ED can cause a man to withdraw from sex and his partner. A female partner may blame herself, thinking that she is no longer desirable. She may also blame her partner and suspect infidelity as the cause behind his ED. A lack of communication can be destructive for couples dealing with ED. For men in relationships dealing with ED, talking with a partner is an essential part of managing the condition.

So how do couples start the conversation about ED?

What to do:

  • Acknowledge that this is difficult to talk about. For many men, sexual performance is a real part of self identity, and problems in that area can be a blow to a man’s self esteem. Recognize that this is hard to talk about, even embarrassing, but important—for both of you.
  • Educate yourselves about ED. Learn what ED is (and isn’t) to better understand what might be causing the problem. As most cases of ED have physical causes, focus on this as a medical problem like any other.
  • Stay positive and focus on solutions. There are many treatment options available and professionals, including healthcare providers and therapists, who can help.

What not to do:

  • Withdraw from your partner and avoid sex. This can only lead to greater misunderstanding of the issue.
  • Discuss this in the bedroom. Instead, choose a neutral place to talk and approach the subject in a calm manner, away from the heightened emotions of the bedroom.
  • (For partners) Internalize the problem. This is a medical problem your partner is dealing with. ED is does not mean your partner is cheating or no longer finds you attractive. Focus on helping your partner and encouraging him to seek medical help.

Treatment Options

There are a number of options to treat ED, depending on the cause. And since ED can often be the first sign of an underlying medical condition, discovering and treating this may help resolve the issues with ED as well as improve overall health.

Keeping ED in Perspective

An erection isn’t necessary for sexual satisfaction (or orgasm, for that matter). When managing ED, remember that there are many ways to please a partner and experience sexual pleasure. This can be an opportunity to expand your sexual boundaries as a couple and explore new practices, positions, and techniques. Keep the focus on pleasure, not an erection.

Download the Fact Sheet

10 Things to Know About Erectile Dysfunction Learn the basics about erectile dysfunction—from causes, to treatment options, and relationship issues—with ASHA’s brief fact sheet, Ten Things to Know About Erectile Dysfunction.
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