Coping With Erectile Dysfunction: Practical Strategies for Couples

Monica Bell
4 days ago
3 min read

Coping with Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a frustrating condition affecting about 30 million men in the US. ED can impact intimacy and communication, and cause feelings of rejection and inadequacy. Like most medical problems, ED should be approached with a commitment to exploring treatments and an open mind to experiencing other forms of intimacy.

Older couple in bed looking happy and connected, showing that coping with erectile dysfunction can still lead to intimacy and satisfaction. — ED doesn’t have to mean the end of intimacy.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

ED does not typically have a single cause and may result from a combination of factors. Some are modifiable and others aren’t.

Age: 50% of males between the ages of 40 and 70 report ED. Age-related ED may be due to declining testosterone levels and co-occurring medical problems that tend to increase with age.
Medical Problems. Medical problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, prostate problems, and nerve damage are related to ED.
Lifestyle Factors. Smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase ED.
Psychological Factors. ED can result from depression, performance anxiety, stress, and relationship problems.

Alternative Treatments to Medication

The first line treatment for ED is usually medication. These include:

Sildenafil (Viagra)
Tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca)
Avanafil (Stendra)

However, medication may not be an option due to side effects or inability to benefit from them. Here are some other tools to consider.

Testosterone Replacement

Testosterone levels decline naturally as men age. A simple blood test can help determine if you are a suitable candidate for testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone replacement may or may not solve your ED problems, but the benefits include:

Improved energy
Increase in muscle mass
Increase in bone density
Improved mood
An increase in libido

Cock Rings

Cock rings can be a viable option to try. These rings are worn around the base of the penis to restrict the flow of blood from the erect penis to produce a stronger and more prolonged erection. When used for ED, a vacuum pump can be used to produce an erection, and the ring is slid off the pump’s cylinder to the base of the penis to maintain the erection before it is lost.

Trimix

Trimix is a compounded injectable medication for men with ED who are unable to take oral medications. The name refers to the three drugs that are combined for the injection.

These three ingredients cause the blood vessels in the penis to dilate and relax, allowing for increased blood flow. We can determine the correct dosage and train you to do a proper injection. An erection typically occurs within 5-20 minutes after the injection, and the erection can last for 30-90 minutes.

How to Communicate with Your Partner

Considering that none of these methods may work or may work inconsistently, it is critical to communicate with your partner and explore other forms of intimacy. Here are our recommendations.

Communication, Intimacy, and Coping with Erectile Dysfunction

Sex can be a challenging topic even without the added problem of ED. Open communication can resolve resentments and misunderstandings and open the door to increased intimacy.

ED is a physiological condition, and you and your partner are not to blame. You may be surprised to learn that your partner is uneducated about ED, and exploring the causes and treatments can reduce anxiety.
Sexual satisfaction is often orgasm focused, and frankly, more focused on male orgasm than female satisfaction. ED can be an opportunity to discover what your partner likes and how to increase her sexual satisfaction.
Intimacy takes many forms. Couples often overlook how performance anxiety can impact sexual satisfaction. Explore these alternatives:
- Massage. Give one another massages or use caressing.
- Kissing. Kissing doesn’t have to be a prelude to sex.
- Cuddling. Affectionate embraces can provide closeness and comfort
- Holding Hands. Holding hands communicates closeness and connection.

How Optimal Hormone Health Can Help

Intimacy challenges are common for almost everyone. As we age, hormone levels decline, activity levels can decrease, and chronic medical conditions can begin to develop. At Optimal Hormone Health, we believe that sexual health is inextricably linked to overall health and well-being. Discuss your intimacy concerns with us, and our individualized and holistic approach can provide you with a personalized roadmap to increased vitality and well-being.