How can ED affect my relationship?

You know that sex is an important part of a fulfilling relationship. So if you haven't already noticed, symptoms of ED can also cause sexual anxiety for you and for your partner.¥

ED itself need not be a threat to a relationship because ED can be treated. What is potentially damaging is what can happen before you and your partner decide to discuss it and do something.

As you probably already know...

  • Many men can be so overwhelmed and preoccupied by ED, they don't realize the impact it may be having on their partner and their relationship.
  • Some men may slip into denial - missing any chance to take on the issue and stop the effect it's having on the relationship.
  • No decision is a bad one. It guarantees that the problem, and the impact it can have on a relationship, continues.
  • The loss of self-esteem associated with ED may have a serious impact on a man's relationship with his sexual partner.

Obviously there's good reason for both you and your partner to share your feelings. And the best way to do that? You got it! Open, honest dialogue.

Erection hardness as it relates to sexual satisfaction

In an international survey of 12,563 participants (both men and women), of those who had sex in the past 4 weeks and that said they were less than satisfied with the hardness of the man's erection, only 17% of the women and 19% of the men were very satisfied with their sex life. But among those who reported being very satisfied with the hardness of their partner's erection, 65% of the men and 66% of the women said they were very satisfied with their sex life.§

Did you know?

99% of Canadian men believe erection hardness is somewhat to very important.

¥A 27-country international consumer survey designed to explore sexual habits and behaviors, particularly the aspirations and unmet needs. Among men usually, sometimes or never able to get and keep an erection (n=2816), 67% felt that it was their fault.

§A 27-country international consumer survey designed to explore sexual habits and behaviors, particularly the aspirations and unmet needs. With respect to attitude relating to erection, male respondents were: very satisfied n=2096; satisfied n=2600; less than satisfied n=945.

Canadian arm of an international consumer survey designed to explore sexual habits and behaviors, particularly the aspirations and unmet needs. Male respondents to question regarding importance of erection hardness, n=250.

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