How is this going to affect my relationship?

You know that sex can be an important component of a fulfilling life. So it's understandable that any symptoms of ED can cause some sexual anxiety... for you and your partner***.

ED itself doesn't have to pose a threat to your relationship because ED can be treated. What can be a problem is what happens – or doesn't happen – before you and your partner finally get around to discussing it and doing something about it.

You probably already noticed that:

  • A man can be so overwhelmed and preoccupied by ED, that he doesn't realize how it's affecting you or the relationship.
  • Your man may slip into denial – shutting out any chance to address and solve the issue, or to stop the impact it is having on the relationship.
  • No decision is the worst decision... one that guarantees that the problem grows and you both suffer more.
  • As your partner struggles with frustration, fear and avoidance, he may become emotionally distanced from you (if he hasn't already).
  • In some cases, men with ED may avoid any sexual situations, even kissing and hugging.

Erection hardness and sexual satisfaction

In an international survey of 12,563 participants (both men and women), of those who 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§.

***A 27-country international consumer survey designed to explore sexual habits and behaviors, particularly the aspirations and unmet needs. Among partners of men who were usually, sometimes or never able to get and keep an erection (n=2805), 39% felt at fault and 40% were hesitant to try again.

§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.

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