By definition, Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can be regarded as the inability of a man to get or keep an erection firm enough to have $exual intercourse. It can equally be referred to as impotence. This challenge is no doubt very common among men and has caused a lot of intimate relationships to lose verve.
Where a man is suffering from erectile dysfunction, the chances are that the challenge may affect and/or change his relationship with himself and his partner. Besides, the man suffering from erectile dysfunction may on many occasions be embarrassed and often times carry a guilty posture.
This, no doubt, makes it extremely difficult for any man affected by this ailment to talk to his partner about this issue. It has been proven that erectile dysfunction has a direct impact on the life of a man and even his marriage. Erectile dysfunction in most cases does not only affect the man, but his partner as well.
Partner relationship
One major situation experienced amongst couples tackling erectile dysfunction begins with failures of $exual advances. This can have an effect on issues of trust, intimacy, and closeness.
The man then discovers that he is withdrawing emotionally and physically because of fear of failure. Consequently, his partner begins to have the belief that the man no longer has interest in her, and as a result impacting self-esteem and feelings of attractiveness.
However, in reality, the man affected by erectile dysfunction is not losing interest, but may be exhibiting signs of frustration and humiliation of not being able to complete the task of $exual intercourse. It is funny to state, that most men see it as very inappropriate to need nurturance, admit that they need a hug, or seek affection.
Therefore, such men frequently do without the comfort and emotional support often more available for women. Specifically, in a situation where a man cannot perform the act of $exual intercourse and get his partner satisfied $exually, he feels very devastated and very much alone.
According to Roy Allen, “From this cascade of events, the couple starts to alienate themselves emotionally and physically.” Even, LoPiccolo has this to say, “Partners who measure their self-esteem, femininity, and desirability by how men respond to their $exuality are particularly vulnerable to fears of abandonment and rejection.
“Men’s emotional detachment feeds into these fears. Partners may worry that their mates may be impotent with them, but potent with another person, leaving them with fantasies of betrayal and infidelity.
“This issue can drive a couple apart because of fears and misconceptions when in reality the couple needs to communicate.”
On his part, Padma-Nathan argued that, “When a man or a woman loses a loving $exual relationship due to ED, either or both individuals may choose to withhold their partner from any other type of $exual experience. After experiencing the pain associated with rejection and lack of empathy from their partner, men and women will divert their attention to other matters in order to compensate for the loss of their $exual partner.
“Sometimes potency problems are a screen for more serious emotional or relationship issues. At this point, there may be other relationship issues between the couple that take priority before focusing on ED issues.
“This is an appropriate time for a man or the couple to be referred to a marriage counsellor or $ex therapist. Even the most sophisticated couples can benefit from opening lines of communication about $ex and learning how best to utilise their functional capabilities. Counselling may be able to rekindle the romance and redirect energies into the relationship.”
Social/Work Relationships
Erectile dysfunction does not only affect the man’s relationship with his partner, but may also affect how the man interacts with friends and co-workers.
In addition, the man may lose his confidence, his enjoyment in life, and mor*le. According to Tomlinson and Wright, “Outwardly,
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