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Erectile Dysfunction Explained: Top Causes, Symptoms, and Relationship-Saving Tips
Erectile Dysfunction Explained: Top Causes, Symptoms, and Relationship-Saving Tips
Vanessa Tarfon
1 Jul 2024 – 3 min read
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can feel like a shadow over your intimate moments, but it’s more common than you might think and doesn’t spell the end of your sex life. In fact, navigating ED can even bring you closer to your partner. Let’s dive into the details and discover how you can thrive through it.
The Numbers Behind ED
ED affects men worldwide, including right here in Australia. Here’s a quick look at how common it is by age:
Under 40: About 5-10% of men deal with ED. It’s less common, but definitely happens.
40-59: Around 20-30% of men in this age group experience ED.
60 and above: Up to 50-60% of men have ED, influenced by age, health and lifestyle factors.
Causes of ED
Understanding what causes ED can help you tackle it head-on. Here are some key factors:
Physical Causes: Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and hormonal imbalances. Lifestyle habits like smoking, drug use, excessive alcohol, and lack of exercise can also play a role.
Psychological Causes: Stress, anxiety, guilt, resentment, depression, life changes, and relationship issues can significantly impact your sexual health. Remember, your brain is your biggest sex organ!
Medications: Some medications for high blood pressure, depression, or other conditions can have side effects that affect erectile function.
Inadequate stimulation or sexual misinformation: Lack of correct sex education around the male sexual arousal process, performance anxiety and intrusive thoughts, and self-image issues can contribute to erectile problems.
ED symptoms
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when it’s consistently tough to get or keep an erection firm enough for intercourse. Recognising the symptoms of ED can help Health Professionals or Therapists determine the right treatment plan for you.
Some key questions to consider:
- Are you able to achieve an erection at all or only occasionally?
- Do you wake in the morning with an erection?
- Are you able to hold an erection during masturbation until orgasm?
- Are you able to hold an erection during manual or oral sex until orgasm?
- Have you always had issues or is this a new issue?
- Do you consider your sexual desire to be low, normal or high?
Knowing the stats can help you realise you’re not alone. Unfortunately, less than 15% of men seek treatment or advice, often struggling for over a year in silence.
Erectile Dysfunction and Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Two-Way Street
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is also common, especially for women in midlife, menopause, or dealing with issues like prolapse or trauma. Just like ED, it affects women of all ages, and many don’t seek help for years.
For many couples, it’s a “chicken or the egg” scenario: Which comes first, ED or FSD?
The truth is, they often go hand-in-hand. Relationship dynamics play a big role, and if one partner has a sexual dysfunction, it can affect the other. The important thing is to address and manage both with care and understanding. Communication and mutual support are key.
Thriving Through ED: Practical Tips
Alright, gentlemen (and supportive partners), let’s get to the good stuff. Having ED doesn’t mean your sex life is over. Far from it! Here are some tips to help you thrive:
Talk About It:
Communication is crucial. Talk to your partner and a doctor. It might be awkward at first, but it’s the first step to finding a solution. Emphasise your desire to enjoy intimacy for years to come and keep a positive mindset.
Lifestyle Changes:
The little things make a big difference. Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, quit smoking, and reduce alcohol consumption. These changes can improve your overall health and your ED.
Medication:
There are effective medications available. Consult your doctor to find the best option for you. Also, check if any regular medications you take might affect your sexual function and ask about alternatives.
Sex Therapy:
ED can have psychological roots. Counselling or therapy can help address underlying issues like stress, anxiety, or depression. Remember the first rule of Fight Club…“Don’t talk about Fight Club”. The more you obsess over your performance, the harder it becomes to relax and enjoy sex.
Explore Alternatives:
Intimacy isn’t just about intercourse. Sex includes all sexual activities – manual, oral and penile acts. Explore other ways to connect with your partner. Go back to the basics and focus on kissing, hugging and touching. There’s a lot of fun to have when you stop making intercourse the end goal. Contact me today for more information on reviving intimacy and sexual acts that will work in your favour.
Knowledge is power. Understanding ED and FSD can help you navigate these issues with confidence. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Whether it’s a temporary hiccup or feeling like you’ve lost your manhood, there’s always a way forward. Embrace the opportunity to deepen your connection and intimacy with your partner.
Reach out today for more information on reviving intimacy and discovering sexual activities that work in your favour.
Vanessa Tarfon
Sex Therapist, owner of Authentic Awareness
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