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Erectile Dysfunction
Supporting Your Partner
Erectile
dysfunction can take a toll on a relationship. It is important
to show support and offer encouragement to your loved one
with ED. In addition to encouraging your loved one to seek
medical treatment for his condition, you can help your partner
deal with erectile dysfunction by offering emotional support.
Here are some tips.
Learn
as much as you can about ED. Knowledge is power, so the more
you know, the more you'll be able to support your partner.
When seeking treatment, you and your partner should both agree
on a method that best fits your lifestyle.
Let your partner know that he's not alone. Remind him that
ED is a fairly common and very treatable medical condition.
ED is not a reflection on his masculinity or a lack of attraction
or desire for you. You should also support your partner in
any efforts to change his lifestyle (such as encouraging a
proper diet, quitting smoking or use of any recreational drugs,
etc.) to deal with ED.
Go with him to see the doctor. If your partner is agreeable,
accompany him when he sees his doctor. This is another way
to show that you're concerned and willing to work with him
to treat his condition.
Remind him that there are many options for successful treatment.
If your partner does not succeed initially, encourage him
to continue to visit the doctor and explore other options.
As a partner of a man with ED, you are also affected. Here
are some tips to help you better deal with the situation.
Discuss
your feelings and let your partner know that you care.
Stay positive. Don't talk about blame; instead, talk about
what you and your partner want and need, and how to achieve
it.
Try alternative techniques to obtain sexual satisfaction by
finding other ways to obtain and receive pleasure without
pressuring your partner to perform.
Reviewed
by the doctors at the Glickman Urological Institute at The
Cleveland Clinic.
Edited
by Charlotte Grayson, MD, WebMD, May 2004
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004
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