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With so many erectile dysfunction treatments available today, there's lots of reason for men with ED to feel optimistic. Still, coping with ED can be stressful for both men and their partners. With this in mind, here are some key points to help you better manage your erectile dysfunction over the long term.
Like many health conditions, erectile dysfunction usually develops over time as opposed to appearing suddenly one day. Exceptions to this are cases where ED has been caused by an injury or is a side effect of surgery or some other medical treatment.
But regardless of how erectile dysfunction comes knocking, it rarely disappears overnight and patience is key to coping with ED successfully:
It's very important to understand the difference between a treatment and a cure when it comes to erectile dysfunction. Many of the popular ED treatments - including prescription drugs, vacuum pumps, and certain types of hormone therapy - only work as long as you continue to take or use them. Once the treatment is discontinued, the erectile dysfunction returns.
Some men find the perpetual inconvenience, expense or other factors associated with treating their erectile dysfunction more troublesome than the erectile dysfunction itself. Ultimately, they may choose to discontinue the treatment. For others, the knowledge that one or more of these treatments is available to help them is comforting enough, even though they may choose not to use them frequently.
Other remedies such as lifestyle change (like quitting smoking), counseling, or surgery can sometimes reverse the underlying condition that caused the ED in the first place. While these can provide a more permanent solution to erectile dysfunction, they are not appropriate for everyone, success may take time and is not always guaranteed.
Because it is not a life-threatening condition, erectile dysfunction is sometimes dismissed as a mere "lifestyle condition." As a result, there is often a real stigma associated with openly discussing ED. However, erectile dysfunction can lead to a range of serious psychological problems that have the potential to wreak havoc with a person's well-being or relationships. These include:
The key to avoiding these potentially harmful consequences of ED is to keep the lines of communication open. Men should discuss their erectile dysfunction with their partner in an effort to better understand each other's feelings and expectations and to offer support to one another. Often, speaking about ED openly is itself an important first step towards healing and an integral part of an effective treatment plan.
Men who suffer from ED but are not in a committed relationship have other ways to talk about their erectile dysfunction. ED support groups and a range of counseling services can provide a crucial link to people who have had similar experiences.
Many men are educated to believe that sexual health is synonymous with being able to achieve an erection and have an orgasm. So when we are faced with erectile dysfunction, regardless of the cause, we may develop feelings of inadequacy based on a perceived inability to "perform." This emphasis on performance may be more appropriate for younger men, but fails to take into account the physical changes that affect most men as they get older. (Over half of all men over 40 experience erectile dysfunction to some degree.)
Some people have suggested that as men age, they should consciously adjust their definition of what constitutes sexual health. The fact is that both a man's potency and his sexual drive normally decline with age. Shifting the emphasis from a "performance-based" notion of sexual health to a broader definition that includes behavior not focused entirely on erection and orgasm can be helpful. Erotic massage, sensual touching, body rubbing and fantasy are all examples of pleasurable but less goal-oriented activities that may benefit men or couples affected by ED. One way in which these activities can be explored is through sex therapy.
Many couples affected by erectile dysfunction have found sex therapy to be an effective tool for understanding and treating the condition, particularly in cases where the ED is stress-related or psychological in nature. Often, sex therapy is used along with other ED treatments including prescription drugs. When dealing with erectile dysfunction, the therapist or counselor will typically focus discussion on some or all of the following:
During sex therapy, participants meet with a sex therapist, who is typically a counselor or medical professional who has received specialized training in issues related to sexual functioning. During the sessions, patients discuss their attitudes about sexuality and their erectile dysfunction, including what caused it and how it has affected them. Often, the act of opening up in this way can help improve sexual functioning.
In addition to the counseling element, the therapist will create sexual exercises or "assignments" that a man or a couple can carry out at home. The exercises are designed to enhance sexual knowledge and skill, promote self-awareness, and enable the mind and body to respond more freely to sexual stimulation.
While it is possible for a man to receive sex therapy alone to treat his erectile dysfunction, studies have shown that this form of treatment is most effective when couples participate together.
Living with and managing erectile dysfunction can be difficult for men and their partners. A combination of patience, openness and a healthy attitude adjustment can be the foundation of a strong coping strategy that leads to a renewed sex life.
Click for the next part in the Erectile Dysfunction Guide: Resources and Support
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