Get it SortED

Partner of a man with
erectile dysfunction:

"I lost all my self-esteem
and my confidence. I even came to think that he didn't love me anymore, and that there was something wrong with me physically. When he started opening up about his condition, and we went to the GP to get some advice, we both realised that we had to work as a couple to deal with it together."

If your partner has erectile dysfunction (ED) it is just as important that you encourage him to seek advice about it from his GP, as it is that you encourage him to talk to you about the problem.

ED can lead to a rocky patch in any relationship, even if you have been together for a long time. You may have to be the first person to bring the discussion into the open and 'break the ice'.

Listed below are some tips to help you talk to your partner if you think he is suffering from ED and suggestions on how you can encourage him to seek medical advice:

  • Don't try to create situations where your partner feels sexual activity is expected. Try taking him out of this context and starting a serious and frank conversation about your relationship. If he feels pressured into sex, his confidence may be low, and he will be less likely to talk openly to you
  • Do not make light of the subject. Erectile problems have been the cause of poor humour and bad press, and this is one of the main reasons your partner could be feeling vulnerable and low. Act as his reminder that the condition is a medical one and that the only way forward is to talk openly about it and seek advice from his GP
  • Be supportive of his opinions. As a partner it can be easy to misinterpret feelings of inadequacy as 'male pride' but remember that just as sex is an important part of a relationship, it is also an important part of a man's identity and sense of well-being
  • Be supportive about seeking treatment. Offer to go with him to the first GP appointment if you think this will help. However, he may also wish to do this on his own, in which case, you can reassure him and make him feel prepared and positive about how treatment can help both physically and emotionally and how it could help to restore your relationship
  • If he is not happy with his treatment, encourage him to go back to his GP until he finds one that suits his circumstances and preferences. Encourage your partner to ask his GP about how treatments differ so that you can select the key factors most relevant to yourselves.

Available treatments

Click here to find out more about the treatments available for erectile dysfunction

Downloads

Receive a FREE copy of the "Couples Guide", which is a guide for those who suspect they may have or have already been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction (themselves or their partner), it includes 10 steps to recovery and rebuilding your relationship.

Click here for your FREE copy