How Does Erectile Dysfunction Affect Couples? - Erectile Dysfunction and Your Relationship

Category: Dating

Erectile dysfunction is a common problem that affects millions of American men. In fact, about 5 percent of 40-year-olds and nearly 25 percent of 65-year-olds experience ED on a long-term basis. But these men aren’t the only ones affected: Erectile dysfunction impacts their partners, too. Beyond the damage done to a couples’ sex life, ED can be a very difficult topic of conversation, and this lack of communication can trigger emotional issues for both partners. One BBC documentary called The Trouble With Love And Sex, tackled this sensitive issue by using animated characters to represent people coping with relationship issues from ED to infidelity, an approach that encouraged real couples to talk more openly about such sensitive issues. Even though ED can be embarrassing to talk about, experts say that it’s essential for a healthy relationship for couples to address the issue together. And in some cases, speaking with a therapist may be necessary to work past problems and improve a couple’s sexual and overall relationship.