Is My Partner Struggling with Erectile Dysfunction? Causes and Solutions

Don't let erectile dysfunction impact your sex life. Understand the common causes and find ways to address them.

Erectile Dysfunction is one of those problems that’s a lot more common than most people care to admit. While it might not be the most straightforward condition to talk about, understanding why ED can occur is an excellent place to start.

Here’s a universal truth – nobody on either side of the love-making equation enjoys being impacted by erectile dysfunction. But the fact is, plenty of men and their sexual partners are facing this problem. In fact, according to Yale Medicine, it’s estimated that up to 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 have erectile problems. Ignoring the issue is not going to make it go away. It will most certainly make things worse.

In this post, we’ll look at some of the causes of erectile dysfunction and how you might be able to identify the root of the problem.

Erectile Dysfunction is the inability to get and maintain an erection that is firm enough for sexual penetration. It’s important to point out that it is perfectly normal for a male to experience occasional difficulties in getting hard. In other words, if you or your partner have uncomfortable moments, there’s no reason to panic or conclude that something is wrong. However, if getting hard becomes an ongoing issue, and more times than not, erections are either failing to happen or the penis goes flaccid before climax, the sooner you address the problem, the sooner you can get back into an excellent sexual place.

There are several common reasons Erectile Dysfunction can occur. Some are entirely physical, while others are, as they say, “in the head.” Here are a few reasons you or your partner might be experiencing erectile dysfunction.

1. Low Testosterone

Low testosterone often happens to men as they age. Not only does a reduction in testosterone impact the ability to get and stay hard, but it also does a number on the libido. If you feel your sex drive waning or notice that your partner doesn’t seem to be as into having fun in the bedroom as he once was, it could be related to low testosterone.

Fortunately, there are testosterone-boosting supplements available today that have been shown to support the body’s testosterone production. Not only have these products been shown to improve sexual performance, but they also have been shown to support muscle growth and increase energy levels.

2. Heart Disease, Obesity, and Other Medical Conditions

Sexual health is linked to overall health. In many cases, erectile dysfunction can be rooted in a related health concern. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the medical conditions associated with Erectile Dysfunction include:

• Heart disease
• Clogged blood vessels
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Alcoholism
• Nerve damage

When the body isn’t performing at its peak due to a medical condition, it can impact blood flow to the penis, which can lead to Erectile Dysfunction. If you are experiencing ED and are also facing any of these health challenges, speak with your physician about possible treatments that might include prescription medications, such as Viagra or Cialis.

3. Enlarged prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH)

As men age, they become at risk for an enlarged prostate, as well as the development of prostate cancer. Though the precise relationship between BPH and Erectile Dysfunction remains unclear, according to Yale Medicine urologist Thomas Buckley MD, “recent studies show that with BPH symptoms, there is a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction. Many of the treatments for BPH can have an impact on sexual function and satisfaction,” said Dr. Buckley.

There are a variety of treatments for an enlarged prostate, including newer treatments that are minimally invasive. If you notice that you are urinating more frequently, your stream has grown less powerful, and you are having issues in the bedroom, it’s essential to see a urologist and have your prostate checked.

In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, men who are at average risk of prostate cancer should talk with their doctors about prostate cancer screening at the age of 50. African American men and men who have a father or brother who has already experienced prostate cancer should start talking to their doctors about screenings at 45 years of age. Don’t put this off! Talk with your doctor.

4. Mind Games – Stress, Anxiety, Depression

The thing about Erectile Dysfunction is that it often snowballs into a bigger problem because the brain loves to play games with sexual health. Bottom line – what goes on in the space between the ears is one of the most common (and frustrating) causes of sexual dysfunction.

For example, a man who has experienced ED even just one time can get it in his head that he has developed a significant problem. This triggers irrational fears that it will almost certainly happen again. So, the next time he finds himself in a sexual situation, his neurosis takes over, essentially tricking his penis into not working.

In other words, the problem is in both heads.