Erectile dysfunction can take a toll on a relationship. You’ll want to support and encourage your partner as they manage their condition. It’s also important to take care of yourself, too.
Start with these strategies.
- Learn as much as you can about ED. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be able to help your partner. You can talk about the lifestyle changes and medical treatments that could help.
- Let them know how much you value them. Remind them that ED isn’t a reflection on their masculinity, and that it hasn’t changed how you feel about them. Assure them that you’ll get through this together.
- Talk about how you feel. You’re affected, too. Just like anything else that’s going on in your relationship, it can help to talk about it.
- Stay positive. Discuss what you and your partner want and need and how to achieve it. Also, keep in mind that the condition is common and can be treated.
- Adjust your sex life. Find other ways to please and satisfy each other so that they don’t feel pressured to perform.
- Offer to go with them to the doctor. Even if they decide to go on their own, they’ll know you want to be there for them.
- Remind them to let their doctor know how they’re doing. Are their treatments working? Do they have questions or side effects? Encourage them to update their doctor about that.
- Keep up the other intimate parts of your relationship. Feeling close to each other can include more than sex. You may also want to talk to a counselor, if the changes related to ED are worrying the two of you.
