Achieving a good erection, in order to have satisfactory sexual intercourse, is of particular concern to men. Their self-confidence and quality of life largely depends on it.
Erectile dysfunction causes anxiety, guilt and fear, while romantic partners have anxiety, doubt and even anger. A direct and very frequent consequence is the disruption of the relationship and not only of the sexual life.
The tension in everyday life, as well as the lack of emotional communication, can lead to separation, if there is no proper and timely treatment of the causes that cause the condition.
“Erectile dysfunction is a common condition that can make sexual activity difficult. The percentage of men who show it increases with age.
A review of studies showed that the prevalence in men under 49 is 6% and in 50-59 year olds it is 16%. In the next decade of life the percentage doubles (32%) and in those who are in their eighth decade of life it reaches 44%.
It is estimated that half of men between the ages of 40 and 70 have experienced incidents of erectile dysfunction in their lives”, points out Andrologist Urologist Dr. Anastasios Livanios.
The causes of erectile dysfunction are organic, psychogenic or a combination of both. Regardless of its cause, the psychosocial impact is so severe that the need for treatment must outweigh any inhibitions.
Deep down, those who regularly experience erectile dysfunction worry, feel less masculine, get angry, see their self-confidence crumble. They are overwhelmed by feelings of guilt or even shame. They are very likely to experience stress for long periods of time, even depression. They feel weakened and humiliated. In insecure people, these feelings are magnified and are likely to even lead to suicidal tendencies when erectile dysfunction becomes chronic.
They also fear that they cannot please their romantic partners, that they are disappointing them, and that the relationship will sooner or later end.
These thoughts and feelings lead many to stop sexual intercourse, in order to avoid the sadness of failure, but also the need to discuss the problem. For singles, erectile dysfunction can limit the search for a partner and lead to isolation and loneliness.
The effects on the psychology of the partners are also important. Their first thought is that they are rejected, that something has changed in the man’s feelings, that they are no longer attractive and desirable, and that is why the man will soon be unfaithful. These thoughts quickly become beliefs with the frequent consequence of the emergence of insecurities about the body and external appearance.
None of the above, however, happens most of the time. The inability to achieve an erection is not an indication of a lack of sexual interest or an extramarital or parallel relationship.
“Many factors can be responsible for erectile dysfunction. It can be caused by hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney and liver disease, multiple sclerosis, Peyronie’s disease, low testosterone or penile trauma. It may be a consequence of side effects of some medicines or abuse of alcohol and tobacco products. Very often it is the result of psychological factors, such as occupational stress or a bereavement.
However, the inability to achieve or maintain an erection is treated. The diagnosis does not mean the end of a relationship, but the beginning of a period that will require communication, patience and understanding from both parties until the cause of it is found and treated,” he notes.
There are many treatments. Determining what is appropriate requires taking the man’s medical and sexual history, performing a clinical examination to identify any abnormalities in the penis, scrotum or testicles, and checking the condition of the prostate.
The picture of general health and the possible causes of erectile dysfunction is completed with blood tests, which give the first estimate of the pathology behind the symptom. Further imaging tests and collaboration with doctors of other specialties, such as a cardiologist, endocrinologist or psychologist, may be required.
Non-invasive treatments, such as oral drugs or hormones, injectable drugs and suppositories, are usually sufficient to relieve the symptom, i.e. erectile dysfunction. To temporarily maintain an erection there are also vacuum devices that draw blood into the penis.
For a more permanent solution in chronic cases, which are not treated conservatively, the surgical placement of penile implants is recommended, which make it possible to maintain penile erection during sex.
In patients with erectile dysfunction of vascular etiology there is the option of shock waves, which are particularly effective because they treat the cause of the problem. In 80% of cases, the ability to achieve an erection returns in just one month and they are freed from the need to take medication. This is a permanent solution, with results that last forever.
“Treating the condition with or without drugs, with the use of shock waves, with or without injections requires only three things from the patient: the desire to improve their sex life, putting aside shame and making the decision to seek help. After the diagnosis, the personalized treatment plan is designed by a multidisciplinary team, including a psychologist specialized in erectile dysfunction.
Through counseling sessions, in which the partners can also participate, all the psychological problems that have arisen can be analyzed and dealt with and any “clouds” that exist in the relationship can be dissolved.
Moreover, good communication and honest discussion with responsibility between partners combined with increased physical intimacy and support of the partner reassures both and builds strong relationships.
Erectile dysfunction doesn’t have to spell the end of your sex life, relationship or marriage. Exploration is needed and sex life will be satisfactory for many, many years to come,” concludes Dr. Livanios.
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