How to Manage Erectile Dysfunction & Regain Confidence
Coping with erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence or ED, can be exceptionally difficult for men and can have a severe negative impact on their confidence and sense of self.
At the same time, it is a topic that men usually prefer not to discuss, as it can cause misplaced feelings of shame and guilt. This is because, for many men, being able to achieve and maintain an erection is linked to their idea of masculinity and they feel somehow lessened if they cannot ‘perform’ as they feel they should.
If you or your partner is struggling with erectile dysfunction, it can be a difficult and frustrating subject to deal with. However, the good news is that there are several things you can do to cope with and treat ED. These tips and techniques will hopefully help to restore your bedroom confidence and assist you in addressing both the physical and mental aspects of the dysfunction. Read on to find out more.
THE MOST FREOUENT CAUSES OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a surprising number of health conditions and lifestyle choices, which means that, in many cases, addressing the physical trigger can help to resolve the ED at the same time.
These common physical causes include:
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- A testosterone imbalance
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Traumatic injury to the genital area
- Smoking
- Illnesses that impact the nervous system. These
can include multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s.
Some medications can also cause erectile dysfunction and loss of libido, including anti-depressants,
antihistamines, drugs prescribed for an irregular heartbeat, anti-seizure medication, and muscle
relaxers.
Another very common factor is age, as erectile dysfunction is found to happen more frequently as men get older.
MEDICATIONS THAT CAN HELP
While erectile dysfunction is common, it is also easy to find treatment for. If you are keen to seek medical help for your erectile dysfunction, there are a number of options available, including tablets and creams. These include Viagra, Sildenafil [a generic but more affordable form of Viagra], Tadalafil (a generic form of Cialis, which, again offers a more cost-effective solution] and Caverject. Caverject is given in the form of injections and acts particularly quickly, within 5 – 15
minutes.
These medications each have their own unique benefits and disadvantages, and they work in different ways, so, for example, Cialis will be faster-acting than Viagra and will be effective for a great deal longer. Meanwhile, Spedra is the quickest-working tablet, taking just 15 minutes to show results. However, it does require sexual stimulation in order for you to experience the benefits.
Because all erectile dysfunction medications require a prescription, you will need to speak to a doctor first before you can begin taking any of them. The doctor can discuss your symptoms with you, offer advice, and also give you more information about the different treatment options. This will help you to decide which may work best for you, and then the doctor can write
you a prescription.
Alternatively, you may wish to take advantage of treatments such as the ED Starter Pack provided
by Oxford Online Pharmacy, which contains three different medications for impotence and is available for first-time users. However, you will need to consult with a doctor provided by the service before you can receive this pack.
COPING WITH THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT
As well as common physical causes, erectile dysfunction can also be caused by a range of psychological issues, including performance anxiety, depression, fear, and stress. Relationship problems can also lead to sexual dysfunctions, as they can trigger feelings of anger, distress, and sadness that inhibit your desire.
Unfortunately, once a single incidence of ED has occurred, this can then exacerbate the mental
distress, causing a vicious cycle that leads to further incidences. In addition, there is the subsequent loss of confidence and self-esteem to deal with, which can make coping with impotence particularly difficult for men, especially if they find it hard to talk about. Because psychological distress and ED are so closely linked, it is a good idea to approach your treatment from this angle, as well as – or instead of – using medications.
This may involve seeking counselling to tackle the self-esteem issues surrounding your erectile
dysfunction. A highly trained and qualified therapist can help you break the negative thought patterns that can be contributing to your sexual problems and can also help you to find ways to build up your confidence and self-esteem. You can even see a therapist as a couple, to address any issues in the relationship that could be linked to impotence – either as a potential
trigger or as a result of the issue.
It can also help to talk about the problem with other men who are also going through it. Understanding that you are not alone and that ED is a very common experience may go some way to restoring your confidence.
Finally, it is important to focus on the fact that penetrative sex is far from being the only way to enjoy sexual intimacy with your partner. Concentrate on exploring other pleasurable activities you can do together; not only will you be able to add some fun new techniques to your repertoire, but it may also help you to realise that there is no need to put so much pressure on yourself when it comes to ‘performance’.
