How to Cope With Erectile Dysfunction

culled from:wikihow.com

Men who have erectile dysfunction, or ED, have a hard time getting or maintaining an erection. Although ED is more common as men age, sexual dysfunction is not a normal part of the aging process. ED can be caused by wide range of physical, emotional, neurological, hormonal, or drug-induced conditions. Depending on the cause of ED, it may require medical care. ED can be stressful, scary and confusing for both you and your partner. Take steps to deal with the problem and help both of you to cope.

Steps

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Relax, and don't assume you have a long-term problem simply because you suffered from ED during one sexual encounter. Fear of not being able to get or maintain an erection can perpetuate ED.

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   Tell your partner that your inability to get or maintain an erection is not a reflection of your feelings towards her. It is not uncommon for the sexual partner of a man suffering from ED to think that she is somehow causing the problem. Assure her that you still find her attractive and desirable.
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   See your doctor if symptoms of erectile dysfunction persist. The treatment options available to you are dependent upon the cause of your ED.
   • Your doctor will review your medical history, do a physical exam and run a couple of blood and urine tests to help with the diagnosis.
   • If you are also experiencing low sexual desire, the doctor may test testosterone levels in your blood to check the health of your endocrine system.
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   Follow your doctor's recommended treatment plan. After getting lab results back, your doctor will probably discuss your treatment options based on the underlying cause of your ED. Treatment options may include the following:
   • Psychological, sexual or couples counseling
   • Oral Medication. The three most common oral prescriptions for ED are sildenafil citrate (Viagra), tadalafil citrate (Cialis) and vardenafil citrate (Levitra).
   • Hormone replacement therapy.
   • External vacuum aids.
   • Penile injections.
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   Take steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Most cases of ED that develop as men age are not a direct effect of aging, but are rather the result of a lifetime of unhealthy habits.
   • Quit smoking.
   • Exercise more.
   • Reduce Stress.
   • East a healthy, well-balanced diet that is high in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
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   Join an support group for ED sufferers. Talk to your doctor about local groups that meet in your area or join an ED support group online. Communicating with others who suffer from the same problem can be a big help in learning to cope with ED.
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   Be flexible with your definition of having sex and being intimate.
   • Maintain open lines of communication with your partner and learn new ways of satisfying each other's sexual and intimacy needs.
   • Satisfying your partner orally or digitally during foreplay may help by taking the pressure off of performance and shifting the focus away from the act of intercourse.