Talking about ED can change your life.
Recovery can start with a simple question. Millions of couples deal with this and you can, too.
Here are some tips in talking about sexual dysfunction
Supporting Each Other in the Journey. Talking to your Partner
Talking to your partner about ED can be difficult. But taking a first step can lead to a shared journey. You may be surprised by what your partner is thinking.
Casual Approach:
- Can we talk about why we have stopped having sex?
- There is something on my mind and I find it difficult to talk about.
- The fact is I haven’t been able to make love with you. I want to change that.
- I know we have been distant lately. I think it is me. I am afraid to start anything in the bedroom in case I can’t finish.
Direct Approach:
- Hey, can we talk about our sex life a bit?
- I have trouble in bed sometimes. I’m afraid it might be ED.
- It seems my medication has a specific side effect. Let’s call a doctor and see if there’s something else we can try.
- I’m going to do something about ED and I want your help.
Talking to your Partner who has ED
ED affects both of you and can result in frustration, anger and less intimacy. To show your support, get informed, choose your moment, and let him know he is not alone.
Casual Approach:
- Honey, I love you and I am here to help with whatever is on your mind. Do you want to talk about it?
- I love when we spend time together, and I like it best when you hold me. What can we do to get those moments back?
- We have a great relationship and I enjoy being with you, but things haven’t been the same between us.
Direct Approach:
- I know sex may be hard to talk about, but we need to address the ED. There are treatment options available and I want to help.
- There are a lot of couples that face this issue. I am here for you. We could talk to your doctor. What do you want to do?
- We work hard on our relationship, so let’s work hard on overcoming ED.
Talking to an ED Specialist
Talking to a doctor who specialises in ED treatment will help you find your best ED cure.
Casual Approach:
- Is it true that my health may affect my sexual performance?
- I’ve had ED for years. Is there anything I can do about it?
- I’d like to ask you about treatments to improve my sex life.
- I am having problems with my erections. Can this be treated?
Direct Approach:
- My sex life isn’t all that it could be. What can I do?
- Do any of my medications cause ED?
- Why am I having difficulty getting an erection?
- Are there new, surgical or non-surgical treatments for erectile dysfunction that I can try?
- Am I a candidate for surgical treatment options?
Taking the Next Step
Once the issue is out in the open, you may be ready to talk about treatment. It’s helpful if both partners go to the GP or urologist together. It is the first positive step towards determining whether you have ED, talk about your symptoms and, if you do, how to best treat it. We have several resources that can help you take the next step.
Urologists are specialists in ED and offer the full spectrum of treatment options. Your urologist will explore specific options with you and typically manage the surgical or non-surgical treatments. Your GP or urologist are best qualified to diagnose and make recommendations on the most suitable treatments for you.
Familiarise yourself with your ED treatment options and get some pointers.
Do I have a problem?
It’s always tempting to self-diagnose before going to your doctor.
Take the time to think about the questions below, if you’re answering yes to some or all of the questions you might be experiencing the symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) in which case you should talk to your GP or urologist as soon as possible.
- Have you experienced any difficulty in achieving erections?
- Does this problem occur regularly when you attempt intercourse?
- Have you experienced this difficulty for longer than one month?
- Are morning and spontaneous erections becoming less common?
- Does it take longer to achieve an erection than in the past?
- Has it become more difficult to have intercourse in certain sexual positions?
What can I expect?
It’s completely normal to be apprehensive about starting treatment. Whatever stage your starting your treatment from your GP or urologist will be able to advise you on what to expect and what’s involved..
Questions to Ask
If you’re receiving treatment for the first time have a look at our 'Questions to Ask’ fact sheet for some helpful hints.