How to help a partner with erectile dysfunction

The erectile dysfunction affects millions of men worldwide, but this should not just be concern of men. Even, female partner should take responsibility and play a fundamental role to overcome this problem and resume a sex life to the full.

Many women do not know how to react when your partner suffers from erection problems, finding better to move away and not talk about the issue for fear of hurting the feelings of man and aggravate the situation. This may be the easiest solution, but is not sure the solution that will lead to the end of the problem, increasing the pressure on the man in relation to his sexual performance. Ignoring the problem can help, but only if it is a sporadic situation. If your partner suffers from erection problems increasingly, and you are willing to take the responsibility of helping him, you need to check the following advice which could be fruitful in your efforts:

Talk to your partner

Talking about the issue rather than pushing it down the carpet is one of the factors contributing to overcome erectile dysfunction. Start by explaining that erectile dysfunction affects several men and that your partner is not the only one with this problem. Try not to focus too much on man's inability to achieve proper erection, but mention that this problem may be related to other health conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol and that the review should not go unnoticed.

Consider other activities you can do together

Focusing your attention only on gender in order to want to resolve this issue will only aggravate the situation. It does not mean that sex is an important part of the life of the couple, because it is, but there are other activities that you can do together that will allow the couple to relate more closely. Add to your routine trips to the cinema, restaurants, bars or excursions, which can contribute to your partner talk more openly about it. About 20% of cases of erectile dysfunction have psychological causes like stress and anxiety, so changing the daily life activities or routine can help reverse the situation.

Opt for different forms of stimulation

It does not mean that the fault is yours, but the truth is that the monotony in bed does not help in the case of erectile dysfunction. Consider other types of stimulation beyond the penetration that can help man to achieve and maintain hard erection, such as oral sex or manual stimulation or some massage technique.

Encourage seeking medical help

Erectile dysfunction is a health problem which needs professional care and hence it should be diagnosed by a doctor. If your partner does not feel comfortable to seek help, convince him that this is the best solution and who is willing to accompany you in the consultations, if it makes him feel better. In many cases it is the woman who takes the first step with regard to medical help to treat erectile dysfunction, putting their partner is comfortable on this condition.

Natural Treatment to Restore Erectile Function

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection which is needed for sexual performance. This is the most common sexual problems among men, and almost all men experience an episode of erectile dysfunction in a phase of your life. Persistent erectile dysfunction affects about 25% of men over 50 years of age, and this scenario tends to increase with age. This article will help you to know how to restore erectile function the natural way.

In the development of an erection, there are several factors involved. Sexual arousal causes nerves in the brain and spinal send signals to the arteries in the penis which fill with blood. The spongy tissue of the penis expands and it becomes erect. Any obstruction with this particular process, whether physical or mental, can prevent an erection.

Most cases of erectile dysfunction are caused by physical factors such as diabetes and nerve damage. It can also be caused by psychological problems, or by the use of certain medications. In most cases, is not caused by lack of sexual desire.

Although once erectile dysfunction has been a sensitive discussion topic, the advent of drugs like Viagra brought this topic into the spotlight, and more men are seeking treatment.

In addition to drug therapy, there are many things that can be done to prevent impotence and improve erectile function.

Signs and Symptoms

• Inability to get a full erection;

• Inability to maintain a hard erection for sexual performance.

Risk Factors

• Diabetes: elevated blood sugar levels damage blood vessels of the penis;

• Diseases of the nerves, blood vessels, heart, kidney and prostate;

• Hormonal imbalances: low testosterone, growth hormone or DHEA levels;

• Surgery or trauma that cause nerve injury (spinal cord injury, prostate surgery);

• Medicine for antidepressants, beta-blockers, antihistamines, tranquilizers, anti-cancer drugs;

• Alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and other illicit drugs;

• Tobacco causes damage to blood vessels and nerves of the penis, affecting erectile function;

• Psychological factors: stress, anxiety, depression and lack of sleep.

Dietary Recommendations

Foods to include:

• High fiber foods help to promote the balance of blood sugar;

• Zinc helps in the production of testosterone; the best dietary sources of zinc are pumpkin seeds, soybean, wheat germ, and oysters;

• Vitamin E dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow; the best food sources of vitamin E include nuts and seeds, whole grains and green leafy vegetables.

Foods to avoid:

• Foods high in saturated and processed fats, which can be harmful to blood vessels and reduce the circulation (red meat, milk, processed foods and fast food);

• Minimize refined flours and sugars because these foods cause fluctuations in blood sugar, which may be harmful to the blood vessels;

• Avoid drinking alcohol before sex.

Lifestyle Tips

• Practice exercise: Regular physical activity is essential to improve blood flow and circulation, reduce stress and increase energy levels. Activities such as walking, squats and jumps are particularly good for increasing blood flow to the pelvic area;

• Do not smoke: Smoking has serious consequences because it damages the nerves and blood vessels;

• Maintain a healthy body weight: Obesity leads to diabetes and heart disease, both of which can have an impact on sexual function;

• Have adequate sleep at night, and be aware that lack of sleep can affect sexual performance;

• Reduce stress through meditation, breathing techniques or visualization. Find something that works for you, to promote relaxation, and practice it regularly;

• Communicate with your partner and your doctor.

Important Root Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Studies in several countries show that erectile dysfunction affects more than 100 million men worldwide. Despite this huge quantity, the patient with erection problems feels completely alone.

Man, due to socio-cultural context in which it was created, has difficulty in talking about their problem and especially with his own companion, before whom he feels diminished. With friends, in the same posture, the reply will certainly be of mockery and embarrassment. Fear and ashamed of their condition hinders these men to consult an expert.

3 Main Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

The causes of erectile dysfunction can be divided into three major groups:

·        Organic

·        Psychogenic

·        Mixed

It is important to emphasize that the erection disorders occur more frequently in as the individual ages, but are not due to only age. The fact can be explained when it is understood that various diseases that favor the onset of erectile dysfunction occur most frequently in people over age.

Organic Root Causes

Penile erection is a phenomenon dependent on various factors and involves the nervous, endocrine, vascular and tissue of the corpora cavernosa. Therefore, changes in any of these factors may contribute at least in part for erectile dysfunction.  

Injury or vascular disorders can impair the required blood circulation in the penis. The arterial occlusive disease of atherosclerotic or traumatic etiology of pelvic and penile vascular system decreases blood flow and substantially reduces penile erection.

Changes in the nerves lead to sexual stimulation to the penis. Diseases or conditions that affect the nervous system, such as alcoholism and diabetes mellitus can cause erectile dysfunction. In addition, spinal cord injuries, surgeries and pelvic radiotherapy destroy nerve fibres, a loss of erective function.

Changes in hormone production such as lowering blood level of testosterone (produced in the testes) leads to decreased interest in sexual activity. Anatomical and physiological changes in the corpus cavernosum, preventing them from adequately dilate to promote erection. The corpora cavernosa are cylindrical structures, located in the body of the penis, which receive the blood and keep it under pressure, promote erection. 

Psychological Root Causes

This category is related to mechanism of action with the central inhibition of the erection process, emotionally based and without the participation of any organic component. 

Many emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, fear of failure, shame, family problems, financial problems, among others, may be responsible for erectile dysfunction, in varying degrees, including premature ejaculation problems. The preoccupation of the individual with sexual performance can also lead to erectile dysfunction. The man with ED is isolated with their problem.

The fear and the shame of failing again, eventually lead man to abstain from any sexual contact, leading him to a vicious cycle that slows down more and more the process of healing.

Mixed causes

It comprises a combination of organic and emotional factors. After going through successive failures when attempting intercourse, the feeling of inferiority experienced by the individual will cause a huge psychological impact. The vicious circle created makes it increasingly difficult the possibility to solve the problem alone. In the case of erection, ultimate expression of masculinity, related by the concepts of our society, the strength and power in its broadest sense is extremely rare in patient with an organic cause, whatever it is, does not end, also showing an emotional involvement.