Would you marry a man with Erectile Dysfunction? Navigating Love, Intimacy, and Hope
“You can tell your best friend you’re dying of cancer, but who can you tell that you’re impotent?” Auerbach, Newport Beach urologist. Erection and sexual performance are central to men’s identities and their sense of masculinity. Although it’s a treatable medical condition, the stigma and shame of ED prevent them from talking to their partners and seeking help. ED carries a heavy emotional burden for both partners. So, before answering the question, would you marry a man with erectile dysfunction? Both partners should understand the effect of ED and how to navigate its treatment. What Is Erectile Dysfunction? And how common is it? In order to answer the question, would you marry a man with erectile dysfunction? We must first understand what ED is and how it can impact your relationship. What is ED – Erectile Dysfunction is a condition where a man can not get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual activity. Occasional difficulty is common; however, if the performance issues are consistent and persistent, it is diagnosed as ED. Prevalence of ED – Studies have shown that in the US, 18 to 30% men are affected by ED. One in four men will experience ED at some point in their lives. It is more prevalent in men over 50. While 1.3% of men have severe ED, 15.3% men have moderate ED. Why does ED happen? Medical and Psychological Causes How ED Can Impact a Relationship? ED interrupts sexual pleasure and creates a hollowness and frustration in the relationships. Men with ED feel less masculine, depressed, socially isolated, and lacking confidence. The women feel rejected, anxious, undesirable, and suspicious about their partner. These emotions can make the partners withdraw from each other, and if unaddressed, they can poison all aspects of the relationship. Awful Impact of Erectile Dysfunction Mish Middleman developed ED in his 40s following prostate cancer treatment. ED disrupted not only his sex life but also his identity and marital connection. He describes ED as the stench in the air – not spoken about, but always present and disrupting all aspects of his life. As his physical experience became gradually degraded, he tried to compensate and try harder – but eventually, the ED became undeniable. Along with physical pleasure, he also lost hope, and the foundation of his relationship became fragile. Although he was loving and committed, he feared physical closeness and began to withdraw. Should You Marry a Man With ED? Key Considerations Here are the key considerations that help you answer the question: Would you marry a man with erectile dysfunction? Steps to Take If you have answered yes to the question, would you marry a man with erectile dysfunction? Here are the next practical steps – How A Couple in 50s Rebuilt Their Relationship After ED A couple had enjoyed spontaneous, adventurous, and fulfilling intimacy. However, in their mid-50s, the husband began to have difficulties when his erections became unreliable and often faded during intimacy. The wife felt unattractive and rejected. The husband felt ashamed and defensive. His frustration made him suggest to his wife that ‘she should get a lover’ during a heated argument. Fortunately, the couple was able to move beyond these initial arguments and had honest conversations. The wife was particularly worried that health issues might cause ED, and its effects were not limited to sexual performance. With counseling, medical support, and alternative expressions of intimacy, the couple overcame ED. They developed better emotional intimacy, and their sex lives also became exciting again. Exploring Alternative Intimacy If a person is married to a man with erectile dysfunction, then focusing on alternative intimacy helps to ease the anxiety of sexual performance. These other forms of intimacy help the couple to stay emotionally connected. How can BlockP help you? If porn is playing a role in your ED, then having a porn blocker such as BlockP can become an important part of your recovery. BlockP is the best adult content blocker trusted by millions of users to secure their digital devices from porn. In ED treatment, it can help you quit porn addiction and prevent relapses. FAQs on whether you would marry a man with erectile dysfunction 1. Should I marry a man with erectile dysfunction? Many couples marry and lead healthy sex lives with treatment. As long as both of you are committed to facing the challenges of ED together, you can make the marriage work. 2. Can a marriage survive erectile dysfunction? Yes. The couple who love and respect each other can overcome ED with treatment support and alternative intimacy options to have successful marriages. 3. Is erectile dysfunction a reason to avoid marriage? Not necessarily. Erectile dysfunction is a treatable medical condition. If someone is in love with a person and willing to support them through ED treatment, it should not be an issue. 4. Can erectile dysfunction cause relationship problems? Yes. If untreated, the man with ED can feel guilty and anxious. His partner will feel rejection, frustration, and resentment. These feelings can strain the relationship.