For many men, impotence or erectile dysfunction has been a problem adversely affecting their quality of life for some time, but often the feelings and views of the man’s partner are overlooked. Erectile dysfunction normally affects both partners and can have a devastating effect on the relationship. Partners may feel that their man does not find them attractive anymore and may blame themselves, and it can be hard to communicate about such a sensitive and intimate problem.
The good news about Viagra and all the publicity about it means that there is now an awful lot of information available that wasn’t around twenty or thirty years ago, and the whole issue is much more understood and therefore more likely to be treatable. One very positive effect of the fame of Viagra is that now men and their partners feel more able to discuss the issue and they realise they are not alone – far from it with over 12% of the world’s male population experiencing erectile dysfunction at any one time. It is estimated that half of men over the age of 40 have experienced erectile dysfunction to some extent.
The understanding that erectile dysfunction is commonly due to a physical problem with the blood flow to the penis can re-assure a partner that there is nothing wrong emotionally in their relationship, and their partner is still just as attracted to them as before. From a man’s point of view, an erectile dysfunction is likely to make him experience low self-esteem and self-image as he considers he is failing to meet his partner’s needs. This can lead to a negative downward spiral, often fuelled by the lack of communication by both partners.
By finding out more about how Viagra works (see page ‘How Viagra Works’) you can begin to understand that Viagra can help in most cases of erectile dysfunction, as the root causes are physical. Your partner may need your emotional support at this time to try something new, like Viagra, and may find it hard to discuss the subject at all. He may be quite tense about the whole subject area and nervous about trying Viagra and it will help if he can relax and feel more at ease.
Often the first attempt at taking Viagra is not very successful due to nerves, so it may take two or three attempts to experience the benefit of what Viagra can do and to learn to overcome the psychological effects of erectile dysfunction. Why not plan some quality time together in order to relax before trying Viagra, a favourite restaurant, a walk in the country, a bath and a massage? It is just as important to emotionally reconnect with each other as it is to physically and sexually re-connect, so each partner is happy and comfortable.