The Social Impact of Erectile Dysfunction on Men

Not many things are able to make a man question his very essence and everything that makes him a man the way erectile dysfunction does. Over the years research from across the world has revealed just how badly embarrassing and emasculating this medical condition is for men. What many men do not realize is how common this condition is seeing as it affects approximately half of men between the ages of 40 and 70, now that represents a large number of men if you ask me. Truth is, every man at some point in their life has faced erectile dysfunction, that is how common this is. Thankfully, ED is far from a death sentence because there are well-trusted remedies for the condition.

The pharmacy service – Access Doctor is committed to keeping this conversation going to break the stigma surrounding erectile dysfunction. In this article, we learn about the condition as well as the impact it can have on one’s relationships including family life and personal life. But just before we dive in – What Exactly Is Erectile Dysfunction?

The National Health Service (NHS) defines Erectile Dysfunction as “the inability to get and maintain an erection that is sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse.”

This may include the occasional or constant inability to gain an erection, or the inability to sustain an erection for a long enough stretch of time for the purpose of sexual intercourse.

The Social Impact of Erectile Dysfunction

As frustrating as it already is managing the physical effects of this medical condition, erectile dysfunction also comes with a sometimes even more damaging psychological and emotional effect on sufferers. ED causes men to suffer from depression, low self-esteem, and performance anxiety. ED causes emasculation and aggravates any existing insecurities. These psychological and emotional effects are even more intense with young men.

Sadly, the ripple effect does not just end there, research has shown that even the partners of people suffering from ED also suffer psychological and emotional distress. This could come in the form of feeling a sense of shame and rejection. They begin questioning if their partner even finds them attractive. There is also the bit of the sexual dynamic in the relationship facing a standstill. 

With all of this happening, it is no surprise that erectile dysfunction causes a rift in men’s personal relationships. It is important for men to know that the situation can be salvaged, but the first step to healing is stepping out of that shame to seek help in the form of therapy be it sexual therapy or otherwise. Communication with your partner is also highly recommended. This has been known to help a lot with alleviating your anxiety within the relationship. 

This is why it is vital for us as a global community to continue to bring to light the conversation about erectile dysfunction and its effects on men. Men need to know that this is nothing to be ashamed of and that with some help, there are ways to live a life free from the emotional and psychological effects of ED.