Does ED Mean He's No Longer Attracted To You?

When your partner experiences erectile dysfunction, it can put a lot of strain on your relationship. Many partners are quick to blame themselves for this problem. However, you have very little control over this situation because an underlying health condition often causes it.

What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotence, is a male sexual health condition. The main symptom of ED is the inability to get or keep an erection during sexual intercourse.

For some men, this issue does not occur often. For others, it can become a frequent problem and causes a huge amount of frustration.

Everyone's experience with ED is different. Common ways that ED presents include:

• Having an erection during sexual intercourse sometimes but not others

• Having an erection that does not last long enough for sexual intercourse

• Having no erection at all

Other problems that men face as a result of ED include:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Frustration

• Low self-esteem

• Relationship problems

When ED keeps happening, your partner needs to seek medical advice. This is because ED can be linked to certain health conditions like high blood pressure.

How common is ED, and who can get it?

ED is more common than most people realize because of the under-reporting of this condition. Many men are reluctant to seek help when it occurs because they feel embarrassed. Others may find it difficult to speak openly about their sexual health.

It's estimated that at least 52%¹ of men in the US between the ages of 40 and 70 years (30 to 50 million men) have experienced ED. However, this percentage could potentially be much higher. At least 150 million men worldwide have the condition.

ED tends to affect men over the age of 40. Nonetheless, younger men can also experience this condition and may find it more challenging to seek medical help.

ED is more common in men with underlying health issues like hypertension, so this condition is often a symptom or warning sign.

Factors or health conditions that typically go with ED are:

• Cardiovascular disease

• Endocrine disorders

• Smoking

• Excessive drinking

• Obesity

• Lack of physical exercise

Men with these risk factors could be more at risk of developing ED, and lifestyle changes are recommended.

Does ED mean that your partner is no longer sexually attracted to you?

A lack of physical attraction does not cause ED. However, many women may feel inadequate if their partner refuses to talk to them about ED and may not even be aware of what is happening. This lack of communication can lead to relationship problems.

As mentioned, ED is commonly caused by an underlying health issue or biological factor beyond anyone's control. However, some treatments can help with the problem.

Sometimes, ED can be linked to psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, or depression. ED that’s caused by psychological issues tends to affect younger men more than older men. But, again, these factors have nothing to do with physical attraction.

The best way to overcome this is by talking to your partner. If you share your concerns first, this may encourage them to open up about theirs.

Common causes of ED

Physical causes

Physical causes of ED are often beyond anyone's control. Some treatments can help with the conditions mentioned below but may require some time to work. Additionally, your man may need some time to rest or recover first.

Physical causes of ED include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

• Cardiovascular disease

• Diabetes mellitus

• Atherosclerosis

• Kidney disease

• Multiple sclerosis

• Prostate cancer

• Surgery

• Injury

• Pain

• Bladder problems

Psychological causes

Psychological or emotional issues can also cause ED.

Common psychological causes of ED are:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Stress about sexual intercourse or life in general

• Fear of sexual failure

• Low self-esteem

Medications

Some medications can cause ED or make it worse, for example, cardiovascular drugs.

If your partner's ED happens after they start a new medication, encourage them to book an appointment with their doctor to have their medicine reviewed.

Treatment methods for ED

An excellent place to start is lifestyle changes. Such simple changes can help ease ED and improve general health.

Lifestyle changes that may help with ED  include:

• Avoiding or limiting smoking

• Avoiding or limiting alcohol

• Eating a healthy diet

• Increasing physical exercise

However, if there is an underlying medical condition, your partner will need to see their doctor. Getting a diagnosis and treatment for this condition could have a positive effect on ED. This could involve starting new medications or changing the ones they are currently on.

Doctors can also provide additional medications to overcome ED directly. These include drugs like:

• Viagra

• Levitra

• Cialis

• Stendra

They help by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual intercourse.

Natural supplements could also provide extra support. One supplement with promising results is niacin (vitamin B3). Niacin can help by improving vascular health, thus increasing the blood flow to the penis during an erection.

If the issue is psychological, counseling is another option. Some partners may attend counseling together or separately. Either way, it's proven to help by reducing anxiety.

How to know if your partner has ED?

If your partner is avoiding sexual intercourse or cannot keep an erection, it is a good indication they might be experiencing ED. However, the only way you can know for sure is by talking to them and encouraging them to get a medical diagnosis.

The lowdown

If you suspect or know that your partner is experiencing ED, the best thing you can do is support them. Communication is important, and it will help you both to overcome this issue.

If your partner has ED, this does not mean they are no longer physically attracted to you. Most of the time, the main cause of ED is an underlying health condition. Your partner should seek medical help to establish the cause of his ED and possible solutions.