Dealing with erectile dysfunction is tough for any man, and the condition can happen at any age. In fact, erectile dysfunction impacts 1 in 4 men under the age of 40. It is also worth noting that men with diabetes or heart disease are at a higher risk of erectile dysfunction.
While erectile dysfunction is a physical health condition, it has huge emotional and psychological impacts. Keep reading to learn about 5 emotional impacts of erectile dysfunction (and get tips for managing the condition).
- Feeling Less ‘Manly’
Many men who suffer from erectile dysfunction deal with the thought that they’ve lost a part of their manhood. The idea of not being able to properly please a partner can be devastating. A man can easily feel helpless and even unattractive to his partner.
- Low Self-Image
Many men who suffer from E.D. experience a blow to their ego, self-esteem, and self-image. Men who are embarrassed about their condition may shelter themselves from future relationships. Others are so embarrassed that they don’t seek medical advice from a doctor.
- Loss of Interest in Intimacy
When a man suffers from E.D., the thoughts of being intimate with someone else can be terrifying. Having to worry about not being able to properly perform or being unable to please their partner can be tough for any man. In turn, some men who suffer from E.D. may avoid sex altogether.
- Guilt
Some men feel guilty about their condition. It’s easy to fall into the mindset of believing that you caused yourself to suffer from this condition. But, for most sufferers, there’s nothing they did to cause E.D. to come about.
- Hopelessness
Men who suffer from E.D. may also suffer from impotence. These two conditions can leave a man feeling hopeless, especially if he imagined becoming a father one day. Feeling hopeless, and other negative emotions, can further impact a man’s sexual health and abilities.
5 Tips for Dealing With E.D.
While the condition can leave a man feeling depressed, anxious, and worthless, the good news is that sometimes the condition can be improved, if not fixed.
Keep reading for 5 tips for dealing with erectile dysfunction.
- Eat a Heart Healthy Diet
Eating a diet that’s bad for your heart can inevitably impact your ability to maintain an erection. A diet that causes restricted blood flow in the heart can also impact blood flow to the penis. If your diet contains a lot of processed, fried, or fatty foods, you may be contributing to your lack of blood circulation throughout the body.
Changing your diet can greatly improve your ability to have an erection. A heart healthy diet includes:
- Plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Heart-healthy fats such as fatty fish, nuts, and olive oil
- Whole grains
Many doctors recommend the Mediterranean diet, which not only improves the heart’s health, but also has a huge impact on sexual function. Bottom line, if it’s good for your heart, it’s good for your manhood.
- Watch Your Weight
Being overweight or obese can lead to all sorts of health conditions, especially those that impact the heart and nerves. Health issues such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure can impact blood flow and nerves within the penis. In turn, this can cause erectile dysfunction.
Talk to your doctor about your ideal weight for your height. If you could stand to lose a few pounds, get your diet on track and embrace daily exercise. Shedding the pounds may improve your sexual function.
- Minimize Alcohol Intake
While there is no direct link to alcohol intake and erectile dysfunction, consuming too much alcohol causes all sorts of damage in the body. Excessive alcohol can lead to nerve and liver damage and can also impact male sex hormone levels. These conditions can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction.
If you’re craving a little buzz, red wine not only tastes good, it’s heart healthy!
- Regulate Blood Pressure & Cholesterol Levels
High blood pressure and high cholesterol can both damage blood vessels throughout the body. Over time, the blood vessels that bring blood to the penis can be impacted, which can cause erectile dysfunction. Be sure to keep tabs on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If you suffer from either one of these conditions, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
- Check Testosterone Levels
Typically around the age of 50, most men suffer from a sharp decrease in testosterone. Common symptoms include moodiness, lack of stamina, and low sex drive. Another telltale sign is lackluster erections. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, ask your doctor to test your testosterone levels.
Your doctor may decide to prescribe you a medication for E.D., most likely Viagra. Since the drug can be expensive, be on the lookout for a coupon for Viagra to keep more money in your wallet. You’d be surprised just how many coupons you can find online for prescription savings.
Conclusion
Erectile dysfunction can have a huge impact on man’s happiness and overall health. If you suffer from the condition, now’s the time to talk to your doctor. If you’re already medicated but find that you’re struggling to come to terms emotionally, don’t be afraid to seek emotional support. There is no shame in seeking help where help is needed.
Have your or a loved one suffered from erectile dysfunction? Share your story in the comments.