The foundation of any healthy relationship is built on communication, respect, and trust. For many, sexual satisfaction is an integral part of married life. Yet, this depends solely on the people in the relationship and what elements are essential to their happiness. In a 2015 survey conducted by Pew Research Center, 61% of respondents cite satisfactory sex as an important part of marriage. A fulfilling marital sex life is possible between married couples of any age, and a marriage can survive without intimacy. However, some men may find their sexual performance hindered by erectile dysfunction (ED), which is the chronic inability to maintain or achieve an erection for sexual intercourse.
Learn More About the Causes of ED
While many men of all ages currently suffer from ED, there can be a variety of similarities among sufferers. ED can have both physical and psychological causes.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some physical causes of ED include:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Certain prescription medications
- Certain cancer treatments
- The aftermath of certain operations, including radical prostatectomy
In addition to physical causes, mentality and emotion can play a considerable role in causing some cases of ED.
Some psychological causes for ED include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Relationship issues
Understanding the cause of your ED can help you identify possible treatment options. By speaking with a medical professional, you can learn more about the basis of your condition while also learning about your candidacy for various treatments.
Communication is Fundamental to Any Marriage
The Journal of Marriage and Family
reports that communication is an essential element of any marriage. The ability to freely share your feelings, concerns, and accomplishments can contribute to marital satisfaction. If a man is suffering from ED, they should be able to discuss these concerns with their partner. This is often the first step toward seeking treatment.
Some of the ways to begin this conversation include:
- Being open and honest
- Having an unrestrained conversation about sexual desires and expectations
- Allowing ample time for both sides to express their emotions
- Discussing needs and preferences
A healthy sex life is an important part of many marriages. You do not have to forfeit your ability to engage in sexual activity because of an ED diagnosis.
Options For Relieving ED
Sometimes, ED can be easily managed through a series of small lifestyle changes. Men just beginning to seek treatment for their condition may find these changes to be the end of their issues.
To relieve symptoms, a man with ED can:
- Stop smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Reduce caloric intake
- Exercise
- Get enough sleep
- Eat foods low in fat but high in protein
A medical professional can name other options for treating ED other than those listed here.
Conventional Treatments For ED
The most popular form of treatment for ED, according to the Journal of Family & Community Medicine, is VIAGRA®. However, men who are taking nitrate-based medications are not candidates for many male enhancement supplements because it can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Additionally, these drugs also come with a risk of dependence, since many men will continue to take them for years at a time rather than seek longer-lasting treatment options.
Other conventional treatments of ED include:
- ED pills that relax the muscles and increase blood flow to the penis
- Vacuum devices to stretch the muscles in the organ and stimulate arousal
- ED suppositories that can create an erection that lasts up to an hour
- Penile implant surgery that implants expandable rods inside the penis
Yet, some men may not see a difference in their sexual performance after undergoing these methods.
Consider GAINSWave® Therapy
Traditional treatments for ED can provide temporary, short-term restoration of one’s libido and the ability to maintain an erection. In addition to conventional treatments, there are also alternative ED treatments that can provide a wide range of improvements for adult men of all ages.
Among alternative ED treatments is a low-intensity soundwave treatment called GAINSWave® therapy. GAINSWave® therapy is a simple, non-invasive, painless way to restore sexual function. It uses high frequency, low-intensity soundwaves to increase blood flow to the penis. GAINSWave® therapy goes a step further by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels and penile tissue. This procedure takes place with a local treatment provider and is performed in-office.
Find Effective ED Treatments Today
If you are concerned about the effects of absent or diminished sex on your marriage and whether your marriage can survive without intimacy, there is help available. While ED does not have a cure, there are treatments that seek to relieve its symptoms. Start by browsing our directory to find a GAINSWave® certified therapy provider today.
