Men who live with erectile dysfunction often report feeling ashamed, lonely, or too embarrassed to discuss the disorder with their sexual partners, let alone their doctors. These feelings often lead to undiagnosed sexual dysfunction for years on end. There’s a prevailing stigma that lingers around erectile dysfunction because of hyper-sexual male stereotypes. Many men even go as far as equating their self worth directly to their sexual stamina. Once ED symptoms arise and sexual performance is diminished or stunted, many men shut down emotionally and physically which creates or exacerbates intimacy issues. At Giddy, we aim to create an environment of transparency by encouraging open conversations about ED to remove these hurtful stigmas. While ED can feel very isolating, we’ve outlined five ways to begin the process of normalizing erectile dysfunction. Instead of spending years ignoring the problem, men can begin the healing process through thoughtful discussion and multiple treatment options.
1. Know you’re not the only one
For those experiencing erectile dysfunction, it can feel like no one else could possibly understand, but just how common is ED? The reality is that erectile dysfunction is a condition that affects 30 million men every year. However, it’s not just men that experience difficulties with the disorder but their sexual partners as well. This makes the number of people affected by ED significantly higher. While no one enjoys being lumped together or counted as a statistic, the truth of the matter is that ED happens and it happens often.
2. Value your partner
Often, men shut down completely and refuse to discuss ED with their partners causing serious tension and discomfort. Men can become defensive and refuse their partner intimacy of any kind, including touching or kissing. Many partners end up blaming themselves for their husband or boyfriend’s ED. Giddy recently spoke to a 48-year old nurse who shared her experience with her husband’s erectile dysfunction. She explained that while she misses sex, she misses “physical touch” just as much. Her perspective is just one of millions. Men can avoid making the same mistakes in their own relationship simply by communicating. Dealing with erectile dysfunction in a relationship can be uncomfortable but it’s not impossible. Approach the subject like you would any other physical disorder because ED is one. Choosing not to communicate can drive a wedge into a relationship that can completely dismantle it causing a break up or divorce. 
3. Educate yourself and your partner
It’s important to conduct your own research if you’re experiencing ED. You’ll be able to read hundreds of first-hand accounts from men who have decided to speak on their own experiences, countless research papers, and you’ll even be able to take an online ED quiz. You’ll learn about the varying degrees of ED symptoms that you may be able to recognize in yourself. Share what you learn with your partner so she can have a better understanding of what you’re going through.
4. Seek help
Because of how common ED is across the country, plenty of research and development has been poured into finding an adequate solution. ED is frustrating but as we’ve pointed to already, you’re not alone. Erectile dysfunction often rears into many lives as a result of an underlying physical or mental condition. Do a gut check and visit your doctor. ED can be a symptom of diabetes or high blood pressure. It can also be a side effect of many medications. Depression, anxiety and stress can all have psychological influences affecting healthy erections or sexual desire. Your doctor can determine if an ulterior condition has to be addressed first. Many times, ED symptoms will diminish if that primary disease is treated first. Many physicians can prescribe medication to treat erectile dysfunction, but if you’d like to avoid adding another pill to your health regimen, you can try our natural ED device. Available without a prescription, Giddy’s device was designed for better blood flow and penile rigidity and won’t cause interactions with current medications.
5. Show compassion
ED can be extremely frustrating. You want to have sex and you probably want to have sex often, however, ED’s getting in the way but it’s of the utmost importance to be kind to yourself. As discussed above, ED is a physical condition. You wouldn’t berate yourself for having diabetes, so don’t berate yourself for experiencing erectile dysfunction symptoms. Instead, take control of your sex life by seeking help and making lifestyle choices to manage ED. Legal Disclaimer: We appreciate you taking part in the discussion about sexual health and wellness. Because we include information about medical conditions and treatments, please note the following: Information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only. Any information provided here is not for the purpose of diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of treatment regimen you should always seek the advice of your licensed healthcare professional. And remember, if you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. All information on this site is provided in good-faith, however, Giddy Holdings, Inc, and its agents and employees, make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of this content. Under no circumstances shall we assume any liability to you for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of this site, or the reliance on any information provided herein. Any application of the material provided here is at the reader’s sole discretion and responsibility.