What Are the Complications of Erectile Dysfunction?
What Are the Complications of Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is a condition that affects an important part of a man’s life. It interferes with his sexual functionality, and this may have adverse effects on both him and his sexual partner(s). Aside from psychological effects, the man may also experience side effects from the drugs that may be used to treat his condition.
Psychological/Social Complications
Some of the complications that can arise as a result of erectile dysfunction include the following:
- Relationship issues
- Low self-esteem
- Stress
- Emotional distress
- Lack of sexual satisfaction
- Marital problems
- Relationship and Marital Problems
These issues can come up due to a lack of sexual satisfaction on the part of the man’s partner or wife. If they feel that they are not getting the level of satisfaction they need during sexual intercourse, they may not be satisfied with the relationship in general.
Partners may cheat on a man with ED in order to get the satisfaction they need. This can cause conflicts in any relationship. Men with ED may not be able to have children through regular sexual intercourse, which may be an upsetting situation for themselves and their partner. Both of these things can result in relationship tension and stress.
Being abandoned in a relationship can cause major emotional issues for men, especially if it occurs due to performance during sex. Self-esteem and self-worth may decrease for men with erectile dysfunction in this situation.
Seeing a therapist may help you to overcome these troubles and revive self-esteem. It may also be helpful to seek relationship counseling so that partners can better understand the situation and be supportive in the healing process.
- Stress and Emotional Distress
Erectile dysfunction often causes psychological problems. This is because affected patients may feel that they are inferior due to their inability to perform well sexually. Counseling may be required for some men to cope with their situations. It is also important for men with ED to find partners that support and encourage them.
Physical Complications
The problems listed above are ones that affect a man’s lifestyle. They may interfere with his social life and cause major setbacks in interaction with others. Erectile dysfunction also causes problems that involve a man’s health. Such complications may include:
- Discovery of underlying medical problems
- Side effects of ED drugs
- Emergence of Underlying Health Issues
Since ED is associated with other chronic conditions, receiving a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction may also lead to the discovery of underlying medical conditions. Some conditions that can cause ED are high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus, among others. These conditions mean that a man will require further treatment.
- Side Effects of Erectile Dysfunction Drugs
Some of the drugs that are used to treat ED result in extreme and occasionally life-threatening side effects, especially when combined with other medications. It is important that those who take medications used to treat angina (chest pain) or blood thinners do not use PDE inhibitors (drugs like Viagra).
The Bottom Line
Erectile dysfunction usually has other complications, so if you are diagnosed with this condition it is important to get the proper treatment.
