Dear Anon:
I am not clear from your posting if you just started this relationship five months ago or if your partner and you have been together longer and he just started to experience ED symptoms. Let’s assume that there is no previous history of ED and the problem is new, if this is the case, you may want to share your concerns for his health and the relationship. Be honest about suggesting a visit to a doctor. You can tell him you have done some research on this and found that it is something that should not be ignored as it could be a symptom of something more serious. A doctor can run tests such as Testosterone levels (usually linked to ED in a normal, healthy, aging male) in addition to assessing his stress or other psychological issues. If he already suffers from a chronic illness and is taking medications, sometimes side effects can be confused or resembled ED. Susan C. mentioned some possible causes on her posting. Either way, a doctor will be able to determine the best course of action.
If he is not taking any medications to suspect causing this problem, a doctor’s visit is still appropriate to rule out a more serious health conditions such as those which may contribute to ED by impairing blood flow to the penis: artherosclerosis, diabetes, hypothyroidism or multiple sclerosis.
Depending on the possible triggers, therapy may also include psychological and behavioral counseling, Hormone Replacement Therapy (Testosterone), treatment of underlying disease, avoidance of medications such as antihypertensives, and MAO inhibitors, avoidance of alcohol and smoking. There are other more invasive treatments such as penile vacuum devices and surgical options, such as penile implants and vascular repair which are usually limited to those who have not responded to other treatments.
Among the natural therapies, Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng) has traditionally been used as a supportive herb for male potency. A double-blind trial found that 1,800 mg per day of Asian ginseng extract for three months helped improve libido and the ability to maintain an erection in men with ED.13 The benefit of Asian ginseng confirmed in another double-blind study, in which 900 mg three times a day was given for eight weeks. Another one is MACA, a natural product from South America known as the natural VIAGRA. This product is available in the US now in many forms: tea, extract, capsules and even energy bars! And one not too known for its positive effects on male performance is CDP-Choline which has shown to enhance male performance in clinical tests within minutes. This product can be taken safely as part of a daily nutritional regime. There are many other benefits associated with a regular supplementation of CDP Choline for heart and brain health.
But above all, DO NOT avoid the conversation and share your feelings and concerns about this. ED can cause more stress and anxiety to him as his own feelings of inadequacy get deeper and the cause is not addressed. Even if his current condition is temporary or is caused by something physical, erectile dysfunction can create stress and tension for both of you. Counseling can help, especially when your partner participates. If he is not opened to that, then share your feelings and concerns about seeking medical advice sooner than later.
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Dear Anon:
I am not clear from your posting if you just started this relationship five months ago or if your partner and you have been together longer and he just started to experience ED symptoms. Let’s assume that there is no previous history of ED and the problem is new, if this is the case, you may want to share your concerns for his health and the relationship. Be honest about suggesting a visit to a doctor. You can tell him you have done some research on this and found that it is something that should not be ignored as it could be a symptom of something more serious. A doctor can run tests such as Testosterone levels (usually linked to ED in a normal, healthy, aging male) in addition to assessing his stress or other psychological issues. If he already suffers from a chronic illness and is taking medications, sometimes side effects can be confused or resembled ED. Susan C. mentioned some possible causes on her posting. Either way, a doctor will be able to determine the best course of action.
If he is not taking any medications to suspect causing this problem, a doctor’s visit is still appropriate to rule out a more serious health conditions such as those which may contribute to ED by impairing blood flow to the penis: artherosclerosis, diabetes, hypothyroidism or multiple sclerosis.
Depending on the possible triggers, therapy may also include psychological and behavioral counseling, Hormone Replacement Therapy (Testosterone), treatment of underlying disease, avoidance of medications such as antihypertensives, and MAO inhibitors, avoidance of alcohol and smoking. There are other more invasive treatments such as penile vacuum devices and surgical options, such as penile implants and vascular repair which are usually limited to those who have not responded to other treatments.
Among the natural therapies, Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng) has traditionally been used as a supportive herb for male potency. A double-blind trial found that 1,800 mg per day of Asian ginseng extract for three months helped improve libido and the ability to maintain an erection in men with ED.13 The benefit of Asian ginseng confirmed in another double-blind study, in which 900 mg three times a day was given for eight weeks. Another one is MACA, a natural product from South America known as the natural VIAGRA. This product is available in the US now in many forms: tea, extract, capsules and even energy bars! And one not too known for its positive effects on male performance is CDP-Choline which has shown to enhance male performance in clinical tests within minutes. This product can be taken safely as part of a daily nutritional regime. There are many other benefits associated with a regular supplementation of CDP Choline for heart and brain health.
But above all, DO NOT avoid the conversation and share your feelings and concerns about this. ED can cause more stress and anxiety to him as his own feelings of inadequacy get deeper and the cause is not addressed. Even if his current condition is temporary or is caused by something physical, erectile dysfunction can create stress and tension for both of you. Counseling can help, especially when your partner participates. If he is not opened to that, then share your feelings and concerns about seeking medical advice sooner than later.
November 21, 2008 - 9:22pmThis Comment
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