ED is incredibly common, and affects millions of men each year. And while erectile issues can be upsetting and frustrating, fortunately, many cases of it respond well to lifestyle changes, medications, surgery, or other treatments like vacuum pumps. By learning how to manage your erectile issues and talk about it openly with a new partner, you’ll be able to enjoy physical intimacy and a satisfying sex life.
Communication is key
The most important tool for a satisfying sex life is communication with your partner, especially when you’re coping with ED or other challenges. Talk openly; if you’re experiencing ED or low libido, your partner may worry that you no longer find them attractive – they may suspect they’re doing something wrong or undesirable. It’s important to reassure each other and remain supportive.
Conquer performance anxiety and relax
When you have ED, sometimes you can obsess about having an erection and lose sight of the big picture. Plus, ED problems can come and go, which can make you even more anxious. Because of this, anxiety is one of the biggest contributors to ED – in some cases, it may play an even bigger role than physiological problems. And when you’re worried that you won’t be able to perform or enjoy yourself in bed, you’re less likely to enjoy yourself.
Try not to focus on your ED when you’re getting intimate with your partner. Instead, enjoy the time you have together. Deep breathing exercises may help you relax. The more relaxed you are, the more ready you’ll be for a fulfilling and stress-free experience.
Avoid unhealthy habits
Certain lifestyle habits can make ED worse, in addition to any anxiety you may already be feeling. To help manage your erectile issues and enjoy a healthy sex life, try to:
- Quit smoking
- Avoid heavy drinking
- Avoid illicit drugs
- Maintain a heart-healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Take care of your emotional health
Certain medications can also contribute to ED, including some antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, painkillers, and drugs for Parkinson’s disease. If you suspect that your ED is linked to your medications, talk with your doctor and ask them about alternative medications or other treatment options.
Lose weight and exercise regularly
Losing excess weight and getting regular exercise may improve your sex life, and can also improve your cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and overall well-being – all of which can also help to support a healthy sex life.
Some types of exercise may be especially useful, including kegels. Kegel exercises are a great way to train muscles around the genitals, and many report a noticeable improvement for their sexual capacity after just a few weeks. There are a few other exercises that work the muscles around the pelvic area, called pelvic floor exercises, including leg or foot raises and pelvic curls, that can help make a difference.
Try vacuum pump exercises
For those looking for a way to quickly restore sexual function, vacuum pumps are an effective, powerful option. Vacuum pumps like VaxAid are able to make a genuine difference, and while our pumps won't remove the problem preventing you from achieving or maintaining an erection, it's a great way to recover your sexual capacity and confidence. We've designed VaxAid to remove the dangers and problems of other pumps, giving you the best option available today.
For a truly satisfying and sustainable sex life, it’s important to take care of your overall health and practice good communication with your partner. Adjust your sexual expectations, adopt healthy habits, and be sure to keep the lines of communication between each other open and comfortable.
To learn more about VaxAid pumps and how they can help with symptoms of ED, view our FAQ page or take a look at our products.