When we talk about the disorder that treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), we often see it very one -dimensional. A man usually believes he is “less than” because he cannot achieve or maintain an erection for contact or other sexual activity. It can be annoying, letting him feel powerless. This sense of inadequacy is one of the reasons why this condition has historically referred to as “incapacity”. However, while there are treatments available for erectile dysfunction, the exact success measure simply exceeds erection. Ultimately, the satisfaction with ED treatment revolves around the willingness and desire of a person to be with his partner – and vice versa.
I often see patients with erectile dysfunction, but eventually do not seek treatment beyond the front -line options, such as pills that can be taken at request. It’s an interesting situation, because when I ask them what they want to achieve, they often complain that their husband is not interested in sexual activity. So they wonder – why do they seek further healing, such as a penis implant, if their partner does not deal with their intimate lives? This common phenomenon has made it very clear to me: the treatment of erectile dysfunction is not just a person’s problem – it is really a couple’s problem and its solution must be approached as a group.
What do I mean by that?
After all, for people in a committed, long -term relationship, there is a natural reduction in sexual activity. As we get older, sex tends to become less central to our relationships, influenced by psychological and physiological factors. Male hormones, especially testosterone, begin to decrease after the age of 40, affecting libido. Women are experiencing a more dramatic fall of estrogen during menopause, which could occur in the mid -40s, 50 or even in the early 1960s.
Since sexual proximity is such a critical part of a relationship, do they give up to lose this aspect of intimacy or do we need to explore ways to maintain it? Fortunately, there are low risk treatments available, non -invasive treatments for both men and women who can help restore sexual function and satisfaction. And that’s exactly what we’ll talk about.
While I do not treat myself sexual well -being, I often talk to my male patients about whether their partners are interested in sexual activity. This helps me to evaluate the patient’s suitability for more advanced treatment options, such as a penis implant. Many times they tell me that their wife or partner has little desire for sex or that sex is uncomfortable or even painful. In these cases, I encourage my patients to have open conversations with their partners and to explore the available treatments that could improve their spouse’s sexual well -being.
For younger women – typically those within 10 years of menopause – HRT replacement therapy can be a sustainable choice. However, this decision should always be discussed with a health care provider, as individual health factors play an important role. For women over 40, the treatment of vaginal estrogen can help improve vaginal lubrication, making sex more comfortable and enjoyable. It is important that vaginal estrogen remains localized and does not enter the bloodstream, making the safe choice for many women, even those with worries about systemic hormone therapy.
Male Sexual Health: Treating the other half of the equation
As soon as we treat sexual health women, we can then shift the focus on the male side, which I certainly face. At this stage, I work with my patients to determine how they can better meet their partner’s sexual expectations while at the same time facing their own needs.
For men with mild to moderate ED, oral drugs (such as PDE5 inhibitors) or injectable treatments may be enough to maintain a satisfactory sex life. However, when these front -line treatments are no longer effective, it is time to discuss more permanent solutions, such as a penis implant. No matter how severe erectile dysfunction is, a penis implant offers a guaranteed way to achieve an erection. In addition, many patients are relieved to learn that libido (sexual desire) and feel remain unaffected by the implant. Some patients report that their desire is increasing – probably due to the psychological advantages of knowledge that they can achieve an erection consistently.
The role of testosterone in sexual health
At this point, it is also important to estimate whether low testosterone (low t) plays a role in reduced libido or sexual function. As we discussed, not all patients with low testosterone levels suffer from clinical hypogonadism. Some men may have levels that look low in a blood test, but do not experience symptoms, while others may have normal levels, but they still fight with libido and energy.
Fortunately, there are many ways to treat testosterone deficiency. These range from natural lifestyle changes – such as weight management, exercise and improved sleep – in medical interventions, including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Proper approach depends on the needs and medical history of the individual, so a thorough assessment is always recommended.
The bottom line
While we tend to focus on male erectile dysfunction as the primary culprit of sexual discontent later in life, it is necessary to recognize that female partners can also experience changes related to age that affect their desire and comfort. Unfortunately, women’s sexual well -being does not take almost as much research and attention as men’s sexual health, despite its importance.
