1 in 5 men with this health problem are accused of cheating on their partner

Some men have a secret they won’t even share with their partners, and it can have a significant impact on even the strongest relationships.

Being unable to achieve or maintain an erection long enough to have sex can be an embarrassing issue for those living with the condition. erectile dysfunction Although (ED) is a very common health problem. In fact, it is estimated that Half of men aged 40-70 will experience ED This condition, also known as impotence, can sometimes be caused by factors such as certain medications, too much alcohol, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.

There are also psychological reasons such as stress, anxiety or fatigue. It can also be an early sign of a life-threatening health problem, such as heart disease (a condition in which artery blockage or narrowing can restrict blood flow to the penis).

Although it may seem scary to discuss this with your doctor or other healthcare professional, it can help determine the cause and treatment. But for many, ED remains a difficult topic to talk about. It can lead to secrets and lies between couples, with each partner easily jumping to the wrong conclusion.

New research now EroxonA topical gel available over-the-counter to treat ED found that a fifth of men suffering from ED were mistakenly suspected of cheating by their partner* due to a change in intimacy in their relationship. Here, leading experts explain the signs your partner is hiding their problems and offer advice on how to fix the problem.

BEING MORE EMOTIONAL: “There is no single moment that can make a man emotional; untreated ED can make your partner feel like less of a man,” he says. Doctor Catherine Hoodsexual medicine specialist and psychosexual therapist.

TRY THIS: “Let your partner know you’re there for them and open to listening. If they are emotional or angry, don’t exaggerate it. Put yourself in their shoes; “If ED is behind their heightened emotions, it can be extremely distressing for them.”

CONTACT DISTRIBUTION: “It’s very difficult for men to talk about ED issues because it’s still such a taboo subject,” says the GP. Doctor Janine DavidSexual health expert on Eroxon’s ED Information Panel. “They may not want to be seen as a disappointment or disappointment. In my clinic, I tell them they are not alone. One study reported that more than a quarter of new ED cases were diagnosed in men under 40.”

TRY THIS: “If you notice changes in your partner, such as withdrawal, try starting a conversation with them. Choose a convenient time outside of the bedroom when they are not busy or distracted.”

LACK OF GENDER: In the Eroxon survey, 37 percent of partners of people with ED said they no longer had sex. “In my clinic, one of the most common signs that a man is suffering from ED is that he begins to avoid sex and spending time in the bedroom,” says Dr. Hood. “They may go to bed later than their partners or start going to the gym early in the morning to avoid intimacy.”

TRY THIS: “Sex and intimacy are an important part of the relationship for most couples. “Consider medical solutions such as Eroxon gel, which helps men achieve an erection within 10 minutes and can become part of foreplay.”

LESS TRUST: Men’s health expert Dr. “It’s men’s basic instinct to have sex and please their partner, so when they can’t do that, they can feel like a failure,” says Jeff Foster. “Australian researchers reported that men with ED consistently admitted to feeling less of a man.It was linked to negative reactions such as shame or fear of stigma.

TRY THIS: “Make sure to listen to your partner and make them feel appreciated. Remind them of their wonderful qualities to help them realize how valuable they are away from the bedroom. You can try sending them a random message during the day to make them feel good.

Feeling Unattractive: According to Eroxon’s research, 56 percent of partners of ED patients think that the man no longer likes them. “It’s common for partners to have nagging doubts about their own attractiveness, or doubts that their partner will find sexual satisfaction elsewhere,” says Dr David.

“Since they cannot please their partners in the bedroom, people who complain about this situation may feel as if their partners will leave them.”

TRY THIS: “An honest and open conversation is vital and can put you both at ease knowing that the ED is the cause of the problem. Communication is the foundation of any relationship and is especially important for couples dealing with ED because it instantly eliminates concerns about infidelity and minimizes feelings of insecurity.

LOW TESTOSTERONE: “Erections are androgen-dependent (androgens are a group of male hormones that include testosterone),” says Dr Foster. “So when testosterone levels drop due to things like obesity, stress, or even aging, it can cause ED.”

TRY THIS: “There are ways to help increase testosterone. Encourage your partner to exercise, limit alcohol, and prioritize sleep. Minimize stress by finding calming hobbies away from work or hectic family life.

DEPRESSION: “If a man has depression, his risk of ED is higher, according to research,” says Dr. David. “This may be due to increased anxiety or certain antidepressant medications. But ED can also cause a man to feel depressed because he feels that his virility is affected.”

TRY THIS: “If you notice that your partner is feeling down, more withdrawn, tired, or losing interest in hobbies, it would be wise to bring up the subject. Pick a time and calmly tell them that you’ve noticed that they haven’t been their usual self lately. Make sure they know you are there for them and have no judgment. Therapy is always an option; Always offer to go with them so they are not alone.”

INCREASED STRESS OR ANXIETY: “ED undoubtedly has a knock-on effect on many other areas of men’s lives,” says Dr Hood. “A systematic review published in the International Journal of Impotence found that: 37 percent of men with ED had an anxiety disorder.

“Not being able to perform can be stressful, and it doesn’t fit the typical male stereotype.”

TRY THIS: “There is evidence that partners who openly share their stress are more satisfied with their relationships. Encourage your partner to try stress-relieving tactics like deep breathing, doing calming exercises like yoga, avoiding technology before bed, and even writing down how he’s feeling.

WEIGHT GAIN: “Emotional eating is common as ED sufferers feel more anxious and stressed, so turn to food as comfort,” says Dr Hood. “And being overweight can affect testosterone levels, potentially leading to ED, so it’s a bit of a chicken and egg situation.”

TRY THIS: “Managing weight gain is vital to health, so get active with your partner while promoting a balanced diet by joining a fitness club.”

USING PORNOGRAPHY: “ED patients often turn to pornography to trigger desire, but if the problem is psychological, health or hormonally based, it won’t have much effect,” says Dr Foster. “He may be desperately trying to disprove the idea that he has ED, but you may not see it that way. You may feel unattractive and unwanted.

TRY THIS: “It’s important to talk about this with your partner. “If they open their emergency rooms, reassure them that there is a solution.”

OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS: “Heart problems and ED often go hand in hand because Vascular damage and impaired blood flow to the penis are one of the most common causes of erection problems.“Additionally, if an ED patient has a heart condition or has had a heart attack, it’s understandable that they may feel anxious, which can weaken their sex drive.”

TRY THIS: “If your partner has heart problems or is taking medications for a health condition that causes ED, encourage them to talk to their doctor. They may change their medications.”

TO LEAVE: “A lack of intimacy can really weaken a relationship,” Dr Foster says. “ED can cause him to feel that he is no longer needed because he cannot satisfy his partner, so he automatically distances himself.”

TRY THIS: “Open communication is key, so try doing activities together away from the bedroom. Join dance classes or play sports together. Intimacy doesn’t just come from having sex; Therefore, prioritize spending time together as a couple.”

*1036 ED (721 men with a history of ED) patients and their partners participated in the survey conducted on behalf of Eroxon.co.uk in January 2024.