How to help your husband with erectile dysfunction: empathy and open communication matter.
The answer to “how can I help my husband with erectile dysfunction?” lies in partnership. Support is essential so he understands that erection difficulties are not a reason for shame.
Having a partner’s help can positively contribute to coping with erectile dysfunction.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is difficulty getting or keeping a firm erection for sexual activity. Causes may be physical or psychological.
Among physical causes, the most common are conditions that impair blood flow, such as diabetes, and diseases that affect testosterone production.
Stress, anxiety, and depression are the emotional issues most associated with psychogenic erectile dysfunction.
Regarding the question about age of onset, erectile dysfunction is more common from the 40s onward.
Causes of impotence
Impotence can have multiple causes—often a combination of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Below are the main ones.
Physical factors
Medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity are common physical causes.
These issues can affect blood flow and nerves—both crucial for achieving and maintaining a satisfactory erection.
Pelvic surgeries and total prostate removal are other situations in which nerves may be affected, compromising erectile function.
Another factor is reduced levels of sexual hormones such as testosterone.
Emotional factors
Psychogenic erectile dysfunction is driven by emotional and psychological factors that affect the ability to have erections.
Chronic stress can raise cortisol levels and negatively impact sexual function. Depression is another factor that commonly affects erectile capacity.
Performance anxiety, fear of not pleasing a partner, and body image concerns also interfere.
Relationship difficulties, in general, may contribute to psychogenic erectile dysfunction.
Behavior and symptoms in men
Recognizing the behavior and symptoms of men with erectile dysfunction helps you support your husband effectively.
Avoiding physical contact and intimate situations are classic signs.
According to a Datafolha survey with 1,813 men aged 18–70, 72% stopped having sex. Reported reasons:
- physical fatigue (44%)
- stress (40%)
- work/financial concerns and emotional issues (38%)
The study also shows that 84% of men with erectile dysfunction reported losing sexual interest. The reasons for not having sex were:
- physical fatigue (54%)
- stress (52%)
- work concerns (49%)
- emotional issues (50%)
How to help your husband with erectile dysfunction: 6 tips
Here’s how to help your husband with erectile dysfunction in practice. The situation requires sensitivity, patience, and care for both sides of the relationship. See six useful tips below.
1. Be patient and empathetic
Show understanding and support.
Empathy creates a safe environment so he feels comfortable sharing feelings and concerns.
Unconditional support can help reduce stress and anxiety, favoring treatment adherence.
2. Keep communication open
Create a safe space to talk about feelings, worries, and experiences—and face the situation together.
Encourage honest, respectful conversations and let him know you’re available to listen without judgment. Share your emotions, too.
3. Explore sexuality together
Instead of focusing only on intercourse, try new forms of intimacy and pleasure that don’t depend solely on erectile function.
Sensual massages and intimate touch help you connect emotionally and physically—and feel satisfied.
Be open to fantasies, erotic games, and sex toys—always with open dialogue and mutual respect.
4. Strengthen intimacy and affection
Prioritize moments of emotional and physical connection.
Invest in gestures of affection—hugs, kisses, supportive words—showing love and understanding.
Plan activities that promote closeness: date nights, walks, or simply quality time together.
By nurturing intimacy and affection, you create a safe, comforting space where both feel loved, valued, and accepted.
5. Take care of yourself
Facing a partner’s impotence can be emotionally exhausting for both.
Make time for your emotional and physical well-being. Prioritize self-care.
Set aside moments for hobbies, exercise, meditation, or reading.
Therapy can also help by providing space to express emotions and reduce the emotional burden.
6. Encourage professional help
Many men delay seeking help due to embarrassment or fear of judgment. Emphasize that medical guidance is a courageous, essential step toward sexual health and emotional well-being.
Explain that ED is common and treatable, and trained health professionals can provide appropriate support and guidance.
Encouraging him to explore options and work closely with healthcare professionals can be key to treatment success.
Frequently asked questions
Does removing the prostate cause impotence?
Radical prostatectomy removes the entire prostate in certain cancer cases. Like any surgery, it carries risks, including erectile dysfunction.
Although nerve-sparing techniques exist, some men may face erectile difficulties after surgery.
How to treat impotence after prostate surgery?
Sexual rehabilitation is defined by the urologist after evaluation. Options include oral or injectable medications and vacuum devices.
In severe cases, a penile prosthesis may be considered.
How to satisfy a man with impotence?
Open communication, exploring new forms of intimacy and affection, and emotional support during medical care and therapy. Sex toys can also be helpful.
Do men with ED feel desire?
Yes. Even without firm erections, desire can exist. ED is related to hormonal, circulatory, and nervous system issues, while sexual desire is linked to emotional and psychological factors.
Mental stimulation can trigger arousal even without maintaining an erection. Frustration over time may reduce libido—hence the importance of early medical guidance.
How to treat erectile dysfunction naturally?
Lifestyle measures—regular physical activity, healthy eating, and stress control—may help. A healthcare professional should guide the best approach for each case.
Can high blood pressure and diabetes cause impotence?
High blood pressure can contribute by stiffening and narrowing vessels over time. Diabetes can damage vessels, nerves, and hormone production.
Ask your questions about erectile dysfunction with Dr. Paulo Egydio
Erectile dysfunction can be managed with appropriate treatment and partner support.
If you have symptoms, seek evaluation with a trusted professional. Dr. Paulo Egydio, urologist, provides specialized care in men’s sexual health.
Another way to contact us is by filling out the pre-analysis form to receive initial guidance on your case.
Learn more:
- 9 Main Causes of Male Impotence and How to Treat
- How to improve your erection?
- 12 practical ways to get a firmer erection
- Medication-related Erectile Dysfunction: Available Treatments
- Top 5 Male Libido Supplements (Evidence-based)
- Erectile Dysfunction: What It Is, Main Symptoms, and Treatments
- Sexologist or Urologist: Who to See First?
- Penis Pump and Penile Injections
