As you’ve already, seen, medical science now knows that, most often, ED has a physical cause. Acknowledging that breakthrough takes us— physicians and patients alike—into the new world of sexual medicine. Today, the physiological aspects of ED can be treated. But without looking at and addressing another crucial component of a man’s sex life, the medications will take that man only so far. Facing the psychological reverberations that ED causes in men and their partners is an equally important part of treating the condition successfully. Dealing with the aftereffects of a renewed sex life is another.
Sex involves two people, and their feelings must be recognized. I know many men shy away from talking about their ED for a number ol reasons, including embarrassment, frustration, and fear. But without lacing the problem, in all its complexity, it can’t be solved to the mutual satisfaction of both partners. In order to fully overcome ED and its far-reaching repercussions in a couple, several actions need to be taken:
• First of all, a man must acknowledge his problem and talk to his partner about it.
• Second, he needs to discuss the treatment options with his doctor.
• Third—and possibly most important of all—he has to ask himself what sex, both physically and emotionally, means to him.
As I’ve stated throughout this book, without an emotional connection to your sexual partner, the pills alone won’t give you the deep, satisfying awareness that defines great sex. For those of you who took your sex lives for granted until it changed, this is a golden opportunity. Not only do you have available the means to restore your sexual function; now you can bring new emotional perspective to your relationship, giving it a stronger, more resilient bond that will enhance your sexual experiences as well as those of your partner.
The long-reaching effects of the ED medications will take men and their partners into a new phase of their lives. I would be remiss if I didn’t guide you through this uncharted territory. To do that, we have to take the first step toward the resolution of ED. And that means that the problem has to be faced. There is a painless and quick method that can help you do that. All you have to do is take the time to answer fifteen questions.
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