Men encouraged to open up about Erectile Dysfunction and save marriages

Weak erection, also known as Erectile Dysfunction (ED), is becoming a growing concern among men in Botswana, affecting both their physical health and emotional well-being.A Family Physician, Dr Kealeboga Smith, explained in an interview with The Midweek Sun that the condition is often linked to stress, poor lifestyle choices, and underlying medical issues.According to Dr Smith, weak erection is the inability to attain and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity. He said the common causes of weak erection in men include stress, alcohol, smoking, medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Dr Smith noted that some of the medications people use can lead to erectile dysfunction.“Stress and emotional issues can contribute to erectile dysfunction, and experiencing erectile dysfunction can in turn increase emotional stress creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break”, Dr Smith added.Lifestyle choices can contribute to or worsen erectile dysfunction, often leading to frustration and anxiety. In many cases, this can result in conflicts within relationships and marriages.Dr Smith noted that medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can cause weak erections, further adding that mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are also associated withweak erections.Dr Smith said nearly 50 percent of men begin to experience erection problems from the age of 40 onwards, and for some, it can occur even earlier especially those with chronic medical conditions.“Exercise can significantly improve erectile dysfunction. It helps by improving blood circulation, boosting one’s mood, and managing underlying conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.“In most cases, weak erection is reversible, especially when the underlying cause is treated. However, it can become permanent in rare instances where the nerves are severely damaged”, he said.Dr Smith encouraged men dealing with erectile dysfunction to seek medical help as soon as possible, especially if the issue lasts for several weeks, as a weak erection may be an early warning sign of more serious health conditions, such as heart disease.Meanwhile, a counsellor, Lesego Bile said weak erection can affect a man’s masculinity and sexual performance leading to feelings of inadequacy and embarrassment in a relationship or marriage.“Some men are usually afraid to seek help or even talk to close friends because of fear of being judged by people or society”, Bile said.According to Bile, erectile dysfunction can cause separation among couples. She added that lack of interest in sex does not always mean that a man could be cheating. Often times some men are afraid to speak out to their partners regarding their weak erections.“So I would advise men to be bold and get help in medical facilities. The only way to communicate is being open and honest, finding the right time when both parties are in a good frame of mind and walking the journey together. If someone really loves you they will support you and even do consultations together as a couple and figure out a positive way forward”, Bile said.She said overthinking and not being able to concentrate during sex can result in a low erection or no erection at all. She said some couples that argue a lot find it difficult to have sex as most women who feel emotionally disconnected to their partners never have high sex drive.The misconceptions about weak erection are usually men thinking they are bewitched or woman thinking men are cheating in general.“Couples can look for easy going methods that are fun for couples, foreplay or just by touching each other, cuddling or being intimate emotionally. Emotional intimacy is needed in relationships as it is a deep meaningful connection between two people who feel safe understood and valued allowing them to share their vulnerabilities without fear or judgment.“Every couple should consider counselling when they feel they are not able to discuss this topic openly and from a place of love and consideration. Having erectile dysfunction is something that can be solved with the right professional help. Having an erectile problem does not mean a man is not man enough”, Bile said.

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Men encouraged to open up about Erectile Dysfunction and save marriages