Home

Sexual Health

ED and Sexual Dysfunction in Marriage: Why Ignoring It Will Cost You

Contents

Dealing with Erectile Dysfunction in Marriage Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Options Choosing the Best Treatment for ED & a Sexless Marriage

Sex is an important part of a healthy and fulfilling relationship, but erection problems and sexual dysfunction can wreak havoc. Suddenly, what once felt effortless becomes stressful, and conversations about intimacy feel awkward, strained, and embarrassing. You are not alone.

Among sexually active men, nearly 15% reported moderate-to-severe erection problems, including those in a happy marriage. [i] However, ignoring ED can affect more than just the person experiencing it. Left unaddressed, a sexless marriage can breed resentment, cause emotional distance, and in some cases, even provide grounds for divorce. [ii]

How do you avoid the cost of sexual dysfunction in marriage? Let’s discuss.

Dealing with Erectile Dysfunction in Marriage

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can impact sexual intimacy, emotional closeness and psychological well-being. [iii] Causes include performance anxiety, health issues, relationship problems, and porn-induced erectile dysfunction. [iv] However, couples can better navigate the hurdles by understanding the underlying causes and exploring effective ED treatment options.

The Link Between ED and a Sexless Marriage

The sexless marriage definition is a relationship where sexual contact happens fewer than ten times per year. [v] Frequency varies among couples, but a drastic decrease in intimacy due to erection problems is surprisingly prevalent, and its effects on relationship satisfaction are measurable, especially for older men. [vi]

As sexual activity becomes less frequent, husbands might feel frustrated, disappointed and isolated, which can further erode the marital bond. Over time, partners can misinterpret this physical gap as a loss of love or attraction, despite the root cause being tied to the unique challenges of erectile dysfunction. [vii]

DID YOU KNOW: Anxiety-related erectile dysfunction, or “honeymoon impotence,” is somewhat common among newlyweds. [viii]

Can Marriage Survive Erectile Dysfunction?

Reduced sex in marriage due to persistent ED or sexual dysfunction can create a cycle of self-doubt that reinforces negative perceptions of desirability and competence. [ix] Erectile dysfunction effects on marriage are often highly disruptive to the relationship, which makes early intervention critical to long-term success. [x]

High-quality erectile dysfunction treatment options could be the key to unlocking more fulfilling experiences in a sexless marriage. Studies show that proactively addressing ED symptoms can boost satisfaction and reduce the emotional strain on both partners. [xi] Therefore, a healthy sex life isn’t just about how many times you have sex. It’s about how much you both enjoy it.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Options

Many couples discover that confronting erectile dysfunction head-on can be a catalyst for relationship growth. [xii] Explore the options for treating ED and sexual dysfunction in marriage. Psychological erection problems may require mental health support, but the physical ED symptoms are often addressed through lifestyle changes and ED medications. [xiii]

Lifestyle Changes

Simple lifestyle modifications can make a significant difference in managing erectile dysfunction and improving sex life quality in long-term relationships. [xiv] Since erections require adequate blood flow to the penis, eliminating alcohol consumption, exercising regularly, managing weight and eating a balanced diet are essential. [xv]

Therapy & Mental Health Support

Confronting the psychological components of ED is as important as treating the physical symptoms. Mental health support from a sex therapist can be helpful, but focusing on the mechanisms of desire is also crucial. Pharmacological interventions — such as apomorphine, a dopamine receptor agonist — can boost the brain’s arousal centers and help prepare the body for sex. [xvi]

ED Drug Treatments

No sex in marriage despite lifestyle changes and mental health support could mean ED medications are the best choice. Erectile dysfunction meds such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5) help enhance circulation to the penis for more robust and reliable erections. [xvii] For maximum results, many men combine PDE5 inhibitors with apomorphine to leverage improved penile blood flow alongside increased central arousal. [xviii]

Choosing the Best Treatment for ED & a Sexless Marriage

Picking the right solutions for a sexless marriage requires adopting an integrated, personalized strategy to address the physical and psychological dimensions of sexual dysfunction. For many couples, a combination of effective ED drugs yields the best outcomes. [xix]

Here are some practical tips for choosing an ED treatment:

· Consult a healthcare provider specializing in sexual health to identify and address underlying issues.

· Help your partner with erectile dysfunction by discussing your concerns with honest dialogue to reduce anxiety and choose optimal treatments.

· Consider a holistic approach to tackle the physical and psychological aspects of ED for a more balanced and sustainable experience.

· Understand the side effects of erectile dysfunction medications and schedule regular follow-ups with a doctor to track progress and adjust as needed.

· Be patient, as new erectile dysfunction treatments may work gradually to overcome ED symptoms and restore intimacy in marriage. [xx]

· Choose erectile dysfunction medications that work quickly and last for hours to create a convenient window for spontaneous sex.

Avoid the long-term cost of a sexless marriage by making simple but powerful changes. Take charge and break the cycle with effective ED treatments, including mental health support to ensure a lasting libido.

Emerging treatment protocols pair PDE5 inhibitors with apomorphine to optimize performance and rekindle desire. [xxi] Rugiet, for example, leverages apomorphine’s unique properties to improve sexual function while ensuring adequate penile blood flow.

Redefine sex in marriage. Learn how to deal with ED in a relationship, seize your power and ignite your passion. Your journey isn’t over. It starts now.

DISCLAIMER:

SOURCES:

Calzo JP, Austin SB, Charlton BM, Missmer SA, Kathrins M, Gaskins AJ, et al. Erectile Dysfunction in a Sample of Sexually Active Young Adult Men from a U.S. Cohort: Demographic, Metabolic and Mental Health Correlates. Journal of Urology [Internet]. 2021 Feb 1 [cited 2025 Feb 24];205(2):539–44. https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000001367

Heinig, Melissa. “Abandonment and Desertion in Divorce.” Www.divorcenet.com, www.divorcenet.com/resources/abandonment-and-desertion-in-divorce.html.

Sheng, Ziyan. “Psychological Consequences of Erectile Dysfunction.” Trends in Urology & Men’s Health, vol. 12, no. 6, Nov. 2021, pp. 19–22, https://doi.org/10.1002/tre.827.

Jacobs, Tim, et al. “Associations between Online Pornography Consumption and Sexual Dysfunction in Young Men: Multivariate Analysis Based on an International Web-Based Survey.” JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, vol. 7, no. 10, 21 Oct. 2021, p. e32542, https://doi.org/10.2196/32542.

Ueda P, Mercer CH, Ghaznavi C, Herbenick D. Trends in Frequency of Sexual Activity and Number of Sexual Partners Among Adults Aged 18 to 44 Years in the US, 2000-2018. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(6):e203833. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.3833 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2767066

Zhang, Y., & Liu, H. (2020). A National Longitudinal Study of Partnered Sex, Relationship Quality, and Mental Health Among Older Adults. The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences, 75(8), 1772–1782. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbz074

van Lankveld, J., Jacobs, N., Thewissen, V., Dewitte, M., & Verboon, P. (2018). The associations of intimacy and sexuality in daily life: Temporal dynamics and gender effects within romantic relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 35(4), 557-576. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407517743076

Rany Shamloul, Management of Honeymoon Impotence, The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Volume 3, Issue 2, March 2006, Pages 361–366, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2005.00092.x

Chesli, S.R., Bostani Khalesi, Z. & Chenari, S.S. The role of sexual self-esteem, sexual desire, and sexual assertiveness in the female sexual function. Psicol. Refl. Crít. 37, 21 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41155-024-00303-4

Tomlinson, John, and David Wright. “Impact of Erectile Dysfunction and Its Subsequent Treatment with Sildenafil: Qualitative Study.” BMJ, vol. 328, no. 7447, 29 Mar. 2004, p. 1037, https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.38044.662176.ee.

Zaman Huri H, Mat Sanusi N, Abdul Razack AH, Mark R. Association of psychological factors, patients’ knowledge, and management among patients with erectile dysfunction. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2016;10:807-823. https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S99544

Gao, Jingjing, et al. “Different Evaluations Exist between Men with Erectile Dysfunction and Their Female Partners When Using Erectile Hardness Model: An Interesting, Observational, and Cross-Sectional Field Survey.” BioMed Research International, vol. 2020, 10 Feb. 2020, pp. 1–8, https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/2302348.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction | NIDDK.” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, July 2017, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/treatment.

Maiorino, Maria Ida, et al. “Lifestyle Modifications and Erectile Dysfunction: What Can Be Expected?” Asian Journal of Andrology, vol. 17, no. 1, 2015, pp. 5–10, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4291878/, https://doi.org/10.4103/1008-682X.137687.

Derby, Carol A, et al. “Modifiable Risk Factors and Erectile Dysfunction: Can Lifestyle Changes Modify Risk?” Urology, vol. 56, no. 2, Aug. 2000, pp. 302–306, https://doi.org/10.1016/s0090-4295(00)00614-2.

Guillén, Virginia, et al. “Apomorphine for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Archives of Sexual Behavior, vol. 49, no. 8, 22 Sept. 2020, pp. 2963–2979, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-020-01817-5.

Ferguson, J. E., III, & Carson, C. C., III. (2013). Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors as a treatment for erectile dysfunction: Current information and new horizons. Arab Journal of Urology, 11(3), 222–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aju.2013.07.009

[xxi] Briganti, A., Salonia, A., Gallina, A., Suardi, N., Rigatti, P., & Montorsi, F. (2004). Emerging oral drugs for erectile dysfunction. Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs, 9(1), 179–189. https://doi.org/10.1517/14728214.9.1.179

McMahon, Chelsea N, et al. “Treating Erectile Dysfunction When PDE5 Inhibitors Fail.” BMJ, vol. 332, no. 7541, 9 Mar. 2006, pp. 589–592, https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.332.7541.589.

Eardley, I., Ellis, P., Boolell, M., & Wulff, M. (2002). Onset and duration of action of sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. British journal of clinical pharmacology, 53 Suppl 1(Suppl 1), 61S–65S. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.0306-5251.2001.00034.x

[i] https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000001367

[ii] www.divorcenet.com/resources/abandonment-and-desertion-in-divorce.html.

[iii] https://doi.org/10.1002/tre.827.

[iv] https://doi.org/10.2196/32542.

[v] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2767066

[vi] https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbz074

[vii] https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407517743076

[viii] https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2005.00092.x

[ix] https://doi.org/10.1186/s41155-024-00303-4

[x] https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.38044.662176.ee.

[xi] https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S99544

[xii] https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/2302348.