Sexual health is an essential aspect of our overall well-being. Yet, topics like erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) remain areas that are still layered in misinformation and stigma. For many, these issues are too uncomfortable to discuss, making individuals suffer in silence and even avoid seeking help. However, open conversations about sexual health can have a powerful impact on those struggling with ED and PE. By normalising these conditions, addressing shame, and promoting supportive solutions like devices, we can create a healthier, more inclusive conversation about sexuality that supports exploring solutions rather than avoiding the problem.
ED and PE are more common than you think.
Both ED and PE are more common than many realise, affecting penis owners at various points in their lives. It's crucial to normalise that ED and PE may show up at any stage of a person's life, regardless of age or health status. While it may feel like you are alone, you are not! ED, characterised by difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, can be caused by physical or psychological factors, while PE involves ejaculating sooner than desired during sex. These challenges don't define a person's sexual worth or ability to have fulfilling relationships or even experience pleasure. We all experience sexual challenges; it's a natural part of life, whether it be early on, in the middle somewhere or later in life.
What is important is to not ignore sexual health concerns and personally take those first steps towards embracing a healthier attitude toward sex and your own body.
The Power of Open Conversations
Many of us were raised in a society where open discussions about sex were rarely the norm, so it's completely understandable that talking about moments when things aren't working—let alone when they do work—can be a terrifying concept. However, when people are encouraged to speak about their experiences, they realise they are not alone. The best place to start is by having conversations with a doctor or a sex therapist where the focus is on understanding, compassion, and seeking solutions.
Working with a professional can also facilitate discussing this with a partner and how best to approach it. For example, discussing ED or PE with a partner should be approached with openness, patience, and understanding. It's important to avoid placing blame, as these conditions are often unrelated to desire or attraction. Instead, it's helpful to approach it from a place of curiosity and care. "How can we make this work for both of us?" or "What can we try to bring more pleasure to the experience?" are good starting points for creating a supportive dialogue.
Combatting shame and embracing solutions
Shame is one of the most common emotional responses to sexual health concerns, but it doesn't have to be a permanent emotion that stops you from exploring. Shame often stems from societal expectations and the pressure to meet specific sexual standards, especially those that we see in films. If you're feeling shame about your sexual health or sexual performance, it's crucial to acknowledge the emotion without allowing it to define your worth. Remind yourself that these challenges are a natural part of human sexuality, and every one of us has something we are battling. Shame is such a deep-rooted emotion that requires some reframing of negative beliefs and thoughts and acknowledging that these feelings will always pop up, but how we tend to them helps us either grow or stay stagnant. Working with shame doesn't have to be something you do alone, so speaking with a therapist can be beneficial as a first step to moving forward.
Why using devices matter in sexual wellness
Using a device for your penis is often seen as taboo; however, it can offer incredible benefits for those dealing with ED and PE. These devices are designed to enhance pleasure and intimacy while also helping to alleviate some of the physical and psychological challenges associated with sexual issues.
For those experiencing ED, a vibrating device can help stimulate the penis and increase blood flow to the area, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection. Using these tools can also be a powerful form of self-care, allowing individuals to explore their own desires and regain confidence in their sexual health. Understanding what feels good for you through solo exploration makes it easier to then communicate than in partnered sex.