The real reason HE DOESN'T WANT SEX

Don't ignore erectile dysfunction – tackle your partner's problem together

If your man is struggling to get or keep an erection, it needn’t be the end of your sex life. ‘It’s a common problem,’ says consultant urologist and andrologist Professor Suks Minhas*. ‘At some stage in their lives, most men face a degree of erectile difficulty or some form of sexual dysfunction.’ But there’s plenty that can be done to improve it. Follow our expert advice to turn things around in the bedroom.

Why it happens

Also known as impotence, the correct medical term is erectile dysfunction (ED). The reasons for ED are varied, but ageing plays a part. ‘Testosterone levels start to fall around the age of 40, which can affect erections,’ says Professor Minhas. Other culprits include furring of the arteries and cardiovascular disease, plus conditions such as type 1 diabetes, high cholesterol and blood pressure, kidney disease and prostate problems.

Stress, anxiety, depression and negative sexual experiences are more common in younger men, explains Professor Minhas, but can be a secondary cause for older men. ‘Not being able to get an erection (due to a physical reason) may impact self-esteem.’ It’s a vicious cycle – worrying about not getting hard makes it less likely to happen.

Face the issue