Sexual Attitude and Perception on Erectile Dysfunction Treatment among Patients with Erectile Dysfunction and Patients' Spouses

Kim, Sae Chul

Abstract

It has generally been assumed that erectile dysfunction (ED) is a shared sexual dysfunction that is distressing both for the men with ED and for their partners. Many ED men feel discouraged, disappointed or depressed. An oriental concept that the man has a leading role and full responsibility for sex may cause the impact of ED to be more serious for men than for women A woman's response to ED will vary depending on whether or not she desires to have intercourse with her male partner. If the woman desires intercourse, then she will fine herself frustrated, interpreting he no longer loves her and she will usually be quite hostile and become depressed. However, in case she is no longer interested in having intercourse with him, she may be secretly pleased at his sexual dysfunction and do nothing to alter the situation. Men with ED are reluctant to talk about their sexual problems to their partners mainly because of their pride and their reluctant to go to hospital due to the belief that ED is a natural process of aging or it is an occasional symptom with the hope that the problem will get better on its own, and it is not serious enough to go to the hospital. However, the number of patients seeking medical treatment of ED has increased since the launch of Viagra. ED treatment improves confidence, it brings a sense of emotional stability and vitality of life and marital life, and it improves the family and personal relations both for ED patients and their female partners.