Over 80 percent of Canadians celebrate Valentine's Day each year, and couples who experience erectile dysfunction issues are no exception.
One of the best things about Valentine's Day is that it is much more about romance than it is about sex. You can take advantage of this by creating a unique romantic experience that shows how much you really love them.
If you are one of the three million men in Canada who struggle with erectile dysfunction, formerly known as impotence, planning Valentine's Day can still be an enjoyable experience. There are many ways to make Valentine's Day memorable for you and your partner.
Keep reading to learn the top tips for Valentine's Day planning when you have erectile dysfunction (ED).
One of the ways that you can exacerbate ED symptoms is by feeling the pressure to perform.
Around Valentine's Day, an added amount of pressure and anxiety can lead to symptoms. This creates a cycle of ongoing issues with impotence.
Be sure to take the pressure off yourself to perform by focusing elsewhere. Making the day all about spoiling your partner is a great way to take the pressure off getting an erection at the end of the night.
Investing your time into your partner is an excellent rule in any relationship, regardless of ED.
In fact, almost 45 percent of people say that they prefer spending quality time with their partner on Valentine's Day instead of getting a gift. This is the perfect opportunity to spend time with your partner to connect with them on an emotional level. Make yourself emotionally available, vulnerable, and open to spending the day with them.
Just because you're experiencing symptoms of impotence does not mean that the romance in your relationship has to evaporate. For many people, intimacy is about far more than just sex, especially penetration.
Setting up a romantic date night for Valentine's Day is a great way to connect with your partner outside of the bedroom. Here are some unique date ideas:
These are just a few ideas to make Valentine's Day fun and creative. You can come up with ideas that are personal to you in your relationship.
Intercourse is far from the most crucial factor when it comes to intimacy.
Much of sexual arousal comes from being desired. That means that showing your partner how much you desire them is one of the most important parts of sex.
That is especially true for couples struggling with ED.
Your partner might feel insecure, unattractive, or responsible for your ED symptoms. One of the best things that you can do is show them how much desire you have for them.
Studies show that being desired is a large part of the orgasm experience. Keeping romance and intimacy alive is not only possible when struggling with ED, but it is also crucial in maintaining your relationship.
If your partner is a woman, it may come as a surprise to you, but only a small number of women are able to have an orgasm through penetration. Most women need foreplay and clitoral stimulation in order to reach an orgasm.
There are also many other forms of foreplay that you can incorporate into your intimacy with your partner, none of which has to lead to intercourse.
Even kissing helps to reduce the stress hormone cortisol, release dopamine, and increase affection. These are great ways to connect with your significant other and strengthen your bond.
Using toys in the bedroom is a fun way to explore your sexuality with your partner. Many toys are designed to pleasure you, your partner, and you both simultaneously.
These come especially handy if you are experiencing impotence issues.
Pleasuring your partner means more than just penetrative sex. Incorporating different toys can allow you both to get adventurous in the bedroom and learn new things that give you pleasure.
Be sure to always get consent before using sex toys. Communication is key, and ensuring that your partner is comfortable is one of the most important parts of intimacy.
If you want to manage the symptoms of ED, there are medications that your physician might see fit for you to try. These can help you get and maintain an erection long enough to have sex in most cases.
These are some common medications that your healthcare provider might prescribe for you if you are having problems in the bedroom.
Always speak to a doctor before taking any of these medications to determine if they are right for you. Access the risks before you decide on these options.
Bonding and connecting with your partner is an essential part of any relationship. When struggling with ED, planning Valentine's Day might take a little more work and creativity, but your partner is sure to appreciate the extra effort and thoughtfulness. Try putting together a date night, taking the pressure off, investing your time, focusing on foreplay, and using some fun toys.