Survey: ED in a male partner makes some women feel less attractive and less self-confident.(erectile dysfunction)(Brief Article)

2002 AUG 1 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Becoming aware of a partner's erectile dysfunction (ED) has a negative impact on a woman's self-confidence, feelings of attractiveness, and the importance placed on sexual relationships according to new data presented at the 10th annual Congress on Women's Health & Gender-Based Medicine. However, discussing the situation significantly relieves this distress.

ED affects both partners in a relationship, but until now, little was known about how female partners of men with ED compare with female partners of men without ED.

The results of this U.S. population-based study, sponsored by Pfizer Inc, among more than 600 women revealed that around half of 174 women whose partners had ED found it at least moderately bothersome. Moreover, 17% felt less self-confident, 15% felt less attractive, and 8% suspected an affair. However, when partners discuss ED these concerns can be alleviated. In the survey, of the 77% of women who discussed ED with their partners, 69% felt moderately, very, or extremely relieved following these conversations.

"Erectile dysfunction clearly impacts the feelings of both partners in any relationship," said Lisa Godek, PhD, senior manager of market analytics, men's health, Pfizer, Inc. "Talking about this situation can help alleviate concerns and make it easier to consider and discuss treatment options."

The everyday issues important to women were the same, regardless of whether their partners did or did not experience ED: family, health, romantic relationship, and finances were all more important than sexual relationships, while work and social life were less important. However, significantly fewer partners of men with ED rated sexual relationships as important or as "excellent" or "good."

These findings mirror the results from the Pfizer sponsored survey exploring sexual habits of men over 40 both with and ...