Eroticization as a factor influencing erectile dysfunction treatment effectiveness

Abstract

We review both the medical and psychosocial literature on factors influencing male potency in order to better understand why erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments, PDE5 drugs in particular, are abandoned when otherwise effective. We incorporate anecdotal data from websites and list serves dedicated to helping patients deal with iatrogenic ED. Our goal is to distinguish between ED treatments that are medicalized versus eroticized, and how partner participation may influence their effectiveness. Recently it has been shown that ED treatment effectiveness is aided by the involvement of the patient's partner. This permits an erotic association between the partner and the ED 'aid'. We extend this idea to suggest that having the partner involved as early as possible in the discussion of treatment, and their presence at the time of prescription, should improve ED aid effectiveness. Eroticization of ED aids shifts the focus from a perceived disability of the patient toward the sexual pleasure provided by the partner. We further suggest that ED aids used without the partner's knowledge will undermine intimacy and ultimately the treatment's effectiveness. Unpartnered patients should be advised about the importance of informing potential partners about their use of such aids, as openness and honesty may increase intimacy in the long run.

Psychosocial perspectives on sexual recovery after prostate cancer treatment

“…The same is true for the use of a VED or an ICI-a partner's involvement in the use of these treatments can increase their association with pleasure and arousal, thereby reducing their associ ation with sexual dysfunction. Along with Fisher and colleagues, 90 Kukula et al 104 and others, we encourage partners to be actively involved in the implementation of ED treatment in order to promote success in their use.…”

“…For couples who are open to the concept of eroticizing erectile aids, such a practice should help to build positive expectations that promote effective use. 104 For example, a partner could show their accept ance of PDE5I use and interest in initiating sexual activity by setting the prescription package out on the bathroom counter, or putting a pill on the nightstand with a glass of water. Over time, the pill itself can engender erotic feelings, as it becomes associ ated with the sexual p leasure provided by the partner; the pill itself becomes a sexual 'turn-on' .…”

Men's Sexual and Relational Adaptations to Erectile Dysfunction After Prostate Cancer Treatment

“…However, there is now a consensus that sexual rehabilitation programs for PCa patients should go beyond treating just ED (e.g., Couper et al, 2015;Nelson et al, 2015;Nelson & Kenowitz, 2013) and that treatments that only focus on the men's erections without taking partners into consideration have high failure rates (Kukula et al, 2014;Li et al, 2016;Mulhall, 2010). It is well known in the psychosocial literature that for men in relationships PCa is a "couple's disease" (e.g., Elliott et al, 2010;Katz, 2012;McLeod et al, 2014;Wittmann et al, 2014;Wootten et al, 2014), and the consequences of PCa treatments affect not just the men, but also their partners-whether the partners are female or male.…”

Non-pharmacological and non-surgical strategies to promote sexual recovery for men with erectile dysfunction

“…Kukula et al ( 16 ) proposed a pathway by which partner’s involvement in ED treatments might improve treatment effectiveness and patient compliance. They specifically promoted eroticization of ED treatments.…”