To get the best experience while viewing this site, it is recommended that you upgrade to a modern browser version of Chrome or Firefox.

You may do so by clicking on one of these icons:


southern new mexico surgery center
 
  •  

  •  
    Health Library Explorer
    A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us
    Pediatric Health Library
    A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Topic IndexLibrary Index
    Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
    Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
    Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.

    Erectile Dysfunction: Rebuilding Intimacy

    Being intimate means being close as a couple, with sex as just one part of intimacy. A hug, a kind remark, or a gift can be very romantic, even if sex doesn’t follow. So, renew your intimacy along with your sex life. Learn to talk with, and listen to, your partner. And remember that your value as a man goes beyond what you do in bed.

    Man and woman sitting together on couch, smiling.

    Tips for intimacy

    As you and your partner become closer to each other, you might find that you can enjoy sex more.

    • Show and tell your partner what you like. If you don’t, your partner might not know what you want.

    • Ask your partner to show you how they want to be touched.

    • Be patient. Take your time. Relax. Give yourselves a chance to become aroused.

    • Try being intimate without sex. Instead, exchange back rubs. Or try kissing, or just a soft touch.

    • Focus on what you and your partner like about each other. This could be a certain laugh or smile, or other joys you share together.

    Tips for talking

    It’s OK to be shy when you talk about sex with your partner. But talking gets easier with practice. Use these tips when you talk with each other:

    • Choose a time and place when you’re both relaxed and comfortable.

    • Listen to your partner. Try repeating back what you think the other has said. This will help show if you’ve understood each other.

    • Don’t judge what your partner says. Talking feels safer if you don’t criticize each other.

    • Don’t be defensive. You may not like something your partner says. But you can still thank your partner for being honest.

    • Think about meeting with a counselor. They’re trained to help couples who are being treated for erectile dysfunction.

    Online Medical Reviewer: Marc Greenstein MD
    Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Tennille Dozier RN BSN RDMS
    Date Last Reviewed: 5/1/2022
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
    horizontal line

    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

    Disclaimer