Most, if not all men, will experience a sexual mishap at some point throughout their lives. Not everyday is a day suitable for sexual activity and many factors may contribute to an occasional dip in sexual desire and function. Clarifying the difference between ED and low sex drive may help men and their partners be well informed about what is happening with them should sexual difficulties arise, and how to deal with those issues to restore sexual health.

ED vs. low sexual drive

Erectile dysfunction refers to difficulties or inability to physically initiate or sustain an erection, even when the person is eager and willing to have a sexual encounter. ED happens when the person is mentally and physically aroused (wanting to have sex) but the penis will not become hard, be hard enough for sexual intercourse or stay hard for the duration of the sexual experience. ED can happen even when the person wants to have sex. Low sexual drive, in the other hand, is when the person does not have the will to have sex, or at least as they once did. Men with low sex drive have trouble pursuing sexual activity even given the opportunity or having the physiological ability to have sex. So in one hand, ED can happen even when a man is not able to have penetrative sex. Low drive can happen even when a man has perfect erections.

Having both ED and low sex drive

Many times, men with ED feel frustrated and embarrassed, which can lead to a decrease in their sex drive as they avoid sex in order to avoid facing their partners’ rejection or disappointment. Men with low sex drive may have trouble initiating sex and may not have the energy to put forth to make a sexual encounter happen or even masturbate. Over time, a man who does not use his penis regularly may find that erections become more difficult to achieve.

What to do

It is important that men get checked at the onset of ED. ED can be a result of a physiological or health issue so it is important to get checked in order to get to the root cause of the issue. Low sex drive may also have its roots in a physiological or health problem, especially if the decrease in sex drive is atypical.

If you experience any sexual problem, it is always a good idea to consult with a professional that can help. Not knowing what is behind a sexual issue will only contribute to its progression in the wrong direction. Luckily, there are many available therapies and treatments that can help men and their partners achieve optimum sexual health and live healthy and happy sex lives.