An ED patient should not jeopardize the relationship with his partner. Partners of men suffering from erectile dysfunction can often feel they are part of the cause -- by being no longer desirable or attractive. This is a common reaction. Even worse, a woman may begin to fear her husband is having an affair ! If the man fears ED is a sign of failure on his part, a partner can risk alienating or embarrassing him further. If not properly dealt with, a relationship or marriage can come to an end over these unfounded fears and the awkwardness of the situation. The solution lies in effective communication between partners.