Topic Overview

Sensual exercises may help with erection problems (erectile dysfunction). Doing these with your partner may help you relax and focus more on the pleasurable touching of lovemaking than on the erection itself. Focusing too much on having an erection may make it difficult to have one.

Sensual exercises may be most helpful if done in a soothing, relaxing, and playful atmosphere. Put on some pleasant music, turn off the phone, and concentrate on your partner.

• Nongenital pleasuring. Remove your clothes. Have your partner lie face down. Beginning at your partner’s neck, slowly caress and/or kiss from head to toe. Then, have your partner turn over. Repeat the caressing and kissing. Avoid touching the nipples or any part of the genitals. Concentrate on how good touching your partner feels. Then, trade places. Lie on your stomach while your partner caresses you. Do not have intercourse the first day. Enjoy holding, relaxing, and laughing.
• Genital pleasuring. After you and your partner are comfortable with nongenital pleasuring, include genital touching as part of the exercise. Again, do not have intercourse. If sexual tension from any erection that occurs is too much to stand, masturbate to relieve the tension.
• Nondemanding intercourse. When both partners are ready, continue a session of genital pleasuring by having intercourse. Do not force lovemaking too soon. Rather, fully enjoy the genital pleasure leading up to it.