Tips for the Talk

Janis Roszler, LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND

Make sure your patients know that whatever is causing their erectile dysfunction, there is hope...Every man should be able to hear those words. There are many treatment options. Tell your patient they don’t have to live like this and they don’t have to give up their sex life.

Talking about ED can be difficult for diabetes educators and patients.

Patients will take their cue from you!

You have to be comfortable with the topic before you can talk to someone else.

How to Talk with Patients about ED

Before you open a discussion about erectile dysfunction with your patient, take care of your own discomfort with the topic. Your patients will take their cue from you; be relaxed, casual and comfortable. Let them know there is hope…every man should be able to hear those words because there are treatment options available to help them with their ED.

How to Speak with a Partner About Their Loved One’s Diabetes-related ED

Intimate partners can play a variety of roles in the lives of men who have diabetes-related ED. Before you meet, ask your patient how much and what type of support his partner provides. Let the partner know that their support can make a real difference for their loved one as some of the options require patience and may take some practice.

How to Handle Angry and Frustrated Patients with Diabetes and ED

It isn’t easy to work with patients when their anger flairs. Their hostile messages can often trigger strong emotions in us and in others around them. Learn how to put out your internal “fire” by using the STOP, DROP and ROLL (SDR).

How to Talk with Patients about Penile Implants

Men who are ready to talk about penile implants may have failed many other therapies-they may not believe an implant will work for them. Reassure them by sharing the high patient and partner satisfaction rates and low complication rates that this permanent treatment option can provide. You don’t have to be an expert about penile implants. EDCure.org is a resource to share with your patients. Here they can find a list of ED specialists offering all ED treatments, including surgery, in their area.

Content contributed by
Janis Roszler, LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND

2008–2009 Diabetes Educator of the Year (AADE)
Marriage and Family Therapist
Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Author and co-author of: Approaches to Behavior (ADA, 2014); Diabetes On Your OWN Terms (Marlowe & Company, 2007); Sex and Diabetes (ADA '07); The Secrets of Living and Loving With Diabetes (Surrey Books, 2004)