Any advice discussing ED with parents?

[Tigah]

Okay, I'm back after a few months with a new question. You are were really helpful the first time and so I come to you again for some advice.

I'm 20 years old and have ED. I can achieve an erection, just not one hard enough for sex. When this started I figured that it was just a temporary problem and that it would go away. Now I've come to realize after some time that it won't and I'll have to seek treatment if I want to get past it. I feel so gifted to have a fiance that understands completely and she's really helped make it easier for me to accept this issue. Not to ramble on but for a while there I felt really isolated, like this was extremely uncommon for somebody my age. But after a little research of my own I feel a little relieved to know I'm not alone.

Anyways, I went to a walk-in clinic a while back, asked about it and they had me get a blood sample done. That was easy enough to do pretty anonymously. The next step however, discussing it with my family doctor, puts me in a position where my parents are likely to find out one way or another. So I'm going to be a man about it and tell them what's going on.

I guess I'm looking for some advice on how to approach this.

[rdan05]

I would just be pretty frank about the matter, talk to your father. Be truthful. If you are 20, are insured, going to any doctor GP or Urologist cannot be shared with your parents by medical professionals. I would suggest for your own well being though, you just open the matter with your Dad. Remember they were once your age & if you were not seeking the best medical attention that may be more upsetting to them then the topic of sex it's self. If my 20 year old son approached me; I would listen and help.

[Tigah]

If you are 20, are insured, going to any doctor GP or Urologist cannot be shared with your parents by medical professionals

You're right rdan05: if this was the case it'd be in privacy. The complex part is that the way my checking account is set up they receive a printout of my monthly activity, which has a small description of where the money went and such. So, if I go to a hospital it's listed in there, and one back home (I'm at college at the moment) with the family doctor is something they're sure to ask questions about.

Thanks a lot for the advice. It's given me a little more confidence in the matter.

[Ephemera]

Here's an option -

Talk to your doctor, and begin taking any medication he prescribes.

Talk to your parents shortly after. Let them know that as an adult this is your life and your decision, but you wanted to let them know about it. I think they will respect your maturity, as well as how you've decided to take charge of your life.

I think it's important that you're not offering them a choice, but rather, that you're including them in an important part of your life.

[Tigah]

Okay, here's how things went (so far):

I first asked my dad for the phone number to my family doctor as I didn't have it on me. I didn't tell him what it was about, just that it was something I wanted to personally take care of. I told him not to let my mom know because she's one of those people who constantly worries and drives me insane with her concerns at times.

After calling my doctor and finding no appointments open during the time I would be able to return back home I decided I would just let them know so they could help me out if they had the ability to. I ended up talking with my mom on the phone and it didn't go too bad after admitting the problem. She just had a few questions and seemed pretty confused about the situation but didn't seem to be a nervous wreck. She actually mentioned some things in my medical history that I had forgotten about since I was like 3 or 4 at the time, like I had surgery for something strange (she couldn't recall the term).

So, at this point I'm looking for a doctor's appointment next week. I'm just glad I'm finally taking steps. Thanks again for everybody who has commented so far.

[sera300]

Your mom is most likely wondering why as such a young man you are having an issue. Honesty is best when talking to your parents although it's tough to talk to them. Recall, they were your age once too! And your medical health is of utmost concern to them.