Following prostate surgery, Rick Redner found himself cancer-free, but profoundly affected by erectile dysfunction (ED). He and his wife Brenda found their happiness and the stability of their long-term marriage threatened by his affliction. In this book, both authors detail their experiences, medical and emotional, and how they were able to rebuild and refocus on their relationship with each other.
This is an honest book, and the Redners do not flinch from examining even the most personal aspects of their experiences. Calmly, meticulously, and fearlessly, they explain what happened to them—from the medical options they explored to the emotional effects on their marriage. They discuss possible choices they could have made but did not, and explore the costs and benefits of each option thoroughly, with references to medical data and the experiences of others. The clear language and well-organized structure of the book makes it easy to read and to find specific information. It also includes useful links to further reading and important questions to consider. Sparks of humor and genuine warmth add a personal touch, making this not only a factual resource, but a source of caring, empathetic support for readers facing similar struggles.
The chapter on religion offers thoughtful spiritual arguments and comfort for people who share the Redners’ deep Christian faith. However, despite Mr. Redner’s urging, it is in fact quite skippable for readers who do not care for religious discussion. Mr. Redner’s discussion of pornography and premarital sexual experience is also colored by his religious beliefs and personal experiences, though he does bring in secular science to back up some of his assertions. One bit of Mr. Redner’s advice to women is rather problematic—he urges them to pressure their husbands to deal with ED by refusing to cook, clean, or shop for them, or otherwise “caus[ing] a significant disruption in your relationship until he takes action.” I found this to be rather manipulative, because the assumption is that men won’t, or can’t, cook, clean, or shop for themselves.
EVERYTHING YOU NEVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AND PENILE IMPLANTS is a useful, comforting, and unflinchingly honest book that will be of great use to anyone who is either facing ED themselves, or in a relationship with someone who is.
~Catherine Langrehr for IndieReader