Erectile dysfunction (ED) in males is more common than you might think. It’s also a very sensitive subject and one that’s prone to plenty of myths and a host of unproven miracle cures. In this post, we debunk the ED myths and learn the truth about treating the condition.
Medical science has enough to worry about without a bunch of misinformation floating around, yet when it comes to erectile dysfunction, the myths continue to saturate the marketplace, and with that in mind, we’re here to shed a big bright light on the truth.
Below are 7 of the most common misperceptions about ED and some scientific facts that we hope will help guide you when considering treatment.
7 Common Erectile Dysfunction Myths
ED is just a normal part of aging.
Wrong! Yes, erectile dysfunction is more common among older men, but plenty of men in their 40s, 30s, and even 20s have experienced problems getting an erection. Get this – according to the Mayo Clinic, about half of all men ages 40-70 will experience erectile dysfunction. That’s 40-70, so some younger guys are in the group. The fact is that ED is not medically considered a normal part of life, and many older men continue to enjoy active and fulfilling sex lives. So, if you are experiencing ED issues at any age, it’s time to speak with a doctor about finding a solution.
Erectile dysfunction isn’t dangerous.
The fact is ED can be a warning sign of a far more dangerous and even life-threatening condition. For instance, the very same factors that contribute to heart disease and stroke can lead to erectile dysfunction. The early stages of heart disease are often due to arterial damage or blockage, which can also diminish blood flow to the penis, causing erectile dysfunction. Additionally, arterial damage caused by diabetes can also contribute to ED. Clinical depression is another dangerous health concern that’s often directly related to erectile dysfunction.
In other words, that ED might be a lot more than a troubling inconvenience. It might be warning you of something far more serious. Think about it. Seeing your doctor for ED might help you identify one of these other problems before further complications can develop.
Erectile dysfunction means you’re not attracted to your partner.
This isn’t just untrue, but it’s downright unfair. While it is true that relationship problems can contribute to erectile dysfunction, it’s not due to a lack of attraction. It’s due to the anxiety and stress that relationship difficulties can bring to the surface. Stress and anxiety are known to contribute to ED. It could also be that another lifestyle or medical factor is at work, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or consuming too much alcohol.
I can take herbal remedies and supplements to cure my ED.
There’s certainly no shortage of miracle ED solutions on the market. Many of them are available at your local gas station (which might tell you something). While herbal ED solutions might be safe, we don’t know of any effective treatments for ED by medical science, and they have been approved for that purpose by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The two orally administered solutions known to work are Sildenafil (generic Viagra®) and Tadalafil (generic Cialis®). These medications require a physician’s prescription, but thanks to telemedicine services available from licensed online providers, such as MediSuite, obtaining these medications is easier and more affordable than ever.
Erectile dysfunction is all in your head.
This is one myth that can occasionally be true. We know that psychological factors can contribute to ED. There’s a name for it – psychogenic ED and it can manifest from a variety of causes. It can be due to performance anxiety and the fear of letting down your partner in bed. It can be due to a highly stressful period at work. It can be due to anxiety over relationship problems or clinical depression. However, there are a lot of physical causes of ED as well, from heart disease to nerve damage to chronic lung or kidney disease.
Additionally, medications you may be taking for other health issues, such as high blood pressure, stomach conditions, and even general pain, may contribute to erectile dysfunction. So, it might be all in your head. Or that ED might be due to something that has nothing to do with what’s on your mind.
ED means something is wrong with your penis.
Here’s the fact. To achieve an erection, a man needs both a healthy mind and a healthy body. If either of these isn’t at its best, it could contribute to ED. If the root of the condition is physical, it’s most often related to a lack of blood flow getting to the penis, which might be due to vascular disease or other health concerns. If your ED is due to performance anxiety, then your difficulties are likely to become more challenging to overcome the more often you experience erectile dysfunction. This is why the sooner you do something about it, the better your results will be. In the end, there’s probably nothing wrong with your penis. A physical evaluation by a medical doctor can help determine the cause of your ED and guide you to potential solutions.
No one else I know has ED.
While erectile dysfunction may make you feel like you’re alone, that’s not the case. A 2024 study published online by The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that more than 25% of men ages 45-54 experience erectile dysfunction. That’s one in four adult males. The number jumps to nearly 34% for men ages 55-64, and it’s important to point out that even more than 17% of men under the age of 25 have experienced erectile dysfunction. All in all, it’s estimated that more than 150 million men worldwide experience some form of ED.
In other words, it’s a common problem. If it weren’t, there wouldn’t be medications like Sildenafil and Tadalafil now available to treat it – and that’s great news! There are practical and affordable treatments for ED on the market. All you have to do is commit yourself to trying one. If you’re looking for a confidential ED evaluation from an expert physician, we invite you to try the telemedicine services at MediSuite.
FAQs
What are the most effective ED treatments?
There are several proven ED treatments available today, including penile injections and implants. However, the first course of action is usually a prescribed oral medication – Sildenafil (generic Viagra®) or Tadalafil (generic Cialis®). These medications have been proven to treat erectile dysfunction effectively and now, in their affordable generic form, have become a fantastic option for millions of men.
Isn’t ED a normal part of aging?
That’s a myth. While it’s true that erectile dysfunction is more common in older men, likely due to a higher prevalence of related conditions, such as heart disease, prostate cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes, ED itself is not a normal part of the aging process. Once treated, many older men enjoy healthy and active sex lives.
Is erectile dysfunction a physical or mental problem?
The root causes of ED can be both physical and mental. Related health problems, such as vascular disease and diabetes, can restrict blood flow to the penis and prevent a man from achieving an erection firm enough for sex. Additionally, performance anxiety and other emotional stresses can contribute to erectile dysfunction. To find out the root cause of your ED, speak to a medical doctor.
Do you have any personal or professional insights on erectile dysfunction? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
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