Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED, affects millions of men worldwide and can be caused by anything from obesity to diabetes to depression and beyond.
While erectile dysfunction can be difficult to talk about and treat, there’s no reason to believe that you have to suffer in silence with 10 common myths about erectile dysfunction you need to stop believing right now!
Here’s your guide to some of the most commonly-held myths about erectile dysfunction, along with their truthful counterparts.
Myth #1: Erectile Dysfunction is a Normal Part of Aging
Erectile dysfunction is not a normal part of aging. It's normal for all men, at some point in their lives, to have difficulties getting or maintaining an erection. But it's not common for erections to become less firm and then completely absent by the time a man reaches his 50s or 60s.
If you notice your erections are much weaker than they used to be and happen less frequently, see your doctor about potential causes.
A variety of health problems, from diabetes to high blood pressure to heart disease can contribute to erectile dysfunction. In addition, many prescription medications can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Talk with your physician if you are experiencing these symptoms. Myth: Masturbation Causes Erectile Dysfunction: Contrary to popular belief, masturbation does not cause erectile dysfunction!
Myth #2: Men Have No Control Over Their Sexual Response
A number of factors can affect sexual response including anxiety or depression as well as physical factors such as heart disease, diabetes, medications and injuries that affect nerves near the genitals.
The most common cause of impotence is when blood vessels supplying blood flow to the penis narrow because plaque builds up on artery walls due to high cholesterol levels. When this happens, a man may find it difficult to get an erection and keep one.
Other risk factors for erectile dysfunction include age (many men over 40 will experience some degree of erectile dysfunction), smoking, alcohol use, obesity and lack of exercise.
Myth #3: Only Older Men Suffer from Erectile Dysfunction
This could not be farther from the truth. According to a study done by the International Society for Sexual Medicine, more than half of all men who experience erectile dysfunction are under 40 years old.
This is because younger men are more likely to have other health conditions that can cause erectile dysfunction like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It's also possible for those with anxiety, depression or social problems to develop erectile dysfunction at a much younger age.
The bottom line is that everyone should know the warning signs of ED so they can get treatment as soon as possible if needed.
Myth #4: Erectile Dysfunction is solely a Physical Problem
This is, by far, the most common myth about erectile dysfunction and, unfortunately, it is also one of the most dangerous.
With an estimated 50% of men experiencing some form of erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives, it's clear that there are many other factors involved in causing this condition. There are emotional and psychological factors, as well as physical ones.
Erectile dysfunction can be caused or exacerbated by stress, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety or fatigue.
Sometimes alcohol abuse can lead to erectile problems because of the effects it has on blood flow and hormones (specifically testosterone).
Diseases such as diabetes and prostate cancer can also contribute to issues with sexual function.
Myth #5: Psychological Issues are to Blame for Erectile Dysfunction
One of the most common myths about erectile dysfunction is that it is caused by a mental problem. This misconception can often lead to people not getting the treatment they need and deserve.
While there are some cases in which stress or anxiety can lead to an episode of erectile dysfunction, these instances are rare.
The vast majority of the time, the cause is physical. In many cases, medication side effects, nerve damage, diabetes or high blood pressure are all culprits behind ED.
It’s important to remember that although psychological problems might be present as well, the primary issue should always be addressed first through medical intervention before anything else.
Myth #6: Stress is the Main Cause of Erectile Dysfunction
The belief that stress is the main cause of erectile dysfunction is a myth. In reality, many factors can lead to ED, including diabetes and heart problems.
Sexual anxiety may be at the root of the issue for some men; these men need therapy before they resort to ED medications or surgery.
A recent study found that when men use certain drugs for conditions such as depression, asthma, high blood pressure and ulcers – their risk of developing erectile dysfunction doubles.
Certain substances such as marijuana and tobacco also negatively affect a man’s sexual performance.
Lack of physical activity is another potential factor in ED because it decreases testosterone levels in the body. Other things that can decrease testosterone are obesity, alcoholism, prescription medication abuse and aging.
Myth #7: Drinking Alcohol can Help Address Erectile Dysfunction
A lot of men assume that drinking alcohol can help address the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. However, alcohol is a depressant, which has a negative effect on the central nervous system.
The consumption of alcohol can make it more difficult for you to achieve and maintain an erection. Alcohol also weakens your ability to control your sexual response, so you may end up ejaculating before you want to or before you're ready.
If you do drink alcohol in order to deal with your ED, then be sure not to drink too much. It's best if you stay within the recommended guidelines: no more than one standard drink per day if you're a man over 65, or two drinks per day if you are under 65 years old.
Myth #8: Medications are the Best Solution for Erectile Dysfunction
The truth is there are many other ways of treating erectile dysfunction such as lifestyle changes, psychological counseling, and topical treatments. Medications can be a good solution for some men, but often times they are not enough.
If the medication doesn’t work well or the side effects are too severe, it might be time to try something else. There are plenty of alternatives that work just as well if not better than medications.
For example, Cenforce 150 [https://medzpills.com/product/cenforce-150-mg-sildenafil/] is an herbal supplement that has been clinically shown to help with sexual function in both males and females.
One study found participants had improved arousal, lubrication, sexual desire, orgasm intensity and satisfaction after taking Cenforce 100 mg Professional for 8 weeks.
Myth #9: Surgery is the Only Effective Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
If you suffer from erectile dysfunction and have not yet tried medication, consider Cenforce D [https://medzpills.com/product/cenforce-d-sildenafil-dapoxetine/]. It is a highly effective oral medication that can be taken on an as-needed basis. This means that there's no need to worry about side effects and you'll only take it when you need it.
Plus, because the drug is taken orally, there's also no need for injections or other invasive treatments.
Medication such as Viagra work well in more than 80% of cases. The problem is when men don't seek treatment - around 50% of men who experience this condition do nothing to help themselves out!
Which is why if you think your sexual performance may be affected by ED, see your doctor and find out what treatment options are available.
Myth #10: Herbal Remedies are Ineffective in Treating Erectile Dysfunction
A lot of men believe that herbal remedies are ineffective in treating erectile dysfunction. The truth is, many herbal remedies have been shown to be effective in the treatment of this condition.
One study showed that saw palmetto extract was more effective than Generic viagra for the treatment of mild-moderate ED. Other herbal remedies like L-arginine, Pycnogenol and DHEA have also been shown to be helpful in the treatment of ED.
These treatments can often provide significant relief without any side effects. It's important to speak with your doctor before using any herbal remedy because there may be risks associated with certain conditions.
Myth #11: There is Nothing You Can do to Prevent or Treat Erectile Dysfunction
While there is no cure for erectile dysfunction, there are a number of things that you can do in order to prevent and treat it. For example, quitting smoking can have a significant impact on your ability to have an erection.
There are also certain foods that will help increase blood flow, such as garlic and ginseng. In addition, if you are overweight or obese, losing weight can significantly improve erections by lowering the amount of stress on your body and increasing the likelihood of healthy blood flow.
However, it is important to note that even if you stop smoking, eat healthier and lose weight, this may not be enough to restore normal function. If this sounds like something that could be happening to you, make an appointment with a doctor right away.