Certain persistent, misleading, and downright untrue myths about erectile dysfunction have had men mistakenly believing the wrong things about a surprisingly common condition. We’ll examine the truth.
Over one in two American men will experience some form of erectile dysfunction in their lifetime.
Staggering.
With so many men facing the risk of ED, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that there is a wealth of information about the subject.
Here’s the thing, though: much of what you’ve read online, surprise, surprise, just isn’t true.
And, as though that wasn’t bad enough, it just gets worse: following unsubstantiated or simply bad advice about ED can worsen the symptoms or have men completely stop seeking medical advice. That’s not an exaggeration, either – an astonishing 3/4 of men with ED don’t get the treatment they require.
Erectile dysfunction is the most common sexual problem men tell their doctors about. And it’s jarring to think that that just a fraction of the men that do have ED seek medical help.
Much of this has to do with the misconceptions and preconceived notions about ED and the treatments out there.
It’s about time we dispelled the common myths pervading the question of erectile dysfunction because more men should be open about a legitimate medical concern.
But before anything else, it’s important to define what we mean by erectile dysfunction and what causes this condition.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the difficulty or complete inability to obtain or maintain an erection that remains hard and firm enough for sexual activity.
Now, it’s not an abnormal occurrence for a man to sometimes have problems getting or keeping an erection. However, if the symptoms are frequent, or if it is starting to affect your relationships, then your first step is to consult your doctor for professional help regarding ED.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
The most common culprits that cause erectile dysfunction are the following:
- Reduced blood flow to the penis due to clogged arteries or due to side effects of taking anti-hypertensive medication
- Nerve degeneration due to injuries to the spinal cord or complications arising from diabetes
- Mental health issues/anxiety/stress
- Excessive alcohol or drug consumption
That said, let’s take a look at six of the most common myths and misconceptions about erectile dysfunction that, quite frankly, should just finally be laid to rest in 2021.
Men who suffer from ED need testosterone replacement right away.
Men who breach the sensitive topic of erectile dysfunction during their visits to the doctor may instantly pin the blame on low testosterone as the sole cause of their ED, but this is simply not true.
Here’s why: the hallmark symptom of low testosterone is a lack of sex drive rather than erectile dysfunction. Therefore, erectile dysfunction should be diagnosed and treated accordingly.
Learn how taking a trusted, scientifically-proven male enhancement testosterone booster supplement like MaleUltraCore can help you perform better while raising your testosterone simultaneously.
Erectile dysfunction is solely a male problem.
One common misconception of erectile dysfunction is that it is solely a man’s problem. However, sexual intimacy requires two people. So why is it?
There will be some men that will struggle with ED symptoms. Still, their partners might be suffering from sexual health problems themselves, such as low libido levels, vaginal dryness, or discomfort during intercourse, which are common sexual health issues for postmenopausal women.
Such a couple may have communication problems between the sheets. This is where a family health specialist doctor or urologist can be brought into the discussion to gain better context as to what is going on.
ED drugs are way too costly.
Granted, when the first drugs developed for ED came out in the market a few decades ago, they did cost a pretty penny. Nowadays, however, this simply isn’t true – generic ED medications can be purchased for lower than $1 a pop.
All ED supplements can be trusted and will work well.
The FDA doesn’t regulate many ED supplements. Some have been found to have been adulterated with varying amounts and combinations of prescription medications. This can be extremely dangerous when you’re already taking certain prescription medications along with unvetted supplements. Always consult your doctor before going on any supplement regimen.
Treatments for ED aren’t covered by insurance.
Not true. Men looking for an answer to their ED are discovering that many of the treatments on offer may be part of their coverage.
Going on an ED treatment is a 100% surefire way to get better erections.
No matter how promising or how miraculous they may seem to be, not all treatments will work with 100% effectiveness. Steer clear of any ED solution that claims such hogwash. Consult your doctor if you’re concerned about ED symptoms so they can help provide a tailored solution for your unique scenario.
Opening up is embarrassing.
It’s never easy to discuss intimacy problems with anyone – much less your doctor. But remember that there are no two individuals alike. That’s why it’s important to be as open as you can with your health care professionals. Being so will enable them to provide the best course of treatment for your particular case.
Far too often, so many men refuse to discuss their problems in the bedroom or even their slightest sexual concerns because they think it is a sign of weakness, or it is an embarrassing thing, or that that they might be judged. But not doing so makes their situation worse needlessly – worsening the quality of their lives or the relationships they have with their loved ones.
Talk to your pharmacist if you have any concerns that your erectile dysfunction problems or lack of sex drive are related to something you might be taking. Your pharmacy can further discuss with your doctor to help determine the best course of treatment with the options available. See something? Speak up and talk to your doctor!