Google it. Or maybe don’t? There is a ton of information out there regarding erectile dysfunction (ED). As a consumer of all this information, it can be challenging to weed out the misinformation and get to the facts. Fear not; our men’s sexual health experts here at Belcara Health are ready to bust those sub-optimal sexual performance and erectile dysfunction myths and provide the truth about erectile dysfunction.
The Truth About Erectile Dysfunction: Top Myths Debunked
Erectile Dysfunction Myth 1: ED only affects older men.
Fact: A lot of people ask: at what age does ED start? While many people associate old age and erectile dysfunction (increasing approximately 10% with each decade), the truth is, ED can affect men at any age. In fact, we are seeing an increasing number of younger men in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, seeking help for erectile dysfunction. There are many potential contributing factors including, but not limited to, the use of supplements/testosterone, an increasing number of men with chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues, weight management issues, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and stress. Sound familiar?
Erectile Dysfunction Myth 2: If you can get an erection, you don’t have ED.
Fact: While the persistent inability to get an erection is a typical symptom of ED, it is not the only one. If you have trouble maintaining an erection OR you find a reduction in your sexual desire in general, you may be experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction. It’s important to note that “persistent” is the key term here. Occasional instances where you have trouble getting an erection don’t necessarily point to an ED diagnosis. But remember, having a satisfying sex life is a major part of your overall wellbeing. Even if you don’t have diagnosed ED, there are treatments available to help you increase pleasure, stamina, and your overall sexual health.
Erectile Dysfunction Myth 3: ED is all psychological and related to how attracted you are to your partner.
Fact: If only it were that simple! Sexual health in general is very complex. So what is the main cause of erectile dysfunction? For male sexual health, there are many emotional, mental, and physical factors to consider. Most of these are internal and not correlated to your sexual partner at all! We’ve broken down just some factors that may be contributing to your erectile dysfunction or sub-optimal sexual performance:
Psychological causes of ED: Anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health conditions. Note that many of these can be exacerbated by issues within your relationship, including poor communication. Likewise, experiencing ED and then stressing about it or not communicating with your partner about it, can lead to more anxiety and depression, and subsequently more sexual health concerns.
Physical causes of ED: Diabetes (and other chronic health conditions), high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, some prescription medications, smoking/chewing tobacco, alcohol, drug abuse, prior surgeries, hormonal imbalances, Peyronie’s disease, and so much more. We’d be amiss not to emphasize here the importance of understanding why you are experiencing erectile dysfunction and ruling out or attributing it to physical health aspects. As noted above, there are so many potential contributing factors; it is imperative to speak with a medical professional trained specifically in men’s sexual health.
Erectile Dysfunction Myth 4: Prescription drugs are the best way to treat ED.
While prescription medication, such as Viagra, has long been used to treat ED, it is not the only, and certainly not always the best, way to treat erectile dysfunction. In fact, some men don’t respond well to oral medications and require other treatments in order to achieve the results they are looking for. Personalized care has never been more important. Gainswave therapy, PRP shots, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, and nutrition-based programs that support a healthier lifestyle are all effective alternatives to oral medications. Understanding the root cause is vital to the effectiveness and safety of your treatment protocol.
Erectile Dysfunction Myth 5: ED is annoying, but it isn’t concerning for overall health.
Fact: If there is one thing you take away from this blog, we hope it’s this busted myth. Early warning signs of erectile dysfunction can be a sign of other underlying health conditions that stem far beyond your sexual health. Uncovering and managing these potentially dangerous conditions is essential to your longevity and healthy lifestyle. Additionally, your sexual health is a major component of your overall well-being. A satisfactory sex life has been linked to better cognitive function, increased immune function, weight management, better sleep, and stress management. By addressing both the issue itself and the underlying cause, you are creating both a happier sex life AND a healthier future.
Learn More About Your Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Options
We hope that this blog shed a little light on erectile dysfunction myths and facts, a very murky area, filled with a lot of misinformation and misconceptions. The good news is, there are professionals here to help you navigate through any level of ED you may be experiencing, including those mild erectile dysfunction symptoms. Our clinical team at the Belcara Health Center of Excellence in Wellness and Medical Aesthetics specializes in men’s sexual health. With advanced knowledge and cutting edge treatment protocols, our team will help you uncover the root cause of your ED and set you up with a treatment plan to get you the results you’re looking for in the safest, quickest way possible.
Remember, our services stem beyond diagnosed, ED patients. Some of the tools we have will help men optimize their sexual health by increasing stamina, pleasure, sensitivity, and frequency of erections. Remember, your sexual health is a vital component to your overall well-being and should be treated as such. For more information on ED or to create a personalized treatment plan call Belcara Health at 410-296-0414 or contact us online.