Erectile Dysfunction is a medical condition that affects over 30 million American men a year. For many, the condition is an embarrassing one, resulting in feelings of emasculation and anxiety.
While the web offers a wealth of information, opposing stories about erectile dysfunction can cause confusion. One tells you that this causes it, and another tells you that this prevents it.
Often, it’s pretty difficult to distinguish myths and half-truths from the facts.
To make things easier, here are 6 myths about erectile dysfunction that you should stop believing right now.
Myth 1) You’re the only one
For many men, opening up about erectile dysfunction can be difficult. It can be associated with feelings of insecurity, inadequacy, and no longer ‘feeling like a man.’
However, while you might be thinking you’re the only one, the honest truth is that you’re not. ED affects a large percentage of men, but because of the nature of the condition, most might not want to talk about it.
If you are struggling with your condition and experiencing feelings of depression and inadequacy, it’s best to talk to someone, such as your partner, a friend, or a counselor.
Myth 2) ED only affects older men
While the frequency of ED does increase with age, it does not only affect older men. One recent study highlighted the prevalence of developing erectile dysfunction with age.
Although it showed that ED affects nearly 70% of men by the age of 70, it also revealed that 40% of men by the age of 40 were also affected.
Therefore, while you might think your youth is a shield, it’s important to note that this is a condition that can affect men of all. In fact, one further study found that 15% of men aged between the ages of 20- 39 experience ED.
Myth 3) You have ED if you struggle to get an erection once or twice
Everyone has off days, and a number of factors can result in difficulty getting and maintaining an erection.
If you find yourself struggling now and then, this does not necessarily mean that you have erectile dysfunction.
Stress, depression, and even drinking too much alcohol can affect your performance. If you experience erection problems for more than 3 months, you should see an ED specialist.
Myth 4) Your lifestyle has no effect
Many people sustain bad habits such as smoking, excessive drinking, and inactivity throughout their lives, with little regard to how it will affect their health.
However, your lifestyle has a huge impact on your health, including your sexual health and smoking, drinking, and not being active can impede your risk of ED.
A 2005 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests that erectile dysfunction is more likely in men who smoked, and that smoking is very likely one of the main causes of ED in younger men.
Research has found that Nicotine has a direct effect on the blood vessels that carry blood to the penis, by reducing the blood flow, and this makes getting and maintaining an erection difficult.
Alcohol consumption has also been linked to an increased risk of developing ED, with one study showing that sexual dysfunction is common in patients with alcohol dependence. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, making it difficult for some men to get, and keep an erection.
Myth 5) Medications will not cause ED
A number of factors can cause erectile dysfunction, both physical and physiological.
Certain medications can also result in men experiencing ED, especially those prescribed for prostate health problems.
Drugs such as Proscar are hormone blockers, blocking the conversion of testosterone to its more active form, 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
While the drug treats the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, this also affects normal sexual function among males.
Flomax is another popular drug used to treat symptoms of BPH but can have a nasty effect on your sex life. Most worryingly, it can cause symptoms that are similar to Peyronie’s disease.
This condition causes the penis to bend from anywhere between 10 and 90 degrees.
This obviously can have a huge impact on a man’s sexual function, and the condition can often have long-term effects.
Before using medication, it is important to research and be aware of the possible dangerous side effects it could incur.
Myth 6) Surgery or pill are the only treatment options
The first thing you should do if you are experiencing any erectile dysfunction problems is to seek advice from a professional.
Your first port of call should be your primary health care, physician or urologist, to help identify the underlying cause of ED problems.
Drugs such as Viagra and Cialis as popular means of treating erectile dysfunction, though it should be noted that they can result in dependency and a number of side effects.
Making changes to your lifestyles, such as regular exercise, a good diet, reducing stress and avoiding alcohol and tobacco, can help to naturally address problems of ED.
Various studies have also shown natural supplements to offer a natural and safe way to help treat ED without the need for medical intervention and side effects.
For example, Ben’s Male Boost Tincture is our natural viagra supplement that contains a herb that has been proven to help increase the body’s testosterone levels and help to produce stronger erections naturally.
As good blood flow is essential to getting and maintaining an erection, taking a 100% natural and organic treatment to make capillaries open and blood flow easier, such as Ben’s Organic Concentrated Garlic Extract, can help treat ED effectively and safely.
With no side effects to note for any of these natural supplements, they are an option to be strongly considered when looking for a treatment for ED.
Conclusion
Although erectile dysfunction can be a stressful problem for many men, it is a treatable one. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, not only will you improve your overall health, but you will reduce your risk of developing ED. If you are struggling with erectile dysfunction, physically or mentally, consult your Doctor to find the best means of treatment.
