Myths and Truths about erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very prevalent condition, in fact, more than half of the male population is affected by erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives. And the reason erectile dysfunction is so prevalent is due to the many factors that can contribute to the condition.
Below, we present some myths and truths about this pathology.
1. Is it a question of age?
False! One of the most common beliefs about erectile dysfunction is that it only develops in older men. While the prevalence of erectile dysfunction is increasing at the same rate as age (40 % of men over 40 and 70 % of men over 70), the condition can occur at any age. In fact, more than a quarter of men under the age of 40 have some experience with erectile dysfunction, and half of these men have serious problems with the condition.
So, while there is some truth to the fact that erectile dysfunction affects older men more often, you can have problems at any age due to the myriad of conditions that can lead to erectile dysfunction.
2. Can it be treated with herbs or vitamins?
False! Self-medication can lead to serious health problems. The ideal is to go to a specialized center for proper diagnosis and treatment.
3. Is it a blood supply problem?
True, in most cases. Erectile dysfunction is caused by poor blood flow to the penis, but the ability to achieve and maintain an erection involves many different components outside of your circulatory system, such as:
-Central nervous system
-Peripheral nervous system
-Hormones
-Emotions
-Musculoskeletal system
Every man's experience with erectile dysfunction is different and can be due to multiple organic and psychological factors. In fact, erectile dysfunction tends to snowball when a physical problem also becomes a mental obstacle.
Is erectile dysfunction a dangerous health condition?
Erectile dysfunction, in itself, is not a dangerous condition, but the problem could indicate a major health problem, such as atherosclerosis, which is the clogging of arteries.
If you have problems with erection, an assessment by a medical specialist is recommended, in case it is a symptom of a more serious health problem, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or a nervous disorder.
5. Is erectile dysfunction a psychological problem?
It should be emphasized that men develop erectile dysfunction for various reasons, and their mental health may play a role. However, erectile dysfunction is most often caused by organic causes.
If you are overly stressed or suffer from depression or anxiety, erectile dysfunction may be a side effect.
6. Lifestyle and erectile dysfunction?
It is true that some of your lifestyle choices can affect your sexual ability. For example, drinking alcohol to excess often leads to erectile dysfunction, and smoking can cause disruption in your blood vessels, which can affect your ability to achieve an erection. In addition, carrying extra weight is also a risk factor associated with erectile dysfunction. The bottom line is that lifestyle factors can have a negative impact on your health, and can be reviewed to determine if any changes can improve your erectile dysfunction.
7. Heals itself
False! Although there are cases in which erectile dysfunction can be caused by emotional disorders such as depression, anxiety or stress, the reality is that it is a condition that requires specialized medical attention, and it is important to approach a medical specialist to find the cause of the problem and start the appropriate and personalized treatment.
6. Is there no cure for erectile dysfunction?
False! Once the diagnosis is made and the cause of erectile dysfunction is determined, there are many solutions to address the problem, including:
- Pharmacological treatment.
- Shock waves.
- Platelet-rich plasma.
- Intracavernous auto-injections.
- Correction of adjacent pathologies.
- Lifestyle changes.
- Psychological therapy.
Thanks to this wide variety of treatment options, erectile dysfunction can now be treated safely and effectively.