MENSHEALTHCARE HOME
A couple embracing

WHAT’s
ERECTILE
DYSFUNCTION?

The Little Book of Hard Facts

SHARING 10 TRUTHS ABOUT ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

A man consulting with his doctor

Introduction

Sexual health refers to a state of well-being
that lets a man fully participate in and
enjoy sexual activity.1

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability to
attain and/or maintain penile erection
sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.2
It is one of the conditions affecting
men’s sexual health.

ED may be a signal of other underlying conditions
and should be diagnosed so patients can improve
their health and live a better quality of life.

You can regain your sexual confidence and
revitalize your relationships by getting the right
medical health you need.

A couple relaxing together
Myth

There is no treatment for ED.

FACTS

There are many treatment options available for ED,
from pills to injections into the penis or devices.
One of the best ways to prevent ED is to
make healthy lifestyle choices and to manage
any existing health conditions with your doctor.4

A smiling older couple
Myth

ED is part and parcel of growing older.

FACTS

ED is more common among older men, but it is
a health condition that can affect people of any
age.3 It is often associated with other treatable
chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease
and hypertension as well as psychological issues
like depression and performance anxiety.

A couple laughing together
Myth

If you have trouble getting an erection,
it means that you are not competent
as a man.

FACTS

ED is often associated with other treatable
chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease
and hypertension as well as psychological issues
like depression and performance anxiety.

A couple spending time together
Myth

I can treat ED myself by using herbal
remedies and supplements.

FACTS

There are several risks when you take herbal remedies
or supplements for ED.5 It is possible that they have
ingredients that might not mix well with other
medications you take. Also, if you take supplements
without consulting your doctor, you may not get
checked for underlying conditions such as diabetes
or heart disease that may be causing your ED.

Myth

ED doesn’t affect younger men.

A young couple embracing
FACTS

Although ED is more common as men get
older, men of any age can have it.

An older couple reading magazines together on a couch
An older couple embracing
Myth

ED is not a dangerous health condition.

FACTS

ED in itself may not be dangerous, it can be an
early warning sign of a serious health condition,
such as diabetes6-9 or heart disease.10 It is
therefore important to see your doctor and
treat any underlying health issues.

A couple holding hands
Myth

Only men are impacted by ED.

FACTS

Both men and their partners can be affected
by ED. It can create low self-esteem and lead
to depression. This can have an overall impact
on the relationship.

A couple outdoors together
Myth

If I make certain lifestyle changes,
I can overcome ED.

FACTS

While certain lifestyle changes can help with
issues around ED, the best way to get the correct
information is to speak with your doctor so any
underlying condition can be treated.

A couple sharing a quiet moment
Myth

ED only happens when there are problems
in the relationship.

FACTS

While relationship problems can contribute
to a man’s sexual desire, most cases of ED
are physiological, not psychological.11

A couple enjoying each other's company
Myth

Oral medication for ED gives you a
constant erection.

FACTS

Taking oral medication can facilitate
natural sexual experiences. An erection
will only occur if you are sexually
stimulated.12

Book a consultation with your doctor

Hello Doctor

Trusted health information and tools to help you understand your symptoms and take the next step.
The Filipino Doctor

Your Trusted Health Companion.
A couple talking openly

Start positive
conversations
about ED and
regain your sexual
confidence.

References

(1) Men’s Sexual Health. Harvard Health Publishing. Available at: httos://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/mens-sexual-health Last accessed: 28 October 2021; (2) EAU Guidelines on Male Sexual Dysfunction - 2018; (3) One Patient Out of Four with Newly Diagnosed Erectile Dysfunction Is a Young Man Worrisome Picture from the Everyday Clinical Practice. Capogrosso et al. Available at https://onlinelibrarywiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/sm.12179 Last accessed: 28 October 2021; (4) Erectile dysfunction. Prevention. Mayo Clinic. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/ diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/ symptoms-causes/syc 20355776. Last accessed: 28 October 2021; (5) Myths and Facts about Erectile Dysfunction. WebMD. Available at: https://wwwwebmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/myths-andfacts-about-erectile dysfunction Last accessed: 28 October 2021; (6-9) Goldstein I. Int J Impot Res 2000:12(suppl 4):S147-5151; Francis ME et al. J Urol 2007,178:591-596; Selvin E et al. Am J Med 2007,120:151-157; Jackson G et al. J Sex Med 2006;3:28-36; 10. Goldstein I. Int J Impot Res 2000,12(suppl 4):S147-5151; (11) Mayo Clinic. Erectile Dysfunction. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20355776 Last accessed: 28 October 2021; (12) Myths and Facts about Erectile Dysfunction. Medbroadcast. Available at: https://www.medbroadcast.com/healtnfeature/gethealthfeature/erectile-aysfunction-muths-and-facts Last accessed: 28 October 2021