What’s Erectile Dysfunction?
The Little Book of Hard Facts
SHARING 10 TRUTHS ABOUT ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Introduction
Sexual health refers to a state of well-being that lets a man fully participate in and enjoy sexual activity.
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.
There is no treatment for ED.
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
ED is part and parcel of growing older.
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.
if you have trouble getting an erection, it means that you are not competent as a man.
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.
I can treat ED myself by using herbal remedies and supplements.
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.
ED doesn't affect younger men.
Although ED is more common as men get older, men of any age can have it.
ED doesn't affect younger men.
Although ED is more common as men get older, men of any age can have it.
ED is not a dangerous health condition.
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.
Only men are impacted by ED.
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.
Oral medication for ED gives you a constant erection.
Taking oral medication can facilitate natural sexual experiences. An erection will only occur if you are sexually stimulated.12
ED only happens when there are problems in the relationship.
While relationship problems can contribute to a man’s sexual desire, most cases of ED are physiological, not psychological.11
If I make certain lifestyle changes, I can overcome ED.
While certain lifestyle changes can help with issues around ED, the best way to get the correct information it to speak with your doctor so any underlying condition can be treated.
Visit your doctor for advice
Start positive conversations about ED and regain your sexual confidence.
- 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://onlinelibrary wiley.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.Lastaccessed:28 October 2021;
- 5. Myths and Facts about Erectile Dysfunction. WebMD. Available at: https://wwwwebmd.com/erectile -dysfunction/myths-and-facts-about-erectile- dysfunctionLast accessed: 28 October 2021;
- 6-9. Goldstein I. Int J Impot Res 2000:12(suppl 4): S147-5151; Francis MEet al. JUrol 2007,178:591-596; Selvin E et al. Am J Med 2007,120:151-157; Jackson Get 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 October2021;
- 12.Myths and Facts about Erectile Dysfunction. Medbroadcast. Available at:httos://www.med broadcast.com/healtnfeature/gethealthfeature/erectile -aysfunction-muths-and-facts Last accessed: 28 October 2021