The Mayo Clinic defines erectile dysfunction as the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex. Erectile dysfunction is a condition that comes with a multitude of questions and concerns. As the inquiries about it grow, so does the creation of myths that people begin to believe. There are many myths about erectile dysfunction out there. It is important to find the correct information, so you are not unsure about your health concerns moving forward.
Debunking Myths About Erectile Dysfunction
As we debunk the myths about erectile dysfunction, you will learn more about what applies to your situation. At Alliance Urology, we are here to ensure you receive accurate information about any medical condition you could be facing.
Myth 1: Only older men experience erectile dysfunction.
Myths about erectile dysfunction often have to do with age. Erectile dysfunction is often associated with men in their older years. This does not have to be the case. While older men are the more likely category to experience erectile dysfunction, men of any age can also experience it. About 15% of men under the age of 40 say that they experience erectile dysfunction on an occasional basis. However, with those numbers, there are also large sections of the community who do not seek medical attention or do not share that they have experienced it.
Myth 2: Wearing tight underwear can cause erectile dysfunction.
Men often believe that tight underwear can cause erectile dysfunction and feel like they must opt for a looser choice. While tighter underwear can be associated with infertility due to the increased temperature of the testicles, there is no medical research to associate tight underwear with erectile dysfunction.
Myth 3: Erectile dysfunction is all in your head.
There is a low chance that your experience with erectile dysfunction is all in your head. However, there is often thought that a patient’s case of erectile dysfunction could be a combination of psychological and physical factors. According to Men’s Health, the physical problem could be blood vessels that hamper blood flow to the penis. This then causes you to feel more stress and anxiety about the problem, which also has a negative effect on getting an erection. Keeping track of those feelings can make it easier for a medical professional to work on diagnosing and treating your problem.
Myth 4: Viagra is the only treatment option that works.
Myths about erectile dysfunction are often surrounded by Viagra. While Viagra and other similar medications are a standard option for treating erectile dysfunction, they are not the only treatment method. There are also injectable medications available that your doctor may end up prescribing. The thought of an injection may be intimidating, but it is the next best option if oral medications are not treating your erectile dysfunction effectively.
Myth 5: Having difficulty getting an erection always signals erectile dysfunction.
While having difficulty getting an erection is worth noting, one of the most common myths about erectile dysfunction is that it is a sure tell sign of a diagnosis. You can often tie an occasional experience having trouble getting an erection to temporary factors. These could look like the presence of too much alcohol in your system or even stress and exhaustion from a busy week. Once that becomes a more common issue on a prolonged basis, it becomes something worth discussing with a doctor as it could be a sign of erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction can be a difficult topic to discuss with your medical professional. With all of the myths about erectile dysfunction out there, make sure you find the best information for your situation. Even once the myths have been debunked, you may have other questions regarding your health. At Alliance Urology, we are here to answer all of your questions and find the best treatment for your health concerns. Check out our website or give us a call at (336) 274-9638 to schedule an appointment today.
