Erectile dysfunction is the inability of a man to achieve an erection at all for sexual intercourse or maintain it long enough for both partners to have a satisfactory experience. Although it’s a common condition of men, it can be difficult to approach a doctor to talk about it. One of the reasons for this is that many myths persist about erectile dysfunction that aren’t true. Read on to learn about the top five myths. 

Myths About Erectile Dysfunction

• Only older men have this problem and it’s inevitable. While it’s true that erectile dysfunction gets more common with age, it can happen to younger men as well. Approximately 15 percent of men under age 40 occasionally or frequently can’t get or maintain an erection. However, it doesn’t always occur with aging either. Plenty of men in their 60s and beyond have no problem maintaining a satisfying sex life.
• Erectile dysfunction only happens because of psychological stress. Stress can certainly affect the ability to get or maintain an erection, but it often has a physical cause such as high blood pressure. Reduced blood flow to the penis can occur due to several medical or hormonal issues.
• Smoking and other lifestyle habits have nothing to do with erectile dysfunction. Smoking cigarettes causes damage to blood vessels that then causes reduced flow. Any habit taken to excess, including drinking and overeating, can affect health and the ability to get or maintain an erection.
• Erectile dysfunction only affects men. This is true in the physical sense, but not necessarily in the emotional sense. Partners of men with erectile dysfunction may feel like they are to blame for the problem or that it means their husband or boyfriend is not attracted to them. Left unresolved, erectile dysfunction can cause tension in relationships that lead to anxiety, depression, and anger from both parties.
• Men can develop erectile dysfunction from wearing tight underwear. This myth came about due to the knowledge that wearing tight underwear raises the temperature of the testicles. This has no association with erectile dysfunction, however.

Consider Treating Your Erectile Dysfunction with Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

It’s common for men to lose testosterone as they age, which can contribute to the problem with erections. In fact, the typical man starts showing a decline in testosterone as early as age 30 and then continues to lose about one percent every year. Unfortunately, traditional hormone replacement therapy is often ineffective due to the body rejecting artificial hormones. It can also cause a range of unpleasant side effects such as weight gain and depression. The ingredients in bioidentical hormones come from soy and yam plants and naturally mimic human hormones. Undergoing bioidentical hormone therapy can improve erectile dysfunction as well as several other hormonal issues that men commonly experience with aging.

We’re Happy to Answer Your Questions

Arena District Pharmacy is Central Ohio's leader in personalized medicine! Feel free to reach out to us with questions about bioidentical hormone therapy and how it can improve erectile dysfunction symptoms.