ED: 7 myths about the main male disease
No man likes the idea that something is off with his erection. And men generally prefer not to talk about such a disease as erectile dysfunction. Even in the doctor's office. Many folks try to look for a solution to the problem on the Internet and they succeed. The most common advice on the Internet, which allegedly helps to cope with erectile dysfunction, is to start taking testosterone.
But doctors take the opposite point of view. So, senior associate Professor of urology Daniel Williams from the Institute of Medicine and Health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison believes that attempts to artificially increase testosterone will be fruitless if your hormone levels are normal. That does not affect erectile function. But even for men with low testosterone levels, taking the drug will not guarantee that sexual functionality will be restored.
Here are 7 more popular myths concerning erectile dysfunction (ED):
1. This is an unpleasant disease, but not dangerous at all
ED itself is not a threat. But it signals the presence of other more serious diseases. In young men, this may be a neurological disorder. Older men could have diabetes, heart disease, hormone disorders, or more. That is why it is important to see a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of erectile dysfunction. This way you will not only keep an active sex life, but also protect yourself from the development of other diseases.
2. If the penis stands up, you don't have ED
Erectile dysfunction in men manifests itself in different ways. There may be no erection at all, or it is not possible to maintain it throughout sexual intercourse, or the erection is not strong enough, and the penis cannot penetrate the vagina. Some men with erectile dysfunction cannot get an orgasm even with a stable erection. Symptoms vary. Therefore, only a doctor can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
3. If it isn't up once, then you have ED
To have sex, a single desire will not be enough. There are other concomitant factors that can prevent the onset of an erection. You've had too much alcohol, you've had a hard week at work, and you haven't had enough sleep yet. In general, you should not ring the alarm because of these occasional misfires. Workout, do Kegel exercises, get rid of bad habits and manage stress, and then you will leave such unpleasant moments behind.
4. Smoking can't cause ED
Various studies confirm the fact that smokers are 2 times more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction than non-smoking men of the same age. The risk of developing the disease is related to how many cigarettes a day you smoke and what your smoking experience is. This effect of addiction on the quality of erection is associated with hormonal and vascular disorders. Each cigarette smoked provokes an increase in blood pressure, increased heart rate, narrowing of peripheral blood vessels and deterioration of blood flow. All this makes it difficult to achieve and maintain an erection.
5. ED only affects older men
Every 5th man under the age of 40 faces an erectile dysfunction. That means that age is not a key factor in the development of ED. According to sexologists, over the past 10 years, this disease has significantly "rejuvenated". That is explained by the overly fast pace of life. Imagine, a young man moves to a big city, where he studies during the day and works at night to pay for school. Chronic lack of sleep, constant stress eventually affects the quality of an erection. A man just doesn't have the energy to have sex. Another reason for developing ED at a young age is low testosterone levels. Sexologists believe that computer games are to blame for this. Or rather, excessive dependence on these games. In combination with low motor activity, this leads to a decrease in the levels of the main male sex hormone.
6. Men with ED will have to take medication for the rest of their lives
In 98% of cases, the disease is easily treated after examination and going through a full course of treatment prescribed by a doctor. In addition, do not forget that after the diagnosis of ED, other diseases can be detected. This means that you will be able to start treatment on time and avoid serious ramifications. However, only 10% of men are ready to overcome their fears and seek help from a specialist.
7. ED can be cured at home
If you self-medicate, you endanger your health. Taking potency increasing pills that you've read about on the Internet is not a good idea. They are no use for 35-40% of men, and also have many side effects (nausea, headache, vision and hearing problems). Remember, the best treatment is the one that your doctor prescribes.
It is extremely easy to prevent the development of erectile dysfunction: lead an active lifestyle, take care of your bad habits and manage stress. And then nothing will stop you from leading a full and smooth sex life.
