Top 4 Erectile Dysfunction Misconceptions

The inability to achieve and maintain an erection or what experts refer to as erectile dysfunction (ED) is most men's worst nightmare. ED is something that no man would ever wish to have, but the fact is that it is quite prevalent. In the USA alone it affects one in every 10 adult males on a long-term basis, and this is according to credible data from Cleveland Clinic.

It can be an embarrassing, stressful and disheartening condition but most men do not even know what it is all about. Lack of adequate information and knowledge about the disorder has brought about several misconceptions with the four below being some of the most common ones.

Misconception #1: ED Only Affects Old Men

Most men believe that erectile dysfunction is a problem that comes with old age and so they do not have to worry about it in their younger years. However, this is just a misconception that could not be further from the truth. Although it is more prevalent among old males, it can still affect the young population. Data from organizations such as National Institute of Health (USA) shows that as much as a quarter of men under 40 suffer from a form of ED at some point of their life.

Misconception #2: It Is All in the Head

The man is always the one to blame when he is having erectile issues, and this is because most people have a misconception that it is all in his head. However, this is not entirely true because research shows that many other factors can cause the problem besides the inner psychology of a man. The Mayo Clinic lists things like diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, clogged blood vessels and heart disease as some of the leading causes of the ED and they do not have anything to do with a person’s mental state.

Misconception #3: Tight Underwear Causes ED

Fear of getting erectile dysfunction is one of the main reasons why some men even prefer not to wear any underwear. A significant percentage of people believe that wearing tight underwear is one of the leading causes of ED. The fact is that there is no medical research or scientific data that shows a relationship between the disorder and tight underwear. However, it is important to know that health experts link tight underpants to infertility because they lead to an increase in the testicles' temperature.

Misconception #4: Viagra and Other ED Pills Are the Only Treatments

Yes, it is a proven fact that Viagra and other oral medications of this kind are very effective in dealing with ED as they help men get and maintain a firm erection. However, there are also other solutions to the problem, and they include lifestyle changes like engaging in workouts (especially cardio exercises), losing weight and stopping smoking. Determining and treating any underlying conditions is also essential in dealing with erectile dysfunction.