Erectile dysfunction is a common problem that a lot of men experience. It can lead to many uncomfortable and embarrassing situations that bring about not only self-esteem issues but also relationship difficulties. As a result, many are hesitant to talk about it and end up living with it quietly, and refuse to go see a medical professional. Instead, they turn to the web and come across these “quick cures” and “miracle homemade treatments” that do not work at all.
To effectively deal with erectile dysfunction, it is best to start by educating yourself with what it really is, and learning what the common myths surrounding it are.
Myth #1: Erectile dysfunction only affects old men.
Many people associate erectile dysfunction with old age. This does not come as a surprise, as a significant number of cases are among men in the older age groups. However, what they do not know is that it can strike even the younger ones too. It is not some natural phenomenon that automatically goes with the aging process. It can sneak up on you when you least expect it, whether you are in your 20s or in your golden years.
Regardless of your age, if you are suffering from medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and kidney disease, your chances of getting erectile dysfunction becomes higher. If you are a long-time or heavy smoker, you are prone to running into it sooner than later, too.
Myth #2: If you can’t get it up, you have erectile dysfunction.
Myth #2: If you can’t get it up, you have erectile dysfunction.If you are having a hard time getting an erection, you should not fret about having erectile dysfunction right away. There is a long list of factors that contribute to any man’s sexual performance.
Sometimes, it can be that they have a lot of things in their minds, are dealing with too much stress in school or at work, are battling anxiety issues, or are fatigued. Other times, it can be that they are just not in the mood. The truth is, just like women, men are not always in full sex mode.
Myth #3: One of the causes of erectile dysfunction is tight underwear.
If you like to wear tight-fitting underwear that offers sufficient support, hold on to them! Not one medical study or research has found that there is any link between erectile dysfunction and wearing tight underwear.
However, if you are worried about fertility problems, you might want to change your style, and go for loose-fitting ones. Sperm cells thrive in a cooler environment, and tight undergarments tend to raise the temperatures around that area. With an increase in temperature, sperm production can slow down. Thus, to keep your swimmers in tip-top shape, ensure that everything is cool down there.
Myth #4: Biking can lead to erectile dysfunction.
According to a recent study, biking and erectile dysfunction are not related in any way. The more than 5,200 avid cyclists included in the survey, who cycled several hours and covered long distances a week, did not manifest any of the common symptoms of the medical condition. So, breathe a sigh of relief, and continue with your biking adventures.
However, the study did find an increased risk of developing prostate cancer if biking for an extended amount of time. It revealed that it is likely to strike men over the age of 50 who cycle between 3 to 8 hours a week, compared to those that bike only a couple of hours a week.
Myth #5: The only way to treat erectile dysfunction is by taking Viagra.
While taking Viagra and other similar pills can get the job done, it is not really the smartest and most effective method to deal with erectile dysfunction. These medications cause numerous side effects, such as nausea, headaches, blurred vision, upset stomach, and muscle pains, that can drastically affect your everyday life.
In the medical field, one excellent treatment for erectile dysfunction is by directly injecting a particular medication into the penis. This method is less likely to bring about negative side effects, exacerbate any preexisting medical condition you may have, or get in the way of other medications that you may be taking.
Myth #6: Erectile dysfunction is all in the mind.
You cannot just think happy thoughts and expect your erectile dysfunction to go away. The process of getting aroused is a fusion of a man’s mental, physical, and physiological states. It is a complex one that involves not only feeling and emotions, but also the brain, muscles, hormones, blood vessels, and nerves.
Among the many cases of erectile dysfunction, the most common suspects are diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol levels, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, alcoholism, drug abuse, obesity, and tobacco addiction. And, if you throw in stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues into the mix, everything just gets worse.
Myth #7: Your erectile dysfunction will eventually go away.
You should put in time and effort to get your sex life back on track. If you are having trouble getting an erection now, you should not think that everything will be back to normal in a few weeks or months. Do not think that this condition is something that gets fixed without you doing anything. You should do your part in turning things around.
First of all, go see a doctor. Take what they tell you to do to heart. Then, focus on making a lifestyle change. If you are overweight, start a weight loss plan. Skip junk foods and fast foods. No more late night snacks. Quit smoking. Refrain from drinking alcohol too much. Cut your time spent sitting in front of the television, munching on leftover pizza. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of water. Set up a daily workout or exercise routine. Walk around the block everyday. Take the stairs more often. Committing to a healthy lifestyle can improve your overall health, mentally and physically, and help you deal with life’s challenges and obstacles much better than before.
