There’s a lot of misinformation about the causes and treatments of erectile dysfunction (ED). To know the facts, you may need to bust some myths along the way.
Erectile Dysfunction and Age
Myth: ED is a normal part of growing older and men have to learn to live with it.
Fact: Although ED is more common among older men, that doesn’t mean it’s something you have to live with.
It’s not unusual for older men to need more stimulation to help get them aroused than they did when they were younger. But there’s no reason you won’t be able to enjoy sex as you get older. Lots of guys are able to get erections well into their senior years, and there’s likely no reason that you can’t be one of them.
Myth: Erectile dysfunction doesn’t affect younger men.
Fact: Although ED is more common in men over 75, guys of any age can have it.
Erectile Dysfunction and Overall Health
Myth: ED may be upsetting, but there’s nothing dangerous about it.https://8d8aca02f00ad9579da81c6132c177ca.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
Fact: Although ED itself isn’t dangerous, it can be an early warning sign of a serious health condition, such as diabetes or heart problems.
It’s important to see your doctor if you have ED. A medical exam not only helps you figure out the cause of the problem and find a treatment that can return you to a more active sex life, it may also alert you to an illness that needs immediate treatment.
Fact: Many things cause erection problems. Although lack of sexual attraction to your partner might be one of them, it’s far more likely to be something else.
ED can be caused by:
- Heart problems, such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- Diabetes (between 35% and 50% of men with diabetes get ED)
- Some medications for blood pressure, anxiety, and depression
- Nerve disorders, like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
- Hormone problems
- Mood problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression
- Smoking and drinking alcohol
- Certain types of prostate and bladder surgery
