Erectile Dysfunction (ED) was once shrouded in mystery and shame. Despite the issue being placed in the spotlight by the medical community, there are still many people who are too afraid to seek help. The main reason is feeling too ashamed about the issue. Many men and women still know very little about the condition, and what they do know is often based on myths. Here are a few facts about this condition.
1. ED Can Occur at Any Age
All men can experience ED, no matter their age. While it is true that it occurs mainly in older men, it does afflict young men too. However, it is usually a symptom of other underlying conditions. These conditions can include stress, anxiety, fatigue, and consuming too much alcohol. In older men, the main cause is usually atherosclerosis. This usually occurs due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries. It makes it harder for blood to flow to the penis, which often leads to impotence.
2. ED is usually a Symptom of an Underlying Medical Condition
Research has proven that there is some evidence to suggest that erectile dysfunction is genetic. However, it is usually caused by a diagnosed or undiagnosed medical condition. As a result, men in the same family may exhibit similar symptoms because of an inherited medical condition that is undiagnosed. Some of the most common medical causes of this condition are obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, sleep disorders, nerve damage, damage to blood vessels, tobacco use, low testosterone levels, high blood pressure, and alcoholism. Besides that, taking prescription medication such as diuretics and antidepressants can lead to ED. It is important to talk to a doctor to find out if there is alternative medication to help you deal with the condition.
3. ED Affects Many People and is Not Something to Cause Shame
The first rule about ED club is that you never talk about ED. At least, that is what the general thinking is. Most men fear that they are an oddity and it is something to keep hidden from the world. However, it affects more people than you might imagine. ED is a condition that afflicts one in four men under forty and about half of all men aged 40 to 70. The figure rises to seven in ten men aged 70 and over. Overall, half of all men suffer from ED at some point in their lives, so it’s not something that should cause shame. In fact, it is more common than most other conditions and you should readily seek help at the earliest sign of ED. The doctor will be able to get to the root of the issue and help you find a solution to the issue. Since it is often caused by an underlying medical condition, waiting for longer could make the condition worse.
4. It is not about failing to get an erection at all
A lot of men might think they do not have ED, while in fact, they do. Having erectile dysfunction is not about being unable to get an erection at all. It is also about being unable to sustain one. Besides that, it could be about failing to get a fully erect penis during coitus. Another sign that you may have ED is if you do not get morning wood for a while. Besides that, if you find that you do not think about sex as much, it might be a sign that you have signs of the onset of ED. This is because your testosterone levels might be dropping to alarming levels. The causes of this might be many such as failing to eat the right food.
5. Stress and Anxiety are the Main Causes of ED
While there are many causes of ED, stress and anxiety are the most common causes of the condition. You can cure this by reducing the amount of stress in your life. For instance, you could do more light exercises such as taking a walk in your neighborhood or finding fun activities in which to engage. Besides that, you might want to think about changing your job if it is the leading cause of your stress.
Summary
As these few facts have shown, most ED is treatable with a few stress-relieving measures. In general, if you have the condition, you should always seek medical advice.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
