Do you have erectile dysfunction (ED)? If you have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, you’re not alone. Most men experience ED symptoms at some point in their lives. In fact, it’s so common that the Cleveland Clinic states that if you have difficulty getting and keeping an erection for up to 20 percent of your sexual encounters, you’re probably fine. However, If you have difficulty getting or keeping an erection 50 percent or more of the time, you should seek help from a medical professional. Unfortunately, a lot of men fail to seek help for their erectile dysfunction due to some common myths, including that ED is a normal part of the aging process and that ED isn’t a treatable condition. Let’s take a look at some of the common misconceptions surrounding ED.
Many men falsely believe that experiencing erectile dysfunction is a normal part of the aging process. The truth is that all ages of men can experience ED, and according to Healthline, around 52 percent of men experience ED in their lives and that includes younger men. According to Medical News Today, about 8 percent of men in their 20s experience ED, and 11 percent of men in their 30s experience ED. In fact, the number of men under the age of 40 who experience erection problems is increasing.
It’s important to understand that ED is a medical condition, and it can be caused by a variety of physical and mental factors, including heart disease, diabetes, hormone imbalances, neurological conditions, and even some medications. Erectile dysfunction can even be caused by certain mental health conditions, including stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, it’s important to speak with a medical practitioner about your ED so that the causes can be determined.
If you’ve ever heard that only men who aren’t attracted to their partners have ED, you are hearing a myth. Erectile dysfunction can happen regardless of your attraction level to your partner or desire to have sex. This is because attraction and desire are only part of the determinants for getting and maintaining an erection. In fact, men can be very attracted to their partner and satisfied in their relationship and still not be able to get an erection. Conversely, a man may not be attracted to his partner and still be able to achieve an erection that can be used for sexual intercourse. If you find that you are having difficulty getting or maintaining an erection long enough to have sex, it’s time to speak with a medical practitioner. You could have an underlying medical condition that’s affecting your ability to perform in the bedroom.
While low testosterone is a cause of ED, it’s not the sole cause of erectile dysfunction in all cases. Testosterone is a hormone that is found in greater quantities in men than in women. In men, it’s responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics, including the growth of facial and body hair, the deepening of the voice during puberty, and the development of strength and muscle mass. It’s also responsible for the male’s ability to get and maintain an erection. Therefore, low testosterone or Low T can be the reason a male cannot get or maintain an erection. However, not being able to get an erection can also be caused by some serious medical issues, like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It may also be a stroke risk indicator. Therefore, if you are having difficulty getting or keeping an erection for sexual intercourse, you should speak with your medical provider and get tested for underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to your erection problem.
If you’ve heard that ED is not treatable, you’re relying on old information. Today, there are many treatments and therapies available for men who are experiencing erectile dysfunction, including lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy. In order to find the right treatment, it’s important to check for certain underlying conditions. Hormone imbalances, mental health issues, heart disease, diabetes, smoking and alcohol consumption, and living a sedentary lifestyle can all affect your ability to perform in the bedroom. Once the underlying conditions have been found or ruled out, a treatment program can be devised to help treat your ED.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of ED, don’t assume that it can’t be treated or that you just have to live with it for the rest of your life. At Shasta Meadows Wellness Center, we can help determine the causes of your ED and recommend an erectile dysfunction treatment, like our GentlePro treatment. This utilizes gentle acoustic shockwaves that can help boost blood flow in the penis so that you can get and maintain your erections. This treatment can be used alone or in conjunction with other ED treatments.
To learn more about how we can help you with your ED, give us a call at 530-500-0634.