There are many misconceptions about erectile dysfunction and its causes. Get the facts to straighten out any confusion about ED.
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Haines, MD
Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is a common problem affecting up to 30 million American men. Despite its prevalence, erectile dysfunction is often misunderstood. Here are some common ED myths and the facts to dispel them.
ED Myth No. 1: Tight Underwear Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Truth: “There is no research showing that wearing tight underwear can lead to erectile dysfunction,” says Alan W. Shindel, MD, clinical instructor and fellow of andrology at the University of California at San Francisco. However, tight underwear may contribute to infertility. Keeping testicles too close to the body raises their temperature and hinders sperm production.
ED Myth No. 2: ED Occurs When You’re Not Attracted to Your Partner
Truth: While a lack of attraction — or even some trouble in the relationship — can contribute to erectile dysfunction, the majority of ED is physiological. “The trouble starts with a biological reason, which can lead to confidence issues, avoiding sex, fear of failure, and then avoiding your sex partner,” Shindel explains.
ED Myth No. 3: Erectile Dysfunction Is a Normal Part of Aging
Truth: Erectile dysfunction is not an inevitable part of growing older. “Like arthritis and heart disease, erectile dysfunction is just more common in older men,” says Shindel. “Certain health conditions increase in likelihood with age, as does erectile dysfunction.” ED can also be a warning sign of another condition, such as cardiovascular disease. The penis is a vascular organ, and therefore any condition that interferes with blood flow in the body can affect erections.
ED Myth No. 4: Erectile Dysfunction Only Affects Older Men
Truth: While older men have a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction, impotence can happen to men of any age. Younger men who have diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular problems are at particularly high risk.
ED Myth No. 5: Erectile Dysfunction Is Best Treated With Oral Medications
Truth: Erectile dysfunction medications don’t work for everyone, and they’re not usually the first line of treatment. Doctors initially recommend healthy lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and losing weight. The next step might be to identify possible medications that could be causing erectile dysfunction or to try psychotherapy. Eventually, oral medications may be prescribed to increase blood flow to the penis and achieve erection.
ED Myth No. 6: Erectile Dysfunction Is Only an Emotional Issue
Truth: It was once believed that erectile dysfunction was solely psychological. Today, experts believe physiological factors are at the root of most erectile dysfunction cases. Physiological causes can be related to health conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or high blood pressure, or a medication side effect. These physical factors can also contribute to emotional ones. “When a man experiences erectile dysfunction, he can become anxious or depressed, and the erectile dysfunction can become a source of psychological stress,” says Shindel
ED Myth No. 7: Erectile Dysfunction Cannot Be Caused by Riding a Bicycle
Truth: Cycling is linked to a higher risk of erectile dysfunction. “If you fell asleep in a very awkward position in a chair, you’d get pins and needles in a part of the body to which the blood wasn’t flowing properly,” says Irwin Goldstein, MD, clinical professor of surgery at University of California at San Diego, director of sexual medicine at Alvarado Hospital, and director of San Diego Sexual Medicine. “When you ride a bike, most of your body weight is on the crotch, causing damage by crushing endothelial cells.”
ED is a complex issue with many possible causes and many possible treatments. The best way to discover what's behind your ED is to talk openly with your doctor and get an accurate diagnosis.
Last Updated: 01/12/2010
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