For most people with penises, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a sensitive subject. So much so that a lot of people refuse to address the issue when it arises, meaning many cases go untreated. But here’s the thing: ED is common, affecting more than 50% of people with penises over the age of 40, per Cleveland Clinic.
Because ED remains a taboo subject for so many people, like anything that isn’t openly discussed, it has become shrouded in myths. Many of these myths aren’t just inaccurate but can prevent a person from talking to their doctor, as they hope the problem will simply fix itself. While ED isn’t always a sign of prostate cancer, it can be for some people. Even in cases where ED isn’t a symptom of prostate-related issues, it can be a warning sign of other health problems like diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, and more. In other words, when your penis stops acting as it once did, you need to pay attention and not ignore what’s happening — or rather what’s not happening.
While there are boatloads of myths about ED that you’ve probably heard or will eventually hear, Health Digest spoke exclusively with Joshua R. Gonzalez, M.D., board-certified urologist, on behalf of Eroxon, about the biggest myths that need to be put to bed about this particular issue. If you find yourself struggling to get an erection or are unable to keep one during sexual activity, these two debunked myths are what should come to mind.