Select a treatment to
get started

7 Erectile Dysfunction Myths: Common ED Ideas That Are Not Entirely True

Read on

Nearly every adult is aware of the existence of erectile dysfunction, what the condition entails, and can probably even name a few names of the popular medications used to treat it.

But, despite this widespread knowledge of the basics of erectile dysfunction, there are still a lot of facts that people get wrong about ED.

Below, we will cover some of the most pervasive myths that can get tossed around regarding erectile dysfunction, its causes, the populations that can be affected, and how it can be treated.

Myth: ED will inevitably happen as men age and they have to live with it

While ED becomes more likely to develop as men get older, not all men will end up dealing with erectile dysfunction simply from growing older.

The other end of the myth is that men are supposed to just consider erectile dysfunction a part of growing older and accept it. Since there are plenty of affordable, easy to obtain, and effective treatment options, this is most certainly not true.

If you are older and dealing with erectile dysfunction, you can talk to a doctor about treatment options in person or online through our secure Strut telehealth service. While ED treatment may not work for every user, it does work for the majority of men with ED, and you most definitely do not need to just “accept” erectile dysfunction.

Myth: Young men don’t experience erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is most definitely less common in younger men, but it is not off the table.

Men in their 30s or even 20s can start experiencing erectile dysfunction effects. This can develop from dealing with other medical conditions that can increase the risks of ED, or it may even be psychological in nature.

When erectile dysfunction does occur so early in life, it is important to try and pinpoint a potential root cause. Sometimes by improving the root cause, ED symptoms can be reduced or eliminated in young men, with or without the help of ED medications.

Myth: Oral ED medications are the only treatment option

Oral ED medications like Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra (along with their generic versions) are the most commonly prescribed medications for erectile dysfunction, but they are far from being the only option.

Depending on your presentation and potential other contributing factors, your doctor may decide on a few different routes for ED treatment.

Sometimes the first line is recommending lifestyle changes like weight loss, stress management measures, couples therapy, smoking cessation, or reducing alcohol consumption. If your doctor feels that a concurrent issue like diabetes, low testosterone, or high blood pressure may be contributing to your ED symptoms, they may opt to treat the underlying condition and see how your symptoms improve before adding on an ED medication as well.

If a patient isn’t a good candidate for an oral ED medication and lifestyle adjustments are not controlling the symptoms, next-line therapies may include penile injections, urethral suppositories, vacuum devices, or surgical implants.

Myth: Not being able to get an erection on occasion means you have ED

Everyone has an off night, and that is completely normal. Maybe you are exhausted after a very busy week, or you just aren’t feeling in the mood, or you had a few too many glasses of wine with dinner. 

If you don’t perform as expected every once in a while, it does not necessarily mean that you have erectile dysfunction. However, if you start finding that sexual concerns are occurring more and more often, or they are throwing a wrench in your romance plans 25% of the time or more, it may be time to talk with a doctor about it.

Myth: Experiencing erectile dysfunction means there is a lack of attraction

ED isn’t just difficult for the person with the issue, it can be tough on the partner as well. Some couples may struggle with thinking that the attraction is no longer there, which can add extra strain to the relationship.

It is important to know that lack of attraction is rarely the reason for couples to be experiencing ED issues. And, you can definitely still have happy, healthy, and fulfilling relationships with erectile dysfunction.

Myth: Lifestyle changes can’t improve erectile dysfunction

Luckily, it is a myth that lifestyle changes cannot make positive impacts on ED symptoms. 

Concerted efforts to adjust things like being at an unhealthy weight, controlling your other disease states well, reducing your alcohol consumption, or quitting smoking can have a substantial positive effect if these issues were part of the root cause of the dysfunction in the first place. As a bonus, these positive changes may improve your overall health and other conditions at the same time.

Myth: ED medications are expensive

While ED medications were quite pricey when they first came on the market, with the subsequent release of many generic versions of oral ED medications, this no longer has to be the case.

Even though some insurances do not cover ED medications, it is possible to find affordable out-of-pocket prices for effective generic versions like Sildenafil (generic Viagra) and Tadalafil (generic Cialis)

At Strut, we offer Sildenafil and Tadalafil tablets as low as $3 per dose through our secure telemedicine service. This also includes a free online doctor's visit to make sure the medication is appropriate for you and free shipping of your prescription every 30 days or 90 days.

If you are interested in seeing if an affordable ED medication is a good fit for you, you can have your free online questionnaire-based consultation in under 15 minutes today.

Free shipping
Free follow-up care
Cancel anytime, no fees
Free online MD visit

Related posts