Let’s get straight to an important fact about erectile dysfunction — it’s incredibly common. This sexual function issue isn’t exactly dinner conversation material, so you may not know that more than half of men (52%) experience the problem at some point in their lives.
Beyond this hard truth, many other facts and myths surround erectile dysfunction (ED), and the team of urology experts here at Arizona Urology wants to tackle some of them here.
Yes, ED very much involves the ability to achieve an erection, but it also encompasses the ability to maintain one.
Some men are unable to get an erection at all when they have ED, while others can get an erection, but it doesn’t last very long, namely, not long enough for intercourse.
Yes and no. A lot goes into an erection, and it involves your brain. The first step to erection is arousal — a touch, smell, sight, or thought that triggers arousal. This arousal happens in your brain, which kicks off the physical erection process.
The majority of ED issues stem from vascular problems — there’s not enough blood flow to the penis, but ED can occur for many other reasons, such as:
As you can see, ED can stem from many different areas of your health, including your brain, lifestyle choices, and unrelated health issues.
This statement has some elements of truth, but it’s certainly not the whole story. The ED prevalence rates rise in lockstep with age — 40% of men in their 40s experience ED compared to 70% after age 70.
As we reviewed above, ED often stems from blood flow issues, which tend to occur more in older men. Not to mention, testosterone levels gradually decline as you age.
Still, ED can affect younger men, especially if they have some of the other risk factors for ED, including obesity or depression.
This statement is completely false, as there are many ways to treat ED. Given the number of potential ED causes, we first sit down with you to review your medical history and current health.
From there, we can narrow down the potential culprits behind your ED to get you back on the road to better sexual health. Whether through medications, lifestyle changes, penile implants, counseling, or some other approach, we work with you until we find the best solution for overcoming your ED.
For expert diagnosis and treatment of your ED, please contact one of our locations in Goodyear, Gilbert, or Glendale, Arizona, to schedule an appointment.
