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Erectile dysfunction: dispelling the myths

Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, is the victim of many myths and legends borne out of the ignorance from thousands of years ago. These myths still influence our sexual culture giving erectile dysfunction a stigma that needs to be changed. Primitive cultures once believed that male virility was based on power, wealth, and domination. It is not surprising that these beliefs still persist in several cultures in which to lack virility is to lack the essence of what makes a man a man. Manhood is linked with the ability to perform sexually so impotence is still viewed as a lack of manhood. The twentieth century has brought about radical changes in gender roles, yet sexuality and impotence are still considered a mystery and are shrouded in secrecy and a great deal of confusion.

Despite common myths, all men over the age of 30 will experience impotence at least once in their lifetime. Over 100 million men worldwide have been estimated to have impotence, although estimating is difficult because less than two in ten men seek treatment for impotence problems. Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is defined as the inability to produce and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction is not considered to include the lack of libido or to achieve orgasm. The majority of men with erectile dysfunction have an underlying physical condition such as heart disease, diabetes, prostate cancer, or high blood pressure. Erectile dysfunction may also be the cause of stress, anxiety, and loss of self esteem, however those factors are often secondary psychological factors that may occur if the impotence is not diagnosed and treated.

Further myths regarding erectile dysfunction indicate that impotence is a natural part of growing older. It is evident that the chances of experiencing impotence increase with age, but this is typically due to the increased risk of having an underlying physical condition such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes. Further, many of the medications prescribed for these conditions can cause impotence. The social stigma surrounding men with erectile dysfunction tend to show that impotence is just a man's problem. The myth that men are always ready and able for sex is simply not true and studies have been shown that this myth can damage the physical and psychological well being of a number of men.

Erectile dysfunction can affect both partners in a relationship causing them to experience problems when erectile dysfunction goes untreated. Failure to communicate and denial of the problem can lead to depression, anxiety, and lack of self esteem for both partners. Healthy relationships should be about equal partnerships, open communication, and respect for the feelings of both individuals. It is not uncommon for one partner to want more frequent sexual activity and sexual desires may fluctuate between partners. The lines of communication between partners must be kept open to help maintain a happy and healthy sexual relationship. While many myths regarding erectile dysfunction continue to exist, men should contact their physicians for information and treatment if necessary.