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Male Sexual Impotence Facts and Myths

Perhaps it is no big surprise that male sexual dysfunction is surrounded by myriad myths. At one time, male sexual impotence was surrounded by stigma. It was a shameful and embarrassing health secret that was rarely reveals. Fortunately, times have changed. We know now that different forms of male sexual dysfunction are very common, and there are a number of safe and effective treatments for treating sexual dysfunction. Still, there are a few myths that continue to float around. Here are some of the most persistent myths surround male sexual dysfunction, and the facts to set things straight.

Myth #1: "Erectile dysfunction and other related male sexual dysfunction disorders means that a man is no longer virile or all that interested in sex." This is false. The truth is that most male sexual dysfunction simply has to do with the inability for a man to sustain an erection. Many men are still able to ejaculate and orgasm. Moreover, male sexual dysfunction has nothing to do with virility or masculinity. Most men with male sexual dysfunction are still capable of producing sperm and procreate. Sexual dysfunction also has nothing to do with masculinity. For the most part, these conditions stem from a medically diagnosable condition.

Myth #2: "Erectile dysfunction is not that common." The truth of the matter is that most men will experience some type of sexual dysfunction some time in their lifetime. Male sexual dysfunction is actually quite common. At the moment, it is estimated that nearly 100 million men around the world are experiencing some kind of sexual dysfunction.

Myth #3: "Most cases of erectile dysfunction have to do with some kind of psychological problem." It appears that most cases of sexual dysfunction stem from a medically diagnosable condition. Roughly 70 to 80 percent of all cases have an underlying physical cause. The most common underlying causes for sexual dysfunction problems include high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, neurological conditions, trauma or injury, vascular disorders, high cholesterol levels, prostate disease, cancer and gastric ulcers, just to name a few. A vast number of lifestyle choices may also be responsible for male sexual impotence. These include cigarette smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, substance abuse, obesity, and other lifestyle factors.

Myth #4: "Erectile dysfunction just means you're getting older. It's just something to get used to." Yes, it's true that male sexual dysfunction becomes more prevalent as a man ages. But this does not mean that one must give up on an active sexual life. Older adults who desire an active, satisfying and healthy sexual life can choose to have one. There are now myriad treatment options that can help restore a couple's sexual relationship. Moreover, it is simply not true that only older people experience sexual dysfunction. Many young men also experience sexual dysfunction.

Myth #5: "Getting treatment for erectile dysfunction is too embarrassing." The truth is that getting medical attention for sexual dysfunction is usually not any more complicated than going to the doctor for more 'routine' reasons. The diagnosis of erectile dysfunction is not very invasive, and usually just consists of a routine medical examination.