There are many beliefs going around what causes erectile dysfunction – some are myths and some are not exactly mythical. So which is it? In this article, we will take a look at some of the most common beliefs about erectile dysfunction and their truth.
Old: Erectile Dysfunction Many men believe that one of the causes of erectile dysfunction is getting older. Now, it may be true that men’s risk for erectile dysfunction increases with age — it’s estimated that 4% of men in their 50s, 60s in their 70s in their 60s and 17% of men in their 47s suffer from erectile dysfunction — but that doesn’t mean age is the cause of the medical condition. Instead, it is aging-related health problems that cause erectile dysfunction such as diabetes, heart problems, low testosterone levels and even inflammation. Simply put, the healthier a man is, generally the better his chances of enjoying healthy erections. While men can’t stay young forever, they can do something to make sure they stay healthy — and just as viral — as possible even into their golden years.
Tight whities: Another popular belief going around is that tight underwear can lead to erectile dysfunction. Verdict: This is a myth! The truth about being tight is that it can lead to low sperm motility, which is a fertility issue and not a potency.This is because tight whites or tight underwear can make it too hot for comfort in terms of the testicle’s ability to produce sperm. So the next time you're afraid to put on your speeds, remember that it won't make you "stand at attention."
Too much (self)pleasure kills: Another wildly popular belief is that masturbation leads to erectile dysfunction over time. It doesn’t help that if you Google “erectile dysfunction,” your search will receive feedback on how many people are concerned about “getting soft” with too much masturbation. Verdict: This is a myth! In contrast, masturbation is a sign of a healthy libido (essential for erections) and can possibly help reduce some types of sexually transmitted diseases, experts say. In fact, masturbation is an encouraged practice for men who have what are known as hypoactive sexual desire and arousal disorders, such as A.K., Under-Hornaness Syndrome. Now let’s talk about myths, eh? One possible reason for the prevalence of such a myth is when it relates to pornography addiction, which is a legitimate cause of erectile dysfunction. But other than that, masturbation can actually help you maintain healthy erections well into old age.
Cycling: Lately, riding bicycles are a concern when it comes to erectile dysfunction. This is probably due to a study conducted by researches from the University of California that showed that vital arteries and veins can be affected by this hobby. In particular, hard bike seats can potentially squeeze the area between the scrotum and anus – also known as the perineum – which can lead to significant compression of the nerves and arteries needed to achieve an erection. Verdict: None yet. While the aforementioned concern is valid, it does not take into account other biking factors that can cause erectile dysfunction such as biking, riding style and amount of time spent fitting the bike. Chances are, the risk for erectile dysfunction is much higher for competitive cyclists who are known to spend more time on their bikes than their wives. Just bike in moderation. What is considered moderate? Unless you feel pain, numbness and are still able to enjoy an erection without any difficulty, this is a sign that you are not biking too often and too hard.
Emotional Health: Many times, it is believed that erectile dysfunction is psychological or emotional. This is true in some instances. However, one study showed that 82% of men with erectile dysfunction also experience depression-like symptoms. Verdict: In some cases, this is true. The medical community has acknowledged that there are cases in which the causes of erectile dysfunction are physical/emotional, when it introduced the classification “Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction” in 2001.
