Erectile Dysfunction (ED)-Urban Legends1. I’m getting older, it’s normal that I have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. While most cases of ED occur in men over the age of 65 it is by no means a normal part of aging. A healthy sex life has no age limit.
2. My friend was prescribed a medication for ED. It’s ok for me to use one of his pills to treat my ED. It is never a good idea to take a medication that was not prescribed to you by your personal healthcare provider. Furthermore, you may have medical conditions or be on other prescription medications that may result in negative consequences of taking some of the medications used for the treatment of ED.
3. I had difficulty achieving an erection once. This means that I have ED. ED is defined as the repeated inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. One episode of inability to perform does not establish a diagnosis of ED.
4. My other medical conditions have nothing to do with my sexual performance. This is untrue. Not only might your medical conditions contribute to your ED but the medications that you are taking to treat those conditions may also be a factor. Additionally, certain medical conditions and medicines may impact what therapies you can receive for the treatment of your ED. It’s important to discuss your complete medical history with your physician when discussing your ED.
5. I was diagnosed with ED, I must need one of the medications that I have seen advertised on television to treat my condition. There are a number of treatment options available for ED and the best treatment for you depends on the cause of your ED and your medical history. Your healthcare provider will determine the safest and most effective form of treatment for you.
This article was printed in the December 19, 2010 – January 1, 2011 Edition.
