Highlights
- Erectile dysfunction is more common than you might think.
- ED can signal other health problems.
- Bad habits can destroy your sex life.
- Hitting the gym helps keep you fit in bed.
- Stress and anxiety can play a significant role.
- ED may come and go.
- Getting help is easy; there’s no reason to wait.
- Most ED is easily treated with medication.
When Josh began experiencing issues with erectile dysfunction (ED) at 48, his confidence took a hit. During his search for an effective treatment, he learned the facts about ED that he wishes he had known sooner.
Here, Josh shares his insights and debunks the myths about ED.
1. ED Is More Common Than You Think
The first time you can’t get an erection is the worst. When it dawned on me that it wasn’t a one-off fail, I felt so alone. I didn’t have anyone to talk to, and it was hard to look my wife in the eyes.
After the initial shock passed, I started digging deeper. Then it hit me — ED is literally the best kept secret! Almost 15 percent of guys my age have it. And for men from my dad’s generation, it’s practically the norm.
Browsing through online discussions and chats, I read lots of stories like mine. Guys in their sixties, forties, and even in their twenties! All living with the same embarrassing condition.
As pathetic as it may sound, finding out I wasn’t alone with my ED gave me the motivation to get my sex life back.
2. ED Can Signal Other Health Problems
The most important thing I wish I had known is that symptoms of ED can be a sign of other serious health issues. My wife has been nagging me for years to get a long-overdue physical.
My family doctor did a bunch of tests when I visited him for ED. He also ordered extra check-ups for my heart and various cancer risks.
Everything was in order, except for one thing. My sugar levels were off, and I had prediabetes. I had no idea that prediabetes is often connected to sexual problems!
All in all, it’s good that I went to see someone about my erections. Without it I wouldn’t have caught my prediabetes early. But if I had gone sooner – I may not have developed ED in the first place!
ED can be a sign of other health conditions, like diabetes.
3. Bad Habits Can Destroy Your Sex Life
Discovering I was prediabetic led to many sacrifices. Not only did I have to give up on my double-glazed donuts, I also had to cut back on beer.
I’m a typical guy I guess — I like to sit down after a long day at work, watch some sports, and gulp down a beer or two. The doctor told me I should limit my drinking to social occasions or sports games.
“Alcohol raises your sugar levels, but it’s also a common cause of erection problems,” he said. He got me there. I desperately wanted to go back to regular sex, so I was ready to make some lifestyle changes.
4. Hitting the Gym Helps Keep You Fit in Bed
There’s a strong connection between erectile dysfunction and men’s health. I can’t believe I never saw it before!
I used to be a sporty guy, hitting the gym every other day. But after forty, something changed. I got lazy, lost my motivation, and gained a few pounds.
When I saw the doctor for my erection problems, he told me that men who don’t get regular exercise have poorer blood circulation. And what do you need to make that penis hard? Strong blood flow in and out! He didn’t have to say it twice — I renewed my gym membership that same day.
Today, several months later, I know my efforts paid off. I’m able to have intercourse without medication more often, and my sex drive is better. Bottom line: I feel like a man again.
Keep that gym habit alive — it will help you prevent ED.
5. The Surprising Role of Stress and Anxiety
I always thought ED was a purely physical problem, but it’s not. The causes of ED can be psychological, too. My doctor says there’s a strong connection between ED and stress, and he sure is onto something.
Even though I have problems less often now, sometimes when I have a tough period at work, they come back. It’s so frustrating because when my mind plays these tricks, even good old Viagra doesn’t always help.
It goes like this: I get stressed at work and I can’t get erect to have sex with my wife. When I’m about to make love to her again, I get anxious that I won’t be able to get hard, and the ED comes back.
It’s a long process, but I’m learning to manage stress better. In case you’re wondering how I manage to do that — no, I didn’t join a Buddhist temple. But I did push myself out of my comfort zone and got some counseling. If I had known about the emotional impact of ED, I would have found therapy sooner.
6. ED May Come and Go
My erectile dysfunction taught me to accept that sexual abilities will change from day to day.
Sometimes I have periods when everything is working like in the old days. And there’s moments when my penis won’t cooperate and I have to take medication for ED.
My wife is very supportive and we are learning to make the most of intimacy. If we can’t have intercourse, I satisfy her in other ways.
ED may come and go, but you can learn how to keep the intimacy alive.
7. Don’t Wait Too Long To Get Help
If I could turn back time, I would have gone to the doctor as soon as I started having repeated ED episodes. It took me a few months to go from the stage of “I can’t believe this is happening to me,” through trying to find all the answers online, to booking a doctor’s appointment.
At the first visit, the doc gave me a prescription for Viagra, and it worked like a charm! Of course, I don’t want to rely on medication all my life. I’m trying to make other changes to improve my sexual health, but this little pill got me started and has been a relationship saver.
I couldn’t stand seeing my wife’s disappointment every time I tried and failed to get hard. I’m happy I got the courage to talk to her about it and to find an ED treatment that works.
You, Too, Can Beat ED
Josh’s story is living proof that there’s hope for ED. You’re not alone with your struggle – this condition affects millions of men worldwide. The FDA-approved medications Viagra, Cialis, vardenafil, and Stendra can help you get your sex life back. It all starts from talking to a doctor about ED.
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Disclaimer: This article provides general information about health and related topics but is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Anka Grzywacz is a sexologist, reproductive health expert and Certified Sex Coach™. In her online practice she helps busy women and couples solve their intimate problems.