5 myths about performance anxiety and Erectile Dysfunction
Performance anxiety comes in many forms. Sometimes performance anxiety rears its ugly head in the form of public speaking, stage fright, or even hosting a dinner party with friends. In regard to men’s health, performance anxiety happens when you feel stress about your body image or your ability to please your partner. It can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). Men dealing with ED have a hard time getting and keeping an erection.
Fortunately, performance anxiety is more common than you would think, and by talking about it we can feel less alone. By spreading awareness, and addressing the misinformation that surrounds the subject, we can normalize performance anxiety, find common solutions, and in turn have more self-confidence.
Here are 5 common myths about performance anxiety that you may not know
Living in the information age has its pros and cons. One one hand, most of us have the entire internet in our pocket in the form of a smartphone, which is mostly a good thing. Conversely, for every piece of information out there, there is an equal amount of misinformation floating around. We’re doing our due diligence to debunk some of the common myths about performance anxiety and ED.
ED only affects older men - While many people associate old age and erectile dysfunction (increasing approximately 10% with each decade), the truth is, ED can affect men at any age. There are many potential contributing factors including, but not limited to, the use of supplements/testosterone, an increasing number of men with chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues, weight management issues, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and stress.
If you can get an erection, you don’t have ED - While the persistent inability to get an erection is a typical symptom of ED, it is not the only one. If you have trouble maintaining an erection OR you find a reduction in your sexual desire in general, you may be experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction. The important thing to consider is how persistent the symptoms are. Occasional incidents are just the luck of the draw sometimes. But if you’re experiencing a pattern of reduced sex drive, and inability to get an erection that’s consistently disrupting your sex life, then you may want to seek treatment.
ED is all psychological - Contrary to popular belief, there are physical causes to ED that need to be considered, including but not limited to: high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, medications, tobacco use, and drug and alcohol use. While psychological factors can contribute such as anxiety, depression, and stress, odds are likely that your performance anxiety and ED are from a combination of all of the above. When in doubt, keep a journal and see a medical professional to help narrow down what might possibly be causing your anxiety.
Prescription drugs are the best way to treat ED - In a lot of cases, this isn’t a permanent fix. There are other approaches to consider, such as: platelet rich plasma shots, Gainswave therapy, and nutrition based programs that support a healthier lifestyle. You shouldn’t rule out prescription drugs entirely, but you should also consider making lifestyle changes that can help you long-term.
ED isn’t concerning for overall health - Early warning signs of erectile dysfunction can be a sign of other underlying health conditions that stem far beyond your sexual health (metabolic disorder, diabetes, high cholesterol). Uncovering and managing these potentially dangerous conditions is essential to your longevity and healthy lifestyle. Additionally, your sexual health is a major component of your overall well-being. By addressing both the issue itself and the underlying cause, you are creating both a happier sex life AND a healthier future.
If all of the above sounds familiar, or a little too close to home, we’re here for you. You’re not alone in your journey to wellness, and there are treatments in place to help you live your best life.
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