Volume 5 Issue 4 Apr 2015
❌Erectile dysfunction doesn’t hit younger men. It’s only a problem for older guys.
✅Although erectile dysfunction is more common in elderly, men of any age can develop erectile problems
❌Men with ED have no sexual desire.
✅Sexual desire is hormonal and this is not normally impacted by ED. Some may fear sex or avoid having sexual
intercourse because they are afraid they will not be able to have an erection, however, ED does not directly impact
sexual desire.
❌The impact of ED is only felt by men.
✅ED can create feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem and lead to depression in patient. If the situation is not
addressed; the partner can feel unloved or feel it is somehow her fault, creating relationships problems.
❌One can treat ED by self without seeing a doctor by using herbal remedies and supplements for erectile dysfunction
available over the counter.
✅Management of ED is multi-factorial & needs detailed assessment by an expert. Medications available over the
counter have several risks.
❌One has to take pills for the rest of his life for ED.
✅Because ED can also be the result of an underlying health condition like atherosclerosis or high blood pressure,
treating the condition may help alleviate your erection problems. If a prescription medication causes ED as a side
effect, it can be switched to another medication.
By Dr Anisha Landage, Resident, Dept of Psychiatry, MGM Medical College & Hosp, Navi Mumbai
