Erectile Dysfunction Myths: 7 Facts Every Man Should Know

Erectile dysfunction affects more than 1 in 10 Australian males, according to Healthdirect, and it can occur at any age. It also responds to a wider range of treatments than most men realise. Myths about ED persist all the same, and they stop men from seeing a doctor about a problem that is usually manageable and occasionally an early pointer to something more serious. This guide corrects seven of the most common myths, with the evidence behind each.

Myth 1: ED only affects older men

Age is the strongest risk factor, but no age group is exempt. A study of 108,477 Australian men aged 45 and over found around 61 per cent reported some degree of erectile dysfunction, from mild through to complete (Weber et al, 2013). At the other end of the age range, an Italian clinical study found that 26 per cent of men seeking help for new erectile dysfunction were aged 40 or younger, and almost half of those younger men had severe symptoms (Capogrosso et al, 2013).

In younger men the drivers are more often performance anxiety, stress, alcohol or recreational drug use, though physical causes such as early diabetes can also play a part. Whatever your age, persistent erection problems are worth raising with a doctor rather than waiting out.

Myth 2: ED is an inevitable part of ageing

The risk rises with age, but the condition is not compulsory. The same Australian study found the odds of moderate or complete erectile dysfunction were higher in men who smoked, carried excess weight, sat for long periods or lived with diabetes, heart disease, depression or anxiety (Weber et al, 2013). Most of those factors can be changed or treated.

Physical activity stood out. Men who were more active had lower odds of erectile dysfunction in every age group studied, including men over 75.

Myth 3: It is all in your head

For most men it is both body and mind. Physical causes include reduced blood flow from narrowed arteries, diabetes, low testosterone, nerve conditions and the side effects of some medicines, including certain blood pressure and depression treatments (Healthdirect). Psychological contributors include performance anxiety, stress, relationship strain, depression and anxiety.

The two often feed each other. A physical issue causes a failed erection, worry about the next attempt follows, and the worry itself then gets in the way. Our guide to performance anxiety and erectile dysfunction covers that loop in detail. One useful clue: if you still regularly wake with morning erections, a psychological contributor may be more likely, though only a doctor can properly assess the cause.

Menova's doctors do not treat mental health conditions. If low mood or anxiety is part of the picture, your GP or a psychologist is the right place to start.

Myth 4: ED means you are not attracted to your partner

Erection problems are rarely about attraction. The usual culprits are the physical and psychological factors above. Many partners quietly assume they are the cause, and clearing that up early takes pressure off both of you.

Talking about it openly helps more than most men expect. If the conversation feels difficult, a GP, counsellor or sex therapist can help you start it. There is more on this in our guide to breaking the stigma around erectile problems.

Myth 5: Tablets are the only treatment, and if they fail nothing else will

Prescription medicines in the class known as PDE5 inhibitors are a common starting point, discussed here for education only. They suit some men and not others, and a doctor can prescribe them only where clinically appropriate, after reviewing your health history and current medicines.

Beyond tablets, recognised options include (Healthdirect):

• Psychological therapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy and sex therapy
• Vacuum erection devices and constriction rings
• Penile injections, usually considered when tablets are unsuitable or ineffective
• Surgical implants, in a small number of cases
• Treating an underlying cause, such as low testosterone confirmed by a doctor

Lifestyle change carries real weight too. A 2023 review of 11 randomised controlled trials found regular aerobic exercise improved erectile function scores by an average of 2.8 points on the standard 30-point scale, with the largest average gain, 4.9 points, in men with severe erectile dysfunction (Khera et al, 2023). Our guide to how exercise improves erectile function explains what that looks like in practice. Responses vary between individuals, and no single treatment works for everyone, which is why assessment comes before treatment.

Myth 6: Supplements from the internet are a safer option than seeing a doctor

Buying pills online without a consultation skips the step that matters most, which is finding out why the problem is happening. Supplements marketed for erectile problems are not assessed for effectiveness the way prescription medicines are, and products bought from unregulated overseas websites may not contain what the label claims. Some can interact badly with heart and blood pressure medicines.

If you want to try a non-prescription approach, tell your doctor what you are taking. It is a short conversation that can prevent a harmful interaction, and it keeps the search for the underlying cause on track.

Myth 7: ED is only a bedroom problem

Erectile dysfunction can be an early sign of conditions that affect the whole body. Healthdirect notes it can be the first indicator of medical problems including cardiovascular disease and diabetes (Healthdirect). Healthy Male reports that men with erectile dysfunction face higher risks of coronary heart disease and stroke, because the blood vessel problems behind many erection difficulties affect circulation throughout the body (Healthy Male).

That is a practical reason to get checked, not a cause for alarm. Even if the erection problem itself does not trouble you much, its cause might matter, and finding it early gives you more options.

When should you see a doctor about ED

The odd failed erection is normal, particularly after alcohol, poor sleep or a stressful stretch at work. It becomes worth medical attention when problems persist for more than a few weeks, when they are affecting you or your relationship, or when they arrive alongside other changes such as low libido, fatigue or urinary symptoms.

Your regular GP is a good first stop, and telehealth is a convenient alternative if you prefer to deal with it privately from home. Whichever route you choose, keep your GP informed so your care stays joined up.

How Menova Health can help

Menova Health provides doctor-led telehealth care for men across Australia and New Zealand. The first step is always a consultation. A registered doctor reviews your health history, looks for underlying causes and discusses options suited to your situation. Not every treatment suits every man, and Menova's doctors prescribe only where clinically appropriate.

You can read more about erectile dysfunction treatment or begin with the online assessment. The assessment helps identify what to discuss; diagnosis always rests with the doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Is erectile dysfunction permanent?

Not usually. Many cases improve once the underlying cause is found and treated, whether that is a vascular issue, a medication side effect, stress or a combination of factors. Responses vary between individuals, so the practical step is an assessment by a doctor rather than assuming nothing can be done.

How common is erectile dysfunction in Australia?

More common than most men think. Healthdirect reports that it affects more than 1 in 10 Australian males, and a large study of men aged 45 and over found around 61 per cent reported some degree of erectile difficulty, ranging from mild through to complete.

Can stress cause erectile dysfunction?

Yes. Stress hormones interfere with the signals and blood flow an erection depends on, and ongoing stress also contributes to conditions such as high blood pressure. Stress often combines with physical factors, which is why assessment looks at both. If stress or low mood is significant, speak with your GP or a psychologist.

Do I need to see a doctor in person for ED treatment?

Not always. Telehealth providers such as Menova Health offer consultations with registered doctors online, which suits many men who prefer privacy and convenience. Some situations still call for an in-person examination, and it is sensible to keep your regular GP informed either way.

Is erectile dysfunction a sign of heart problems?

It can be. Health authorities including Healthdirect and Healthy Male note that erectile dysfunction is sometimes an early sign of cardiovascular disease or diabetes, because the same blood vessel problems affect circulation more widely. Persistent erection problems are a good reason to have your heart health checked.

Can exercise improve erectile function?

Evidence says yes for many men. A 2023 review of 11 randomised trials found regular aerobic exercise improved erectile function scores by an average of 2.8 points, with larger gains in men with more severe difficulties. Results vary, and exercise works best alongside medical assessment rather than instead of it.

References

• Healthdirect. Erectile dysfunction. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/erectile-dysfunction
• Healthy Male. Erectile dysfunction. https://healthymale.org.au/mens-health/erectile-dysfunction
• Weber MF, Smith DP, O'Connell DL, Patel MI, de Souza PL, Sitas F, Banks E. Risk factors for erectile dysfunction in a cohort of 108,477 Australian men. Medical Journal of Australia, 2013. https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2013/199/2/risk-factors-erectile-dysfunction-cohort-108-477-australian-men
• Capogrosso P, et al. One patient out of four with newly diagnosed erectile dysfunction is a young man. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2013. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23651423/
• Khera M, Bhattacharyya S, Miller LE. Effect of aerobic exercise on erectile function: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37814532/