Myth 8: Herbal or “natural” sexual-enhancement products are automatically safe
Fact: Natural does not automatically mean safe.
This is one of the most important myths to understand.
A product described as:
- Herbal
- Natural
- Organic
- Plant-based
- Traditional
is not automatically proven to be safe or effective.
Some products marketed for sexual enhancement may contain pharmacologically active ingredients, including undeclared medicinal substances, or may have inadequate evidence supporting their claims.
This is particularly concerning when such products are combined with prescription medicines.
Always investigate a sexual-enhancement product before using it.
Myth 9: Erectile dysfunction is purely psychological
Fact: Psychological factors can contribute to ED, but physical causes are also important.
Performance anxiety, stress, depression and relationship difficulties can affect erectile function.
However, erectile dysfunction can also be associated with physical conditions affecting blood vessels, nerves or hormones.
Examples include:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obesity
- Certain neurological conditions
- Hormonal disorders
- Medication effects
Physical and psychological factors can also occur together.
For example, a physical erectile problem may cause anxiety about sexual performance, which can then make the erectile problem worse.
Myth 10: Erectile dysfunction has nothing to do with general health
Fact: Sometimes erectile dysfunction can be associated with underlying health problems.
An erection depends substantially on adequate blood flow and healthy nerve function.
Conditions that affect the cardiovascular and vascular systems can therefore contribute to erectile dysfunction.
This does not mean that every man with ED has heart disease.
However, persistent erectile difficulties should not always be treated as an isolated “bedroom problem.”
They may provide an opportunity to assess cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors.
Myth 11: Blood-pressure medicines always cause impotence
Fact: Some medicines can contribute to sexual problems, but not everyone taking them will experience this effect.
Certain medicines, including some drugs used to treat hypertension and other chronic conditions, can contribute to sexual difficulties in some people.
However, you should never stop a prescribed medicine on your own because you suspect that it is affecting your sexual function.
Your doctor can review your medication, consider other possible causes and determine whether an alternative treatment is appropriate.
Myth 12: You need Viagra or another “enhancement” medicine whenever your performance is not perfect
Fact: Treatment should be based on the underlying problem.
There are legitimate medical treatments for erectile dysfunction, including medicines known as phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
Examples include sildenafil and tadalafil.
These medicines can be effective for appropriately selected patients, but they are not suitable for everyone and can interact with other medicines.
For example, PDE5 inhibitors should not be used with nitrate medicines because of the risk of a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Therefore, obtaining sexual-performance medicines from unverified sources and taking them without appropriate assessment can be dangerous.
The right question is not simply:
“What can I take to make me perform?”
A better question is:
“Why am I experiencing this problem, and what is the safest evidence-based way to address it?”
Myth 13: Condoms significantly reduce sexual pleasure and should therefore be avoided
Fact: Condoms can provide protection while still allowing satisfying sexual activity.
Condoms reduce the risk of many sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy when used correctly and consistently.
Some men find that choosing the appropriate condom size, material or design improves comfort.
Lubrication can also reduce friction and improve comfort during sexual activity.
When using latex condoms, choose a lubricant that is compatible with latex. Oil-based products can damage latex condoms and increase the risk of condom breakage.
Myth 14: You should not need a lubricant if everything is normal
Fact: Lubricants can be a normal part of sexual wellbeing.
Personal lubricants reduce friction and may improve comfort during sexual activity.
Using a lubricant does not mean that something is wrong with you or your partner.
To be continued.
However, persistent pain, dryness or discomfort during sexual activity may warrant medical assessment because an underlying problem could be present.