For most people with penises, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a sensitive subject. So much so that a lot of people refuse to address the issue when it arises, meaning many cases go untreated. But here’s the thing: ED is common, affecting more than 50% of people with penises over the age of 40, per Cleveland Clinic.
Because ED remains a taboo subject for so many people, like anything that isn’t openly discussed, it has become shrouded in myths. Many of these myths aren’t just inaccurate but can prevent a person from talking to their doctor, as they hope the problem will simply fix itself. While ED isn’t always a sign of prostate cancer, it can be for some people. Even in cases where ED isn’t a symptom of prostate-related issues, it can be a warning sign of other health problems like diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, and more. In other words, when your penis stops acting as it once did, you need to pay attention and not ignore what’s happening — or rather what’s not happening.
While there are boatloads of myths about ED that you’ve probably heard or will eventually hear, Health Digest spoke exclusively with Joshua R. Gonzalez, M.D., board-certified urologist, on behalf of Eroxon, about the biggest myths that need to be put to bed about this particular issue. If you find yourself struggling to get an erection or are unable to keep one during sexual activity, these two debunked myths are what should come to mind.
It only happens to older men
The biggest myth about ED, according to Gonzalez, is that it only happens to older men. However, this is absolutely untrue. ED can happen to someone of any age and for a variety of reasons — definitely something that ED treatment brands get wrong in their marketing campaigns, which are often targeted only to men over 50. According to a 2024 study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, ED affects 17.9% of people with penises between 18 and 24, as well as 13.3% of those ages 25 to 34.
“Young men can certainly experience ED too and it can sometimes be a harbinger of a more serious underlying medical issue,” said Gonzalez. “Younger men are more likely to experience ED due to psychological challenges such as anxiety and depression.” But you won’t know the reason behind the ED unless you talk to your doctor and tell them what you’re experiencing so you can be properly evaluated and receive the treatment you need. That treatment may come in the form of something like Viagra or, if it’s psychologically based, your doctor may suggest talk therapy. No matter the reason and no matter your age, you have options.
It’s a normal occurrence once men reach a certain age
As a culture, we’ve been taught that ED is just something that tends to happen to men as they get older and, basically, that’s that and you can’t avoid it. But, as Gonzalez explained, this isn’t the case at all. “Erectile dysfunction is not normal,” said Gonzalez. While he pointed out that it’s more common in men as they get older, he also said that it has to do with a general decline in health that naturally comes with the aging process, notably cardiovascular and hormonal function, which are essential for one to get and maintain an erection. As people get older, no matter their gender, there’s a change in their hormones which affects arousal and, from a circulatory perspective, age can impact valves, preventing the necessary amount of blood flow needed for an erection to occur and stay hard until ejaculation. But these are things that can be remedied, either through lifestyle changes or medication.
“The bottom line is if you are a man with ED, no matter what your age is, there are safe and effective solutions available that are worth pursuing if you want to improve your sex life,” said Gonzalez. It’s important to face the fact that ED happens and make an appointment to see your doctor. Don’t let embarrassment or shame stand in your way, because you’re certainly not alone.