ED Myths and Misconceptions

Knowing the facts about erectile dysfunction and the treatment options is vital to returning you back to your sexual self.

Myth: Erectile dysfunction is just an inevitable part of getting older.

Fact: ED is not a common part of the aging process. While some men may experience erectile problems from time to time as they get older, ongoing, and frequent erectile dysfunction may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as cardiovascular disease, low testosterone, or diabetes. You don't have to accept ED as a normal part of growing older. Our providers can help you.

Myth: I can't talk to my doctor about my erectile dysfunction. He/she will be embarrassed and can't do anything about it.

Fact: Our physicians are highly-trained in men's sexual health and erectile dysfunction and understand that ED is a stressful condition. Your physician is comfortable talking about erectile dysfunction and is here to help. As the first step to getting you on the road to recovery, your provider will listen to your concerns, work to understand your symptoms and overall health, and develop a personalized treatment plan that will work for you. When it comes to your sexual health, nothing is taboo when talking to your urologist.

Myth: My only treatment option is the little magic pill seen on the TV commercials.

Fact: While common oral medications such as Viagra, Levitra, Staxyn, and Cialis are front and center on television commercials, they are not the only treatment option available for erectile dysfunction. Oral medications, while touted as the magic pill by many men with ED, can also have unpalatable side effects. Oral medications are often a good place to begin when it comes to treating ED and increasing blood flow to the penis, but other treatment options such as the erectile vacuum, injections, and penile implants may be better suited depending on several physical and medical factors. Your physician will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is personalized to your needs and overall health.

Myth: Taking medications for other health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease disqualifies me as a candidate for oral medications for erectile dysfunction.

Fact: Our specialists treat hundreds of men with ED every year who are being treated for chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and vascular disease. Your urologist will take a detailed medical history and ask for a list of medications that you currently take before prescribing any oral ED medications that may interfere with your other medications. If medication therapy is not a good option for treating your ED, your physician will work with you to find another viable option that can restore your sexual function.

Myth: If my ED treatment isn't covered by my primary health insurance, I won't be able to afford treatment.

Fact: Many major medical insurance carriers cover most treatments for erectile dysfunction. You will need to check with your individual health plan. If treatment is only partially covered, or not covered at all by your insurance, we will work with you to develop a payment plan that will make treatment easier to pay for over a period of time. The goal is to keep ED treatment in reach for all of our patients.

Myth: I just had a radical prostatectomy to treat my prostate cancer. I'll probably have to live with ED as an aftereffect of surgery for the rest of my life.

Fact: While ED is a common side effect of a radical prostatectomy and other therapies for prostate cancer, many men recover their erectile function over time thanks to effective ED treatment protocols. In fact, our physicians utilize a number of successful, evidence-based treatment protocols for men experiencing erectile dysfunction following radical prostatectomy.