7 Health Myths, Debunked

It’s challenging enough trying to eat right and keep fit, all while staying on top of your responsibilities at work and at home. Then you click on a health article that was just shared by that guy you met that one time at your friend’s party and, boom, yet another thing to worry about.

Fortunately, this is not one of those articles. Let’s dispel seven extremely common (but totally false) health myths you’ve spent your entire life believing.

1. Cracking your fingers causes arthritis.

To be sure, cracking your fingers is no way to make friends in a quiet library. But the habit itself won’t give you arthritis — at least not according to the many studies specifically focused on addressing this myth.

Arthritis develops when the cartilage within the joint breaks down and allows the bones to rub together. Your joints are surrounded by a synovial membrane, which contains synovial fluid that lubricates them and prevents them from grinding together. When you crack your knuckles, you’re pulling your joints apart. This stretch causes an air bubble to form in the fluid, which eventually pops, creating that familiar sound.

Cracking your knuckles isn’t necessarily good for you, though. While there’s no proven relationship between the habit and arthritis, persistent cracking can wear down your synovial membrane and make it easier for your joints to crack. It can also lead to hand swelling and weaken your grip.

2. Going out with wet hair gets you sick.

This myth is dangerously logical. You’ve just scrubbed yourself clean, and you’ve got a head of cold, wet hair — you’ve never been more exposed to the germs and viruses flying around in the air outside.

It turns out, though, that leaving the house just after a shower isn’t going to make you sick… unless you’re already sick, that is.

Research from the U.K.’s Common Cold Centre tested the hypothesis that chilling your body increases your chances of being infected with the common cold virus, also known as acute viral nasopharyngitis. Their results found that, no, it doesn’t. But it can cause the onset of symptoms if the virus is already in your body.

So if you’re afraid that you might be sick but have a very important meeting tomorrow, you may want to blow-dry your hair before you leave the house.

3. Dirty toilet seats can transmit STDs.

Unkempt gas station bathrooms might be the site of your worst nightmares, but it’s highly unlikely (though not impossible) that they’ll give you a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

STDs can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. According to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, only parasitic STDs like crabs or Trichomonas have any real chance of being transmitted by sitting on a dirty toilet seat. And even then, the likelihood is extremely low. Your genital area would need to come into contact with the toilet seat while the parasite is still on it, and alive — and toilet seats don’t provide ideal living situations for parasites.

Exercise a little common sense: Use a toilet seat cover, and don’t linger.

4. It’s bad to drink less than 8 glasses of water per day.

This line of fictionalized wisdom has been bloating the bellies of perfectly hydrated folks for too long. Our bodies are remarkably efficient machines when it comes to letting us know when something’s off. Many of the foods we eat on a regular basis already contain water.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a healthy person can meet their daily water needs by doing two simple things: drinking when you’re thirsty, and drinking with meals.

5. Antiperspirants and deodorants can cause cancer.

It has long been claimed that antiperspirants and deodorants contain harmful, cancer-causing substances, like parabens and aluminium, which can be absorbed by your skin when you use them. But the research simply doesn’t back this up.

The National Cancer Institute says that there is no known evidence that these chemicals can cause cancer, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has similarly dispelled the notion that parabens can affect estrogen levels, and thus lead to cancer.

6. All fat is bad.

Go to the supermarket and count how many products you see that are labeled “low fat” or “non-fat.” Chances are, you’ll lose count. But while we live in a world that looks down on any food items that contain even a trace of fat, the truth is: Your body needs fat.

Fats stores in the body are used for energy, cushioning, warmth, and other things, and some dietary fat is even necessary for your body to absorb certain fat soluble vitamins. Mono unsaturated fats, which you can find in nuts and vegetable oils, can help improve your blood cholesterol and cut your risk of heart disease. Polyunsaturated fats, like omega-3 fatty acids, also support heart health, and can be found in fish like salmon and trout.

An eight year study that involved some 50,000 women found that those who followed low-fat dietary regimens didn't experience any significant change in their risk for heart disease, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer. study found that women who ate low-fat diets were more likely to suffer with infertility issues, and that eating more high-fat dairy products actually made them less likely to suffer from an ovulatory infertility (failure to ovulate).

That doesn't mean that you should necessarily follow a high-fat diet, but it does mean you should be more discerning. The researchers behind the first study say that the type of fat, not the percentage, is the deal maker. Avoid trans fats and saturated fats, not all fats.

7. Drinking alcohol in any amount dumbs you down.

Alcohol, when abused, can impair your judgement and seriously affect your health. This is why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ official dietary guidelines recommend limiting your intake to just two drinks per day for men, and one drink for women. However, alcohol isn't all bad for the brain, at least according to some research.

One recent study found that drinking small to moderate amounts doesn't alter cognitive ability, working memory, or motor skills in young adults. And among middle-aged adults, other research found that drinking more actually improved some cognitive functions, including vocabulary and accumulated information (although they did ponder whether social factors also played a role). The takeaway does appear to be that, so long as you don’t abuse alcohol, it is unlikely to do much damage to your brain.

source:healthline.com

Haemorrhoids

About 75 percent of people will experience haemorrhoids at some point.

                  

Haemorrhoids are varicose (enlarged and swollen) veins around the outside of the anus or in the lower rectum.

The rectum is the last part of the bowel that leads to the anus. The anus is the opening at the end of the bowel where faecal matter leaves the body.

Sometimes called piles, haemorrhoids are often the result of straining to make a bowel movement.

Lifting heavy objects, along with other activities that may cause straining, can also lead to haemorrhoids.

Haemorrhoids may be painful, but they are not dangerous or life-threatening. They will usually go away on their own.

Haemorrhoid Prevalence

Haemorrhoids are very common. About 50 percent of all people in most countries will have haemorrhoids at some point in their lives.

The most common time to get haemorrhoids is between ages 45 and 65. Haemorrhoids are also common in pregnant women.

By the age of 50, roughly a great percentage of people have had to deal with haemorrhoids.

At any given time, about 10 million Americans — roughly 4 percent of adults — have haemorrhoids.

Haemorrhoid Causes and Risk Factors

There are several known direct causes of haemorrhoids, including:

1. Chronic constipation or diarrhoea
2. Straining too hard during bowel movements
3. Sitting on the toilet for a long time

Factors that raise your risk of developing haemorrhoids include:

1. Lack of fibre in the diet
2. Obesity
3. Aging: as we get older, the connective tissue in the rectum and anus becomes weaker
4. Pregnancy: as the fetus grows and puts pressure on the abdomen, the veins in the rectum and anus may become enlarged

Prevention

Preventing constipation by keeping your stool soft and regular is one of the best ways to help prevent haemorrhoids.

What to Know

The following tips may help you prevent constipation:

Eat a lot of fibre. Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other high-fibre foods such as beans.

A high-fibre diet can make stools softer and bulkier so that they pass easily. Aim for 25 to 38 grams of fibre each day.

Consider fibre supplements. If you're having trouble getting enough fibre in your regular diet, consider a fibre supplement such as Metamucil or Citrucel.

Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Aim for eight glasses of water each day.

Exercise regularly. Exercise can help keep bowel movements regular.

Other tips for preventing haemorrhoids include:

Don't strain or hold your breath during bowel movements. Straining can put excess pressure on veins and lead directly to haemorrhoid development.

Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge. Letting the urge go away can make your stool harder to pass.

Avoid long periods of sitting. Sitting for too long, especially on the toilet, can stress veins in the anus

Complications

Haemorrhoid complications are rare. Complications may include:

Anaemia: Bleeding from chronic haemorrhoids can cause anaemia, or not having enough red blood cells.

Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Having anaemia can make you feel tired, weak, or short of breath.

Strangulated haemorrhoid: In rare situations, swelling may cut off the oxygen supply to a haemorrhoid that has prolapsed, or popped out of the rectum.

Strangulated haemorrhoids can be extremely painful. If they are left untreated, the tissue around the anus may begin to die — a condition known as gangrene.

Surgery may be needed to treat a strangulated haemorrhoid.

Excessive Gas

If frequent gas has you concerned, it may help to know what's happening in your body.

                           

Do you constantly burp, pass gas, or feel bloated?

The body naturally produces gas — and produces even more if you eat certain foods, particularly if you’ve just increased the amount of fiber in your diet. Even if you feel like you suffer from excessive gas, it's probably a normal amount. But if too much gas is making you feel uncomfortable, there are steps you can take to adjust your diet and reduce flatulence and bloating.

What Is Gas?

Gas is made up of several different vapors — carbon dioxide, hydrogen, methane, nitrogen, and oxygen — that pass through the body. Gas can cause pain and cramping in the abdomen as well as some noisy sound effects:

§  Belching. Some gas can be released from the body through the mouth by burping. When you swallow a lot of air while eating, it travels into your stomach. Belching allows your body to release this excess air.

§  Flatulence. Passing gas through the rectum occurs when the body can't digest all of the food that you eat. Sugars, some fiber, and starches may be particularly difficult for your body to break down and lead to gas.

§  Bloating. Bloating is caused by an accumulation of gas that may make you feel full and uncomfortable. Even so, feeling bloated doesn’t necessarily mean that you have excessive gas; it might just mean that you are more sensitive to gas than other people.

Most people produce up to four pints of gas a day, resulting in passing gas or belching more than 20 times each day. So burping or passing gas after meals doesn’t mean that you suffer from excessive gas — what you’re experiencing is normal. Considerably more gas than that, or constant bloating or pain, may signify excessive gas.

 Why Gas Happens

Gas can occur due to the foods that you eat or because you take in too much air while eating. There are a number of foods that can increase gas, bloating, and flatulence, and each one may affect every individual differently. Common gas triggers include dairy products, certain sugars, and artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol.

Swallowing too much air may happen when you drink through a straw, eat or drink too quickly, or frequently chew gum. About 50 percent of gas that leads to flatulence comes from swallowing air, not from food.

Controlling Gas

If gas makes you uncomfortable and you want to find a way to control it — even if it's not excessive gas — try making some dietary and lifestyle changes. Avoid specific foods that you know give you gas and try to eat your meals more slowly. You can also control flatulence with over-the-counter remedies that aid digestion and reduce gas.

Excessive gas may be a sign of certain digestive health conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If excess gas is caused by an underlying disorder, prescription medication can help to control it. If you notice excessive belching, flatulence, or bloating that isn't affected by your diet, discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

Men's Health: Risks to Avoid

Avoid these behaviours and you can decrease your risk for these top threats to men’s health.

                                       

Avoiding the Doctor                                                                                                                                

Avoiding the doctor is one thing you should not do. Men are notorious for avoiding doctors' offices and brushing off unusual symptoms or problems. Seeking appropriate medical attention is not macho; it’s just dangerous. If you notice an unusual problem or find you are experiencing something that just will not go away, it’s important to see your doctor. In many cases, it may be no big deal, but knowing is certainly better than ignoring potential problems. Regular checkups ensure that you will get the preventive care you need, including vaccinations and screenings for common men’s health problems, such as hernia, prostate enlargement, high cholesterol levels, and more.

Modern medicine is often miraculous, but if you do not comply with your doctor’s instructions for dealing with a condition, you increase your risk of complications, as well as up the chances of making the situation worse. Take all medicines your doctor prescribes, even if you feel better before the entire prescription is gone. Specific diets may help your body cope naturally with certain conditions. Sticking with the plan improves your chances of success on your journey toward wellness.

Smoking

Smoking greatly increases your risk of heart disease, cancer, and stroke, among other serious ailments. Studies show that light or occasional smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke have the same effect on your lungs as chain smoking. No amount is safe. Consult your doctor for help if you are ready to quit. Studies show that smoking cessation aids, such as nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches, increase your chances of successfully quitting.

Eating Fatty, Salty, or Sugary Foods

Diets high in fat, sodium, and sugar can cause diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. If left untreated, all these conditions can damage and weaken your heart’s muscles, increasing your chances for heart disease and heart attack. Plus, it’s thought that high blood pressure, heart disease, and high cholesterol may also increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Ignoring Chronic Stress

Although occasional stress is unavoidable, persistent or chronic stress can be harmful. It may tax your heart muscles, increase blood pressure, and elevate levels of the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine. Seek constructive ways to manage and relieve stress. Consider engaging in exercise daily, take a yoga class, or try meditation.  

Drinking Heavily                                                                                                                               Two glasses of wine or two units of distilled spirits every day might cut your risk of heart disease. Men who are not alcoholic may benefit from consuming two units of alcohol daily, but more than that will increase your risk of several health problems. Excess alcohol use is bad for every single organ in your body and increases your chances of being involved in accidents.

Tanning

Limit your sun exposure, especially if you are not wearing sun-protective clothing or sunscreen. Unprotected exposure to the sun’s rays increases your risk of skin cancer. Total sun avoidance has been linked to vitamin D deficiency, however, so consider supplementing with vitamin D3.

Gaining Excess Weight

Being overweight is one of the most common risk factors for many health problems, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, and kidney disease. Maintaining a healthy weight is a positive step toward cutting your risks.

Dismissing Signs of Depression

Suicide is a leading cause of death in American men, and depression is a key indicator of suicide. Do not ignore signs of depression. Talk with your doctor if you are feeling sluggish or extra tired, if you experience loss of appetite, if you are irritable or easily agitated, or if you no longer have a sex drive. 

Agitation...and its causes

Agitation is a feeling of aggravation or restlessness brought on by provocation or a medical condition. It is normal for people to feel agitated from time to time. It is often a direct result of everyday stresses caused by work or school. However, if you have agitation that seems to occur for no reason, you should make an appointment to have it checked out by your doctor.

What Causes Someone to Become Agitated?

Agitation is a feeling experienced by everyone at least once in their lives. It is a normal emotion. In the majority of cases, it is not a cause for worry or concern.

Some common causes for agitation include:

·         work stress

·         grief

·         feeling ill

·         burn-out

·         peer pressure

·         school stress

When it is short-lived, agitation does not usually lead to significant complications. However, certain medical conditions can cause agitation. These include:

·         anxiety disorders

·         disorders or conditions that cause imbalances in your hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen

·         mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

In some rare cases, a tumour—an abnormal growth—that is located in the brain can cause changes in your mood and attitude, such as unprovoked agitation.

Autistic children may also experience agitation if they are around the things that trigger them, such as bright colours or loud noises.

How Is Agitation Diagnosed?

During your appointment, your doctor will try to determine if your agitation is caused by a mental health disorder or a medical condition.

He or she will ask questions concerning your medical history and lifestyle. Then, he or she may take a blood sample to test for certain hormone levels.

If your doctor does not suspect a medical condition, he or she will refer you to a mental health specialist. This mental health specialist will go over your symptoms and your everyday activities, in order to determine a cause for the agitation.

If the cause still remains unknown, more in-depth testing may be necessary. You may need a computed tomography (CT) scan or a MRI of your head. Your doctor may also order a spinal tap or urine test.

Treating Agitation

Agitation is often a treatable symptom.

Hormonal Imbalances

If a medical condition is affecting how hormones are released from your brain, your hormone levels can generally be corrected through the use of certain medications. In some cases, this medication will need to be taken over an extended amount of time. These types of treatments are often prescribed to women going through menopause or people with imbalances in their thyroid glands.

Abnormal Growth in the Brain

A brain tumour that causes agitation will be treated according to its size and location. If the tumour is too difficult to remove with surgery, your doctor may choose to carefully monitor the growth. In some cases, he or she may use an aggressive treatment method, such as chemotherapy, to shrink it. If the growth can be removed safely, your doctor will refer you to a surgeon to perform the procedure.

Mental Illness

Agitation caused by mental illnesses can be treated in therapy. In a typical therapy session, you will go over your symptoms and develop efficient ways to deal with them. If therapy is not helping in your particular case, you may have to take a medication to help you to stay calm. These medications may be taken over a long course of time, or only when you feel agitated.

Stress

Agitation caused by stress at work or school may be relieved through deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing can help restore calm in that it allows you to focus on breathing rather than the situations causing you to feel agitated.

You may also discuss your stress with your boss or teacher to see if there are effective ways to reduce it. If you feel you are being overworked, discuss it with your supervisor. This may help you to feel less agitated.

Some people find meditation to be a soothing practice for relaxation and combating agitation. Meditation is also particularly helpful in preventing agitation.

Improving Your Smile

                                       

A 2008 study found that the whiteness of a person’s smile played a role in the way others perceived them. Specifically, the study found that people with white teeth were perceived to be more attractive and smarter than people with darker teeth.

There’s no question that a little additional attention to your smile and oral hygiene can pay off.

Bad Breath

Bad breath is usually caused by:

·         poor oral care habits

·         tooth infection

·         gum disease

·         mouth sores

·         infection or chronic inflammation of the nose or throat

·         smoking

·         dry mouth, which may be a side effect of some medications

·         certain foods, like garlic or onion

The best ways to combat bad breath is to stay hydrated, floss daily, and brush your teeth twice per day. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too!

If you wear dentures or other mouth appliances, clean them daily. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash and artificial saliva or a spray or gel for dry mouth.

If your breath suddenly takes on an unpleasant or unusual odour, it may be a sign of a serious disorder, such as diabetes or a bowel obstruction. If this occurs, you should seek medical attention immediately. Chronic dry mouth that’s unrelated to medication use should also be investigated because it may indicate an autoimmune condition or other disorder.

Healthy Gums

Proper brushing and flossing will keep your gums healthy. Periodontal, or gum, disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. This type of infection is caused by a build-up of plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth.

Gum disease is often painless, but it makes gums red and puffy and causes them to recede and bleed. The infection can progress over time leading to more serious symptoms. In fact, gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

The good news is that gum disease is almost always preventable. Regular check-ups with your dentist combined with good oral hygiene, which means brushing and flossing twice daily, can keep plaque at bay.

Teeth Whitening

Many over-the-counter (OTC) toothpastes, mouth rinses, and chewing gums claim to have a whitening effect. You can also speak with your dentist about prescription whitening treatments or in-office treatments.

Proper Dental Hygiene

The easiest thing to try at home is simply following proper dental hygiene. That means using fluoride toothpaste and flossing every day. Many people can also benefit from mouth rinses.

You may be interested in trying a whitening toothpaste. Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives that can help remove stains. However, whitening toothpastes cannot change the colour of your teeth because they only remove stains on the surface.

Bleaching Agents

Dentin is the bony tissue forming the bulk of the tooth under the enamel. The thickness of the enamel layer changes throughout our lives and gets thinner as we age. The thinner the enamel, the more yellow your teeth appear as the dentin layer dominates the final shade.

If your dentin has a yellowish tint, you’ll need to use a peroxide-bleaching agent to lighten the colouring. This, in turn, can help make your teeth appear whiter.

Some bleaching agents are available over the counter, such as paint-on whiteners or whitening strips. These are relatively cheap and effective. Be sure to look for a product that is at least 6 percent bleaching agent.

OTC treatments may not be effective if you have:

·         isolated stains, such as a single discoloured tooth

·         dark stains

·         crowns

·         dental implants or other restorations

You should consult a dentist to discuss your options. Dentists can prescribe bleaching kits for home use, or they can bleach your teeth in the office. This typically involves applying a bleaching agent to your teeth and then using a special light or laser to enhance the effect of the whitening agent.

The jury is still out on the safety of the bleaching process and whether the bleaching agent might be toxic if ingested. Long-term use of bleaches or abrasive toothpastes can increase sensitivity or gum irritation. If your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold, you may want to avoid whitening agents.

Bleaching During Pregnancy

While both home and prescription products can be considered safe at this time, you should not have a bleaching procedure during pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association (APA) recommends postponing all unnecessary dental work, including whitening procedures, until after birth to prevent exposing the foetus to potentially dangerous chemicals or medications.

Teeth Straightening

Straightening crooked teeth can also have an effect on your smile. Some adults are candidates for Invisalign, which uses transparent trays, or aligners, to straighten the teeth.

If you have bite problems or more complex orthodontic issues, you may need traditional braces. Brackets made of tooth-coloured ceramic or polycarbonate are less noticeable than stainless steel brackets. Sometimes, the brackets can be mounted on the back surface of the teeth.

Fixing Imperfections

A missing, chipped, or stained tooth can be replaced with a crown or dental implant, which is an artificial tooth permanently anchored into the bone of the jaw. Porcelain veneers are pricey, but they can transform your smile after just a couple of visits to your dentist. See a cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.

Speak with Your Dentist

If you’re interested in improving your smile, speak with your dentist. They can recommend treatments you may want to try. Your dentist can also help you understand what’s covered if you have insurance.

Can Loneliness Shorten Your Life?

                                     

Being lonely can trigger cellular changes in your body that increase your chances of getting ill and not living as long as you could have, according to a new study.

The risk applies to older people, past research suggests.

A leading charity for people over 60 in the United Kingdom says the findings underline the importance of treating loneliness as a major health problem.

In the new study, researchers from the University of Chicago and the University of California found that loneliness can trigger the body's fight-or-flight response, which can affect the production of white blood cells and eventually undermine the immune system.

They based their research on 141 older people enrolled in a U.S. study on ageing and social relations, and on an examination of lonely rhesus macaque monkeys, a highly social species of primates.

The researchers say that, in essence, lonely people have a weaker immune system and higher levels of inflammation than people who aren't lonely. Their health is also more vulnerable because they feel threatened.

The study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"Contrary to what many people think, loneliness is not a normal part of ageing, and it not only makes life miserable, it can have a serious impact on your physical and mental health too,” says Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK.

“Research shows that more than a million older people say they haven't spoken to a friend, neighbour or family member for over a month, and unless we act, our rapidly ageing population means we’ll see ever greater numbers of lonely older people.

“...There is something that everyone can do to help, even if it’s checking in on older neighbours, relatives, and friends over the festive season and year round,” she says.

Erectile Dysfunction

                        

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It is also sometimes also referred to as impotence.

Occasional ED is not uncommon. Many men experience it during times of stress. However, frequent ED can be a sign of health problems that need treatment. It can also be a sign of emotional or relationship difficulties that may need to be addressed by a professional.

Not all male sexual problems are caused by ED. Other types of male sexual dysfunction include:

·         premature ejaculation

·         delayed or absent ejaculation

·         lack of interest in sex

                 

                            

How Common Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Up to 30 million American men are affected by ED, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The prevalence of ED increases with age. ED affects only four percent of men in their 50s, but nearly 17 percent of men in their 60s. Furthermore, almost half of all men over the age of 75 will suffer from ED.

Although the risk of ED increases with age, ED is not an inevitable consequence of getting older. It may be more difficult to get an erection as you age, but that does not necessarily you mean you will develop ED. In general, the healthier a man is, the better his sexual function.

How Does a Man Get an Erection?

An erection is the result of increased blood flow into the penis. Blood flow is usually stimulated by either sexual thoughts or direct contact with the penis.

When a man becomes sexually excited, muscles in the penis relax. This relaxation allows for increased blood flow through the penile arteries. This blood fills two chambers inside the penis called the corpora cavernosa. As the chambers fill with blood, the penis grows rigid. Erection ends when the muscles contract and the accumulated blood can flow out through the penile veins. 

ED can occur because of problems at any stage of the erection process. For example, the penile arteries may be too damaged to open properly and allow blood in.

The potential causes of ED are numerous. They include:

·         cardiovascular disease

·         diabetes

·         damage from cancer or surgery

·         injuries

·         stress

·         anxiety

·         relationship problems

·         drug use

·         alcohol use

·         smoking

These factors can work singly or in combination.

What Are the Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction?

ED is defined by an inability to get or sustain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It has no other symptoms.

What Is the Outlook for Erectile Dysfunction?

ED is a treatable condition. There are a number of ED treatments available. The type of treatment generally depends on the underlying cause of ED.

Treatments for ED range from counselling and lifestyle changes to drugs and surgery. If you suffer from ED, it is important to talk to your doctor. A doctor can help identify the cause of your ED and figure out the most appropriate treatment.

Because it can be embarrassing to discuss ED, many men look for treatment options online. However, not all treatments are safe for all men. You should not self-prescribe for ED. In addition, many of the treatments available on the Internet are scams. They may not help your ED, and could damage your health.