While not many people talk about erectile dysfunction (ED) openly, we can agree that nobody wants to go through it. ED is when a man cannot achieve an erection that’s hard and/or long enough for sexual intercourse. Apparently, this is the number one sex problem men report having and it is estimated that by 2025, 322 million men will suffer from this condition.

So, why do many men still feel embarrassed talking about ED?

There are a variety of reasons, perhaps one of the biggest ones being society’s expectations towards men. Within the realm of toxic masculinity, men who can’t please their partner and perform in bed are seen as weak and not good enough. As a result, men tend to be less likely to get help.

This is completely untrue, as ED is a medical condition. We have gotten far enough in science in order to effectively treat patients with ED. If you happen to have it and are in a rough spot, don’t fret. In this article, we’ll take a look at why ED isn’t the end of your manhood.

It’s easy to get treatment

Just a quick google search will show you the numerous ways people manage their ED. In fact, online dispensaries such as Rex MD cater to people who need ED medication such as sildenafil (viagra) but are a bit too shy to go to the drug store. However, you may still need a doctor’s prescription.

Another popular technique to induce an erection that’s non-intrusive is called the vacuum penile pump device. While it sounds scary, it’s a rather painless process if done correctly. This technique creates an erection using vacuum pressure.

Before you go for the pills or vacuum devices, it’s worth starting with taking good care of your health. If your case of ED isn’t serious, you have a good chance of reversing your impotence completely with plenty of exercises, cutting back on cigarettes and alcohol, as well as losing weight. All of these will help improve blood flow to the penis and allow for a proper erection.

Your partner will be supportive of you

Many men don’t even open up to their partners regarding this due to embarrassment or fear that they’ll love him less. This can be a dangerous way of thinking. Erectile dysfunction itself doesn’t damage relationships. It’s usually due to the lack of communication.

ED will hurt a man’s self-esteem. Unfortunately, instead of opening up about the issues they face, they would rather give excuses like “I’m too tired” or “I’m not in the mood”. Over time, this will arouse suspicion, and partners think that their man isn’t attracted to them anymore or he’s having an affair behind her back.

The best thing to do is to let her know what’s going on. A partner should be supportive and see a way out of this by doing the right research, going for treatments, and finding the light at the end of the tunnel. The faster you two work together, the better the outcome!

Whatever it is, go see a doctor!

You need to realize that while impotence itself isn’t harmful to you, it can be an early indicator of other health issues you may have. ED can be a symptom of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which are obviously something to worry about.

When you visit a doctor (you should, by the way!), he or she may ask for your medical history and perform a physical examination, thereby being able to provide you with the medical treatment you deserve.

Besides physiological issues, psychological and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression can affect your libido, too.