Due to the stigmas attached to sexual issues, erectile dysfunction is a problem that isn’t regularly discussed in polite conversation. As such, it is a medical problem with lots of tall tales and incorrect assumptions associated with it. Erectile dysfunction does not mean you’re no longer attracted to your partner. Erectile dysfunction does not mean that you are now sterile. Erectile dysfunction does not develop exclusively from watching too much porn. But there is an old wives tale that, unfortunately, has some legs to it: When you develop erectile dysfunction, it may be permanent.
The truth is that ED comes in many forms. There are varieties of ED that are relatively benign, only popping up when mental factors weight too heavily on the mind. There are also varieties of ED that can only be overcome with exercise and positive lifestyle changes. And there are, in fact, varieties of ED that are permanent.
Permanent ED is always health based, typically caused by internal issues with the heart or by botched surgery. When your body physically can’t supply the penis with enough blood, that makes erections impossible, and, unfortunately, that’s an issue you can’t really overcome with medication and perseverance.
If you find yourself unable to achieve an erection, and you’ve got a hunch that’s health-related, consult a doctor. If it turns out to be irreversible ED, don’t lose hope just yet. There are surgical methods to circumventing erectile dysfunction, so you don’t have to say goodbye to your erection just yet. But if you’re consistently unable to achieve an erection, don’t wait to see your doctor; set an appointment, find out your erectile health, and work towards beating the problem.