Erectile dysfunction is one of the most Googled health concerns out there, but, shocker, the internet hasn’t exactly been kind with answers.

Between Reddit threads, locker room “advice,” and your buddy who swears by his juice cleanse, the myths keep coming back like a cockroach that won’t die. The good news is, reality isn’t as bleak as the myths.

Here are some of the biggest myths about ED that refuse to die—and what science actually says.

1. ED only happens to old men

You don’t need an AARP card to struggle in the bedroom. Research shows about one in three men under 40 deal with some form of ED. Stress, antidepressants, alcohol, and even too much late-night scrolling all play a role. It’s common, it’s not a life sentence, and ignoring it just makes the anxiety worse.

2. It’s all in your head

Anxiety and performance pressure definitely tank erections, but biology is still part of the equation. Blood flow, hormones, and nerve health matter just as much. If your doctor brushed you off with “try to relax,” they skipped half the story. Science shows ED usually has both physical and psychological layers, which is why meds often help even when stress is a factor.

3. Porn ruins erections

The “porn-induced ED” conversation is everywhere online. Does endless scrolling through extreme content reshape arousal patterns? Possibly. But the data doesn’t prove that porn directly causes ED across the board. What it does show is that heavy porn use can link to higher anxiety, lower desire, and unrealistic expectations. It’s not about porn itself exactly; it’s more about how it’s used.

4. Viagra works for everyone

If you’ve ever popped the little blue pill and felt…nothing, you’re not alone. Sildenafil (the generic name for Viagra) works for up to 80 percent of men. That still leaves a lot of people frustrated. Dosage, timing, and underlying health issues all factor into play. Other options like Cialis or daily low-dose regimens can make a difference. Science says it’s not one-size-fits-all.

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5. Morning wood means you’re perfectly healthy

Waking up hard is usually a good sign, but it doesn’t guarantee peak performance when it counts. You can have morning erections and still struggle with ED during sex if anxiety or relationship stress is taking up brain space. Doctors use morning wood as one clue, not the final word.

6. Supplements and “natural boosters” are safer than prescriptions

Red ginseng, horny goat weed, L-citrulline—you name it, it’s sold as a miracle cure. Most of these supplements don’t have strong clinical evidence, and some can interact with medications in ways that actually make things worse. Prescription meds are studied, regulated, and designed for real outcomes. Science isn’t against natural approaches, but it’s skeptical of miracle pills.

7. ED means you’ll eventually need surgery

ED is often treated as a sliding scale ending with implants, but take a deep breath, most men never go that far. Pills, lifestyle adjustments, and therapy usually do the trick. Surgery is a last resort, not an inevitable future.

Stop Wasting Time on Bad Advice

ED myths stick around because they hit on insecurities men don’t want to talk about. The reality from science doesn’t grab headlines, but it actually helps. If you’re struggling, it’s not about age, masculinity, or karma—it’s about blood flow, hormones, stress, or a mix of all three.

And if you’re tired of sorting through Reddit hacks and magic supplements, there are easier options. Telehealth has revolutionized the way you can receive ED treatments, services like MyDrHank connect you with U.S. medical professionals online, get prescriptions sorted quickly, and ship meds discreetly to your door. No awkward waiting rooms, no lectures, just real treatment.

Because the only thing worse than ED is wasting time believing in myths that never die.

Take advantage of a ED consultation here if you need help with ED.

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