It's the second time they've gone out and the night is promising. Caio*, a virgin at 22 years old, decided to take Vítor*, 26 years old, to his home. Vítor has thick legs and thighs and impeccable abs. The two enter the room and take off their clothes. But, to their surprise, that's all that happens. "My penis failed, but who hasn't experienced that?" Caio disagrees, who has since been undergoing psychological counseling and taking medication for the well-known problem of Erectile Dysfunction (ED). On orgasm day, celebrated today, experts explain that health is very important for sexual pleasure and also teach how to avoid the myth of impotence.
Urologist Carlos Teodósio Da Ros, head of the Department of Andrology at the Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU), states that "everyone wants to have a good quality of life and sexual activity is part of this context".
Although most men deny it, it is estimated that 152 million worldwide suffer from some degree of ED. A problem that may have a psychological origin and in most cases is treatable. "I always managed to cum when I masturbated alone, when I was naked, facing another man, I didn't feel anything", says Caio. The young man's case is characterized as the primary phase of the problem.
Other causes of this illness are diabetes, cardiovascular disease and smoking. "But, even when the erection difficulty is due to some illness, the psychological component is always present and interferes negatively", explains Carlos Teodósio.
Therefore, it is important for men to change their habits from a young age. "If we started cardiological check-ups earlier, as is recommended, risk factors for diseases could be identified, facilitating the prevention and treatment of consequences such as erectile dysfunction", says Da Ros.
For those, like Caio, who already have erectile dysfunction, changing their lifestyle – moving away from risk factors, especially cigarettes – and seeking medical help is the easiest way to solve the problem. "Treating a patient with sexual impotence can be simple and quick. Many cases I treated lasted from three to six months", says the urologist.
Caio has been undergoing psychological counseling for 2 months, in his case it was found that the causes of the problem stemmed from the education he received from his parents. In her family, which is evangelical, the practice of sex is still a myth.
*Names were changed at the request of those interviewed.
