Erectile dysfunction is a condition characterized by persistent difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity¹.
Erectile dysfunction affects up to 30 million men in the United States and 150 million men worldwide.
Around half of men aged 40 to 70 will experience it to some extent. Studies indicate that erectile dysfunction could affect as many as 30% of younger men².
This issue can show up in various ways, but one common thread is its impact on confidence and its tendency to create bedroom challenges that extend beyond just achieving or maintaining an erection. While discussing it might be a bit uncomfortable, acknowledging erectile dysfunction is crucial for finding solutions and enhancing overall quality of life.
However, it's common for many men to become overly concerned about a single episode, which might occur due to various temporary factors. Taking this into consideration, it's important to distinguish between sporadic occurrences and persistent patterns, which could indeed signal erectile dysfunction. Put simply, experiencing a single episode or a few isolated ones isn't enough to confirm erectile dysfunction, as one of its criteria is persistent difficulty (for at least 6 months) in achieving or maintaining an erection³.
Identifying and treating it effectively depends on recognizing that achieving an erection is a multifaceted process influenced by physical, hormonal, emotional, and psychological factors.
Erectile dysfunction stands as one of the most common male sexual conditions worldwide, with a range of causes encompassing both physical and psychological factors. Often, these factors intertwine, casting a negative shadow over men's intimate lives.
Over half of all ED cases stem from physical or medical issues like obesity, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, hormonal imbalances, heart conditions, strokes, or medication side effects. These factors disrupt blood flow or hormone levels necessary for a healthy erection, and they tend to affect older men more frequently⁴.
Evidence suggests that erectile dysfunction can serve as an early warning sign for other underlying, more serious medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, such as cardiovascular disease, and can precede a heart problem by up to five years. Therefore, seeking professional help is crucial if episodes of erectile dysfunction persist, as catching it early enables swift diagnosis and appropriate treatment⁵.
In contrast, modern lifestyles, stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychotropic medication side effects, excessive pornography consumption, and societal pressure to perform in bed are increasingly common psychological factors linked to difficulties in achieving and maintaining erections.
Addressing these causes individually and thoroughly is key not just to restoring erectile function, but also to fostering a richer intimate and partnership life, as well as overall well-being.
There are basically two types of erectile dysfunction, each linked directly to its underlying cause: organic and psychogenic. Organic erectile dysfunction is related to physical or physiological issues that hinder the ability to maintain an erection. For instance, someone who has undergone prostatectomy surgery might experience difficulties in achieving an erection due to the procedure.
On the flip side, psychogenic erectile dysfunction stems from psychological factors like stress or sexual anxiety, which interfere with erectile function. Often, these two types can overlap, creating a cycle where physical problems worsen due to psychological stress, and vice versa.
To determine the most effective treatment, it's essential to understand the root cause of erectile dysfunction. While therapy aimed at addressing sexual anxiety may suffice in some cases, others may require addressing underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular problems, to restore proper erectile function.
Psychological factors are increasingly recognized as influential in our sexual health due to changes in our lifestyles⁵. Sexual anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship issues are common underlying causes of psychological erectile dysfunction. Moreover, the impact of pornography on younger men can shape their perceptions of intimate relationships, leading to unrealistic sexual practices and dynamics. These factors often create a cycle where concerns about sexual performance hinder erectile function, causing further anxiety and difficulties in the bedroom.
For example, a man may experience nocturnal erections during sleep (also known as nocturnal penile tumescence) but struggle to maintain an erection with a partner, indicating a potential psychological component such as stress. Similarly, being able to achieve an erection while masturbating in the morning but not with a partner may point to relationship issues or performance anxiety, resulting in erectile difficulties. In both cases, the root cause of erectile dysfunction is likely psychological.
Symptoms of psychological erectile dysfunction typically include difficulty achieving an erection despite sexual desires, or having normal erections during solo masturbation but not during sexual activity.Addressing these issues often requires the assistance of psychological therapy, relaxation techniques, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, medication to treat underlying conditions such as depression.
If you think you might be experiencing erectile dysfunction, you can take our self-assessment test as a starting point. Although it is not a medical diagnosis, it can help you determine the severity of your situation and whether it is time to seek professional help.
And remember, acknowledging the issue and seeking reliable information are the first steps toward overcoming it.
After getting your results, the next step is to explore the available treatment options. While the test results don't provide a diagnosis, they can help you understand yourself better, learn about potential treatments or therapies, and explore different options —from medical solutions to natural interventions and innovative devices like the MYHIXEL Ring, which helps improve the quality of erections and overall sexual health. Let's start with the most common one today: ED drugs.
Well, sildenafil (known as Viagra) is the most well-known. It ensures a firm erection when arousal kicks in. But it's not without risks or long-term side effects.
Side effects like dizziness, headaches, flushing, or upset stomach can occur with erectile dysfunction pills. And there are other common side effects too, like changes in vision, such as increased sensitivity to light, blurry vision…
Another downside? Timing. You're supposed to take them at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours before sex, leaving little room for spontaneity.
However, there are various options to consider based on individual preferences and needs. Let's talk about the top 3 natural alternatives for erectile dysfunction.
So, how can you ensure a strong erection naturally and without any side effects?
MYHIXEL Ring emerges as a natural solution and the top choice to replace sildenafil. It's a penis ring specifically designed to achieve and enhance the quality of erections, thus enhancing partner satisfaction.
This innovative device comfortably fits thanks to its ergonomic and functional design, providing a safe alternative to pharmacological solutions and avoiding unwanted side effects. All of this fosters greater intimacy and connection in the relationship.
The MYHIXEL Ring's functionality is expertly crafted by urology and sexology specialists, tailored to the anatomy of the penis to enhance erection quality while ensuring comfort. To better understand it, let us explain how erections occur:
Blood flows into the penis through the arteries. These arteries carry oxygenated blood from the bloodstream to the penis, causing the erectile tissue to fill up and leading to an erection during sexual excitement. As the erection starts, the veins in the penis narrow to keep the blood from escaping, thus sustaining the erection.
When you place it at the base of the penis, the MYHIXEL ring helps you maintain firmness by restricting blood flow, allowing you to improve control over your erections. What's really groundbreaking is that, thanks to its design, you can reach climax and ejaculate comfortably without feeling any pressure, as the ring leaves the urethra unobstructed.
This design ensures an immediate effect, allowing you to comfortably place it when achieving an erection and keep it in place for extended periods. After sexual activity, you can easily remove it thanks to MYHIXEL Ring's elastic band, ensuring both comfort and effectiveness during application and removal.
And yes, the combination of both rigid and elastic components, along with the high-quality materials, ensures a proper fit for penises of all types and sizes. And don't worry, there's not just one model available! You can choose from three different models based on the pressure level that suits you best, giving you the freedom to select according to your preference.
Unlike standard penis rings primarily focused on pleasure, MYHIXEL Ring is considered a medical device. Here you'll find a comparative table with more details
While MYHIXEL Ring is ideal for ensuring a firm erection during intercourse, MYHIXEL II is designed to simulate real penetration sensations, making it perfect for training erection levels. This combination is ideal for maximizing your performance when facing erection issues, whether they stem from physical or psychological causes.
MYHIXEL II features a realistically designed interior and a warming system that replicates body temperature, offering an unmatched experience of realism.
If you're looking to improve or maintain the quality of your erections, incorporate MYHIXEL Ring into your encounters and use the MYHIXEL II device for practice.
So, you've got the hang of achieving and maintaining better erections, but what if you could tackle the psychological factors and work towards a more long-lasting or definitive solution? That's where MYHIXEL ED comes in. MYHIXEL ED combines the MYHIXEL II device with the Play ED program, which is grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, specifically using systematic desensitization methods. It offers a unique approach to addressing erectile issues stemming from psychological causes.
The Play ED program utilizes virtual reality and auditory stimulation to boost self-awareness, build confidence in maintaining erections, and enhance user satisfaction. Plus, it incorporates the MYHIXEL II device for a more realistic penetration sensation. You can also use the MYHIXEL Ring to further enhance erection quality.
Moreover, this 5-week program acknowledges the importance of involving your partner in the process. It gradually exposes you to controlled stimuli within a virtual environment, aiming to alleviate sexual anxiety and boost confidence.
MYHIXEL Ring is an innovative tech solution crafted to improve and sustain erections. It blends natural and technological methods to offer men struggling with erectile dysfunction a safe option to conventional treatments like medications and surgeries.
Yes, MYHIXEL Ring has been meticulously designed with user safety in mind. Its materials and design ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
What sets MYHIXEL Ring apart is its ability to maintain erections while simultaneously freeing the urethra. This gives you a complete experience with a safe climax without uncomfortable pressures.
MYHIXEL Ring fits smoothly into your everyday routine, seamlessly blending into your intimate moments as a couple without interrupting the natural flow of sexual activity. It's comfortable and discreet, helping users feel relaxed and fully focused on pleasure.
