3 Common Misconceptions to Avoid When Treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED)​​

阳痿，医学上称为勃起功能障碍（Erectile Dysfunction，简称ED），是许多男性可能会遇到的健康问题。在新加坡，由于生活节奏快、压力大，关注男性健康变得尤为重要。然而，在寻求治疗的过程中，很多人容易陷入一些误区，不仅可能延误治疗，甚至可能加重情况。本文将指出三个常见的误区，帮助您更有效地应对这一问题。

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Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a common health issue that many men may face at some point in their lives. In Singapore, with its fast-paced and high-stress environment, paying attention to men’s health is crucial. However, when seeking treatment, many individuals often fall into common misconceptions that can not only delay proper treatment but also potentially worsen the condition. This article highlights three common misconceptions to help you address this issue more effectively.

​误区一：自行购买服用“壮阳药” | Misconception 1: Self-Prescribing “Strength-Boosting” Medications

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很多男士出于尴尬或认为问题不严重，会选择自行上网或到药店购买所谓的“壮阳药”或“补药”。这是一个非常危险的举动。首先，这些药物可能未经过卫生科学局（HSA）的批准，其成分、剂量和安全性都存疑，可能含有有害物质。其次，即使是正规的处方药如PDE5抑制剂（如“伟哥”），也需医生评估您的整体健康状况（如心脏问题、服用其他药物等）后才能使用。错误用药可能导致严重的副作用。

Many men, due to embarrassment or believing the issue is minor, opt to self-prescribe by purchasing so-called “strength-boosting” medications or supplements online or from pharmacies. This is a very risky move. Firstly, these products may not be approved by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), and their ingredients, dosage, and safety are questionable; they might even contain harmful substances. Secondly, even prescription medications like PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., Viagra) require a doctor’s assessment of your overall health (such as existing heart conditions or other medications you’re taking) before use. Incorrect usage can lead to serious side effects.

​正确做法：​​ 咨询医生是唯一安全有效的途径。医生可以准确诊断阳痿的根本原因（是心理性、血管性、神经性还是激素问题），并为您推荐最合适的治疗方案。

​Correct Approach:​​ Consulting a doctor is the only safe and effective path. A doctor can accurately diagnose the root cause of your ED (whether it’s psychological, vascular, neurological, or hormonal) and recommend the most suitable treatment plan for you.

​误区二：认为阳痿纯粹是心理问题，忽视生理病因 | Misconception 2: Believing ED is Purely Psychological and Ignoring Physical Causes​

不少人认为阳痿只是“压力大”或“状态不好”造成的，过段时间自然会好。虽然心理因素（如焦虑、抑郁、压力、夫妻关系问题）确实是常见原因，但很多时候，阳痿是身体疾病的“警报器”。糖尿病、高血压、心脏病、胆固醇过高、荷尔蒙失调等慢性病，都会直接影响血管和神经健康，从而导致勃起困难。忽略这些潜在的生理问题，只从心理层面调整，无疑是治标不治本。

Many people believe that ED is simply due to “high stress” or “being in poor form,” and that it will resolve itself over time. While psychological factors (such as anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship issues) are indeed common causes, oftentimes, ED acts as an “alarm bell” for underlying physical diseases. Chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, and hormonal imbalances can directly affect vascular and nerve health, leading to erectile difficulties. Ignoring these potential physical issues and only addressing the psychological aspect is merely treating the symptoms, not the root cause.

​正确做法：​​ 进行一次全面的身体检查至关重要。这能帮助发现是否存在上述的潜在健康问题。治疗这些基础疾病，本身就能显著改善勃起功能，同时也是对整体健康的重要投资。

​Correct Approach:​​ Undergoing a comprehensive medical check-up is crucial. This can help identify any underlying health issues mentioned above. Treating these underlying conditions can significantly improve erectile function and is also a vital investment in your overall health.

​误区三：羞于启齿，逃避就医 | Misconception 3: Feeling Too Ashamed to Talk About It and Avoiding Medical Help​

受传统文化观念影响，许多男士觉得阳痿是难以启齿的隐私，代表“雄风不再”，因此选择沉默和逃避。这种羞耻感是寻求帮助的最大障碍。请理解，阳痿是一个普遍且可治疗的医学状况，就像高血压或糖尿病一样。医生每天都处理这类问题，会以专业和非评判的态度为您提供帮助。逃避只会让问题在内心发酵，增加焦虑，反而可能使情况更糟。

Influenced by traditional cultural beliefs, many men feel that ED is a shameful and private matter, symbolizing a loss of masculinity, leading them to choose silence and avoidance. This sense of shame is the biggest barrier to seeking help. Please understand that ED is a common and treatable medical condition, just like hypertension or diabetes. Doctors deal with these issues daily and will provide help in a professional and non-judgmental manner. Avoidance only allows the problem to fester internally, increasing anxiety and potentially making the situation worse.

​正确做法：​​ 勇敢地迈出第一步，与您的家庭医生或专科医生（如泌尿科医生）预约咨询。您可以坦诚地描述您的情况，医生会为您提供保密且专业的指导。记住，积极面对是康复的第一步。

​Correct Approach:​​ Take the courageous first step by making an appointment with your family doctor or a specialist (such as a urologist). You can openly describe your situation, and the doctor will provide confidential and professional guidance. Remember, proactive confrontation is the first step towards recovery.

​总结 | Conclusion​

治疗阳痿的关键在于采取正确、科学的行动。避免以上三个误区——不自行用药、不忽视生理病因、不因羞耻而逃避——您就已经走在正确的道路上了。在新加坡，医疗资源先进且便捷，请善用这些资源，积极管理您的健康，重获自信与活力。

The key to treating ED lies in taking correct and scientific action. By avoiding the three misconceptions mentioned above – not self-medicating, not ignoring physical causes, and not avoiding treatment due to shame – you are already on the right path. In Singapore, advanced and accessible healthcare resources are available. Please make good use of these resources to actively manage your health and regain your confidence and vitality.