TANZANIA: IN many African cultures, discussing sexually transmitted infections and related issues is often considered taboo. However, these topics are real and deserve attention to find effective remedies.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and male infertility are two common yet distinct conditions that significantly affect men’s reproductive and sexual health. Each condition presents unique challenges and impacts a man’s quality of life. Recently, various myths—particularly those surrounding physical attributes like a man’s manhood size and fertility—have become prevalent in public discourse.
Dr. Lerise Mashingo from Maria Stopes Mwenge Hospital emphasizes that many men struggle to differentiate between these two issues. Many focus on having a larger manhood, overlooking the fact that fertility is not determined by size but by the ability to conceive.
“The ability to make a woman pregnant is not related to manhood size but rather to a man’s fertility capability. Most men are actually dealing with erectile dysfunction, which causes them significant stress, even though many can still father children,” Dr. Mashingo explained.
Erectile Dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an election suitable for sexual intercourse. While ED is quite common among men over 40, it can also affect younger individuals. The causes of ED can be both physical and psychological.
Dr. Mashingo notes that modern lifestyles have led to an increase in ED cases among men under 40, often due to excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and drug use. Physical causes may include chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, as well as poor blood flow to the manhood, nerve damage, and hormonal imbalances like low testosterone.
On the psychological side, stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to ED. Performance anxiety, fear of intimacy, or relationship issues can create mental barriers that hinder the ability to achieve or maintain an erection.
For example, a man leading a sedentary lifestyle who is diagnosed with high blood pressure may frequently experience ED, affecting his confidence. “By making lifestyle changes—such as exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and following prescribed treatments—he can improve his ability to achieve and maintain erections,” Dr. Mashingo said.
Male infertility refers to the inability to father a child, usually due to issues related to sperm quality, sperm count, or sperm motility (movement). Unlike ED, which affects sexual function, infertility impacts a man’s ability to conceive with his partner.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2023 report, approximately 17.5 percent of the adult population, or roughly 1 in 6 people worldwide, experience infertility, highlighting the urgent need for accessible and affordable fertility care.
Male infertility can arise from various factors, including low sperm count, which reduces the chances of fertilization. Poor sperm quality— regardless of a normal sperm count—can also hinder successful conception, as factors like sperm shape and motility play critical roles.
Health and lifestyle factors, such as exposure to toxins, chronic illnesses, certain medications, and habits like smoking or excessive drinking, can negatively affect sperm production and quality. It is also worth noting that a man may have normal erectile function but still face infertility due to poor sperm quality or low sperm count. A common misconception is that manhood size correlates with fertility or that a larger penis indicates virility and reproductive success.
This myth has led some men to believe that a large manhood guarantees high fertility, which is simply false. Fertility primarily depends on the quality, quantity, and health of sperm, rather than physical attributes like manhood size.
Medical studies confirm that manhood size does not directly influence sperm production, sperm health, or a man’s ability to father children. What truly matters is the health of the reproductive organs involved in sperm production—primarily the testes—as well as the factors affecting sperm quality, such as lifestyle, diet, and genetics. With the rise of social media, many men feel increasing pressure to conform to certain body ideals, including the misconception that manhood size reflects sexual prowess or fertility.
This belief is fuelled by misinformation, cultural stereotypes, and media portrayals linking physical attributes with masculinity and virility. Such misconceptions can lead to self-esteem issues, body image concerns, and may even discourage men from seeking appropriate medical help for fertility or sexual health problems. This trend creates barriers for men, making it difficult to discuss reproductive health issues openly.
For men facing challenges with ED or infertility, understanding the root causes is the first step toward finding a solution. Consulting a healthcare provider for both conditions is crucial. Blood tests, physical examinations, and semen analyses can provide valuable insights into the underlying causes and guide treatment options.
Making lifestyle changes—such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and reducing harmful habits like smoking or excessive drinking—can support both erectile function and fertility. Treatment options for ED often include medications like Viagra or Cialis, along with lifestyle adjustments.
For male infertility, treatments may involve hormonal therapy, lifestyle changes, or assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).
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Therapy and counselling can also provide support, particularly for men dealing with psychological barriers or self-esteem issues. Speaking with a therapist or counsellor can help address performance anxiety, relationship concerns, or body image issues stemming from misinformation.
Understanding ED and male infertility while dispelling myths about manhood size can contribute to better mental health, physical well-being, and healthier relationships. By educating themselves, seeking medical help, and focusing on factors within their control, men can experience positive outcomes rather than being swayed by myths or societal expectations.
