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| - Last Updated on January 8, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that Elon Musk endorsed a Barbara O’Neill remedy for ED and prostatitis. We did the fact check and found this claim is false.
The Claim
A controversial post was shared with us through our WhatsApp tip line at +91-85078 85079. The Facebook video features Elon Musk. It shows that he is endorsing a Barbara O’Neill remedy for erectile dysfunction and prostatitis.
Fact Check
Is the video of Elon Musk authentic?
No, the video is not authentic. AI detection tools TrueMedia and DeepFake-o-meter confirmed it as a deepfake with high certainty. TrueMedia found “100% confidence” that the voices were generated by AI, while DeepFake-o-meter showed a 88.67% likelihood that the video was lip-synced using AI technology. These signs point to manipulation. Additionally, the lip movements and expressions in the video are clearly out of sync and unnatural.
We also checked Elon Musk’s social media accounts and public statements, and there is no evidence that he has endorsed any such remedies for erectile dysfunction or prostatitis. No reliable news sources support this claim either.
Who is Barbara O’Neill, and why is her credibility questioned?
Barbara O’Neill is not a registered health practitioner. In 2019, Australia’s New South Wales Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) permanently banned her from providing health services. The HCCC found that her practices were risky and could harm people’s health. As a matter of fact, many of her claims don’t have scientific proof, and promoting unreliable remedies can lead to serious harm.
Above all, we have debunked several claims made by her in the past. For example, she claimed that taking a shower prevents vitamin D absorption, sunscreens are harmful and unnecessary, and carrot oil can remove wrinkles. These claims are not scientifically accurate.
Is there any scientific evidence supporting O’Neill’s remedies for erectile dysfunction and prostatitis?
No, there is no reliable scientific evidence to support Barbara O’Neill’s remedies for these conditions. Erectile dysfunction and prostatitis are complex health issues that need proper diagnosis and treatment based on science.
For erectile dysfunction, FDA-approved medications like Sildenafil and Tadalafil are commonly used. Doctors often treat prostatitis with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medicines, depending on the cause. Alternative remedies should never replace proven medical treatments.
Who is at risk for erectile dysfunction and prostatitis?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common in men who are ageing, have chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease, smoke, drink excessively, or experience stress and anxiety. Similarly, prostatitis is more likely to affect men with recurrent urinary tract infections, prolonged sitting habits, or a history of prostate infections. Both conditions share certain risk factors, but they also have their own unique triggers.
We reached out to Dr Avreen Shah, Consultant Urologist at Shah Hospital Advanced Laparoscopic Gynae & Urology Centre, Ludhiana, Punjab, to learn about the risk factors for ED. He explains, “Erectile dysfunction (ED) can often be an early warning sign of more serious health issues, such as heart disease.” Dr Shah also points out that factors like diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and smoking can contribute to ED. He advises anyone experiencing persistent ED to consult a doctor promptly.
How can these conditions be managed?
For ED, regular exercise, a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and approved drugs like Sildenafil can help. Counselling is also effective for mental health-related causes. On the other hand, prostatitis often requires antibiotics, staying hydrated, avoiding irritants like caffeine, and using pain relievers for symptom relief. All in all, always consult a doctor for proper treatment.
THIP Media Take
The claim that Elon Musk endorsed a Barbara O’Neill remedy for ED and prostatitis is false and the video is a deepfake. Moreover, Barbara O’Neill is a banned health practitioner, and her remedies lack scientific support. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals for medical concerns.
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