Formerly called impotence, the inability to acquire or maintain an erection satisfactory for sexual intercourse is referred to as erectile dysfunction (ED). ED has traditionally been regarded as an inevitability of the aging process and is very common affecting 50 per cent of all men over 40 at some stage in their lives. However, a recent Ipsos MRBI survey found that only three per cent of Irish men polled had ever discussed ED with their peers, suggesting that, despite the high prevalence of ED, men remain very reluctant to speak to each other about the condition and live with ED for years without seeking medical advice, perhaps due to embarrassment or a belief that it cannot be treated.
Though an occasional inability to maintain an erection is quite normal and should not be regarded as ED, ongoing problems do warrant discussion with your GP. Previous research studies found that 66% of patients had experienced ED symptoms for 1 year or longer when they were looking for treatment reinforcing the belief that Irish men need to be made aware that help is available and should be promptly treated.
In the majority of cases treatment is straightforward and effective; however it is worth noting that ED may be also an early warning sign of other conditions.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your general health and how ED is affecting you physically and psychologically. Starting a discussion about erectile difficulties is not easy but your doctor will be able to put you at ease. Erectile difficulties are common and your doctor will be well used to discussing such matters in a strictly confidential fashion.
Up to 80% of ED is caused by an underlying physical condition, so your doctor may want to carry out some checks including a review of your medication to check for possible side effects, blood pressure – as high blood pressure is linked to heart disease and diabetes, both of which are known to be causes of ED. A blood and urine test may be conducted to determine your sugar levels, if raised you may need additional tests to check for diabetes. The blood test will also check your cholesterol and testosterone levels as raised cholesterol can make the problem worse; low levels of the testosterone hormone could affect your sex drive and general health. Stress, excess alcohol and smoking are also common factors.
The Don’t Spend Life on the Sidelines campaign strongly advises that men speak to their doctor if they think they are suffering from erectile dysfunction. Ronnie Whelan, one of the campaigns ambassadors, said he was delighted to become involved in the new Don't Spend Life on the Sidelines campaign.
"ED affects guys of a certain age, and if soccer fans remember my career with Liverpool and Ireland, then there's a good chance they'll fall into that category. It seems a shame that there are guys out there suffering in silence with this and who feel they cannot talk about it to anyone” said the former Republic of Ireland and Liverpool soccer legend.
"I'd be saying to them that ED is very common, particularly if you're over 40, and it's not something to be embarrassed about. One thing I loved about the Irish soccer team was the passion of the supporters. If you experience ED, be as passionate about this aspect of your health as you are about the beautiful game." Whelan adds.
Former Kerry GAA legend and All-Ireland winning manager Páidí Ó Sé said he too had been aware of Shane Byrne's public support of ED awareness last autumn when Byrne became the first Irish sports star to back an ED educational campaign.
"This is arguably the last great male health taboo. Getting guys of my generation to go to the doctor can be a hard struggle for any condition. We often park our problems in the hope that they'll go away, but that's no solution to anything. We're in the 21st century now and there is a range of treatments available for ED. Don't spend life on the sideline – mention it to your doctor. They're extremely well placed to help you find a solution to the problem".
The sportsmen were also joined by Dr Justin Smyth, a Dublin-based general practitioner with a special interest in sports medicine and men's health.
"It's pretty staggering that only 3% of Irish men polled had ever discussed ED with their peers, indicating a very low level of dialogue about the subject, despite its prevalence. But, as with all health problems, the important thing is to get it checked out rather than to ignore the issue. The best person to offer advice is your local GP. These days family doctors are very familiar with ED – the good news is that they won't bat an eyelid and they'll be able to discuss potential solutions. The management of ED has moved on and there is now a wide range of treatment options available."
The Ipsos MRBI survey reinforced this message as 92% of those surveyed said that they would seek advice on ED from their GP while 11% would use the internet to gather information on the therapy area.
Some men find it difficult to talk about erectile difficulties with their partner. It’s not easy talking about intimate matters such as this one but it’s important that you don’t let embarrassment get in your way .Remember, ED is a common condition that can generally be treated successfully with many couples preferring to deal with ED together - after all, it is an important condition that affects both of you.
Log on to http://www.manmatters.ie/ for more information and advice about erectile difficulties.
