What you wanted to know about erectile dysfunction but were too afraid to ask

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is surprisingly common, and not just among older men. ED can also be a symptom of a much more serious health issue and therefore, it is important to address the issue early on and to encourage your partner to seek a diagnosis and treatment from a doctor.

According to a recent survey of 2000 people in Britain, Click Pharmacy found that men were three times more uncomfortable talking about ED than women. Only 38% of people surveyed were aware there are multiple causes of ED and only 9% were aware of the treatments available.

But what is most surprising of all, is that a staggering 40% of those surveyed chose not to respond, comment or disclose their personal feelings,
suggesting that in 2016 there is a lot of stigma around ED.

A spokesperson for Europe Pharmacy said: “The findings of the survey suggest that there is still a lack of information on the causes and treatments of erectile dysfunction. It is also clear that a negative stigma continues to surround the issue, which makes living with ED even more difficult. We want to change this and help people feel more comfortable discussing this condition, diagnosing it properly and getting the right treatment options for them.”

Get the Facts

ED is usually associated with older men, but many young men also suffer from erectile dysfunction. The main causes of ED in younger men are psychological, for example, depression and anxiety.

According to the NHS in Britain, up to 50% of men between the ages of 40-70 are affected by ED. The Better Health Channel in Australia, says most cases of erectile dysfunction have a physical cause.

Physical Causes:

• Obesity
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Illegal drug use
• Lack of physical exercise
• Physical illnesses such as: diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart disease

Victoria Lehmann, leading sexual medicine and relationship therapist at London Urology Associates said: “Sexual problems can be an early sign of an underlying health problem. So it is important to see your Doctor before you start taking any medication. It’s an early occurring symptom which gives you the opportunity for that health check ,to talk to your partner and address health issues.”

Psychological Causes:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress

Men experience all kinds of body image issues, performance anxiety and societal pressures. Sexual performance anxiety disorder is caused by lack of self esteem and anxiety. Social pressures of modern society to perform unrealistic sexual expectations from porn can also contribute to ED.

Treatment Options for ED

• Oral medications: Viagra, Sildenafil, Cialis, Levitra, Spedra.
• Psychotherapy or counselling to address the psychological causes of ED.
• External vacuum penile pump devices.
• Injections directly into the penis.
• Penile prosthetic implants.

For more information on effective oral medication treatments, visit: www.clickpharmacy.co.uk/erectile-dysfunction