Erection Problems: Symptomatic of more Serious Issues?
By James Anthony
 As
men’s health issues come increasingly to public attention,
experts are hoping to change male attitudes towards asking
for help from their doctors.
Those in the know say men are less likely to go to a doctor
about medical matters, often only when their complaint is
very serious, and are not as willing to discuss health concerns.
One very secretive and touchy area of male health is Erectile
Dysfunction, or ED, where men of all ages have trouble gaining
or keeping an erection.
This supposed “loss of manhood” and sexual identity
can knock men’s confidence and have bad effects upon
themselves and their partners. More than 150 million men around
the world and some 1.5 million men in Australia have ED and
yet, experts say, it is not necessarily a sexual problem.
Dr Michael Gillman, director of the Brisbane Health Institute
for Men, warns that ED could be a symptom of a more serious
health problem such as diabetes or heart troubles.
Dr Gillman says that in 80 per cent of cases sufferers have
a physical or health-related problem.
If more men were aware of those figures, he says, more are
likely to discuss the problem with their partner or see a
doctor.
Major causes of ED include smoking, alcohol or drug use and
a lack of exercise, and recent research is suggesting that
natural alternatives to drugs like viagra - such as pelvic
floor exercises - can be just as effective.
Men suffering from ED should talk to their doctors about
the matter, or they can call a confidential free helpline
on 1800 00 75 10.
Links:
Sex and
Relationship Health Network
Erectile
Dysfunction & Impotence
Erectile
Dysfunction - Urology Channel
|
