What is Erectile Dysfunction?
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is defined as the persistent inability of a man to attain and maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual performance.1
- ED can affect men of all ages but becomes increasingly prevalent with age2.
- The condition can be caused by a variety of modifiable lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, high stress, lack of physical activity, smoking or excessive alcohol consumption2.
- Almost half of the sexually active Malaysian men aged 18 and above (47.1%) had probable mild ED and almost one third (31.6%) had probable moderate to severe ED3.
The Challenge Ahead: Turning ED Awareness into Concrete Steps
A recent study conducted by Menarini found that 87.9% of young men aged 21 to 35 years old understood the meaning of ED and knew the common symptoms and causes of ED.4 The common symptoms reported were trouble of getting an erection (49.5%), keeping an erection (44.9%) and reduced sexual desire (21.5%). The other common symptoms of ED are:
A) Fear of being judged
Many cultures have traditional views on sexuality that emphasize privacy and discretion. Sexual health can be perceived as a private or inappropriate subject, making people reluctant to speak openly for fear of social backlash.
B) Feel embarrassed to talk about ED
Discussing sexual health issues can make individuals feel exposed and vulnerable. The fear of revealing personal problems can lead to embarrassment, especially if they worry about being judged or misunderstood.
C) Misconceptions and Misinformation:
Despite understanding what ED is, misconceptions about its treatment can deter individuals from seeking professional help. Some may believe that ED is a normal part of aging and that nothing can be done to treat it, which further discouraging them from consulting a doctor
Act Quick: Seeking Professional Solutions for Erectile Dysfunction
ED is a common condition that can be successfully treated with proper care and support. We encourage men to reach out and connect with a qualified healthcare professional to receive the guidance and assistance. Feel free to establish a support group or talk to your loved ones to gain emotional support too!
Remember, it is never too late to seek help. Take the first step, address the issues and this can lead to improved health and well-being for you and your loved ones.
Remember, this guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.
A community health message brought to you by Menarini Malaysia
REFERENCES:
1Salonia A, Bettocchi C, Boeri L, et al. 2022. European Association of Urology Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health-2022 https://d56bochluxqnz.cloudfront.net/documents/full-guideline/EAU-Guidelines-on-Sexual-and-Reproductive-Health-2022_2022-03-29-084141_megw.pdf
2Shamloul, R. and Ghanem, H. (2013) ‘Erectile dysfunction’, The Lancet, 381(9861), pp. 153–165. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(12)60520-0.
3Institute for Public Health (IPH), National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia. 2020. National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019: Vol. I: NCDs – Non-Communicable Diseases: Risk Factors and other Health Problems
4A. Menarini Singapore Pte Ltd (2023) Awareness and Knowledge on Erectile Dysfunction. Ruder Finn Malaysia. Data on File.
