Print

Mail

wiki links

Men with erectile dysfunction often suffer in silence

An estimated 720,000 men over the age of 40 suffer from erectile dysfunction, many of whom have never sought medical assistance, according to a survey released yesterday.

The survey of 1,002 men over the age of 40 found that just 47 percent of the respondents were satisfied with their present sex life.

But roughly 18 percent of those interviewed admitted suffering from erectile dysfunction, leading researchers to conclude that as many as 720,000 men in Taiwan are affected by impotence.

The survey was conducted in February and March by the Taiwan Erectile Dysfunction Advisory and Training Council.

The association was formed in October by medical specialists to promote awareness of erectile dysfunction and medical treatments for the disorder.

Though the survey concludes that an estimated 720,000 men suffer from impotence, Chen Kuang-kuo (陳光國), chief of surgery in the urology division at Taipei Veterans General Hospital and chairman of the council, said the figure could be much higher.

"Quite a number of men polled may not have told researchers they were suffering from the problem out of concern they would lose their dignity," Chen said.

The study also found that just 20 percent of men suffering from erectile dysfunction had sought medical treatment.

Medical professionals said many men are shy about discussing the problem or visiting a doctor because of society's conservative attitude toward sexual issues.

"Even if sufferers go to the doctor, they may not feel comfortable informing doctors of their situation," said Tom Yang (楊聰財), a psychiatrist at the Armed Forces Peitou Hospital. "Many medical professionals are not used to discussing sexual dysfunction with their patients in detail, either."

Yang said it was time medical professionals in Taiwan start paying more attention to the issue.

The psychiatrist also said it was important for medical professionals to allow patients to freely discuss their problems without making them feel uneasy.

While most of the men surveyed blamed mental discomfort or age for their disorder, doctors said 61 percent of erectile dysfunction problems are associated with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

"Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of other potential threats to one's health," Chen said.
This story has been viewed 2030 times.