Men Unaware Of Erectile Dysfunction Risk

Main Category: Erectile Dysfunction / Premature Ejaculation
Also Included In: Diabetes
Article Date: 12 Jul 2008 - 1:00 PST

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A new survey shows that only ten per cent of men in their early to mid 40s know they may experience erection problems in the next decade, even though evidence suggests that the problem affects 40 per cent of men over the age of 40.

Most men surveyed were unaware that erectile dysfunction (ED) may be a warning sign that they could have a serious underlying condition, such as diabetes or heart disease. Surprisingly, three times as many survey respondents in their 40s rated hair loss ahead of losing their erections as a major health concern.

A common problem

ED or impotence (the inability to achieve or maintain an erection for sexual intercourse) is one of the most common sexual problems experienced by men. Over half of all men with diabetes may experience it and the problem usually increases with age. Although it is perfectly normal, ED can trigger anxiety and, in turn, make matters worse.

The good news is that ED is a widely recognised problem and many people understand what you are going through. In fact, there is much more help available now than in the past.

New campaign to highlight ED

The survey was commissioned by Lilly UK as part of a new awareness campaign called 40over40. The campaign highlights that ED is common in early middle age as well as in older men, and informs men about the potential dangers of ignoring ED at any age. It also tells men they can be optimistic about finding a solution - as 95 per cent of men with ED are now treated successfully. 40over40 encourages men to take a '4t Action Plan': talk, test, treat, today.

See the related links to our Sex and Diabetes section and to the 40over40 website.

Diabetes UK