Pfizer's inaugural Asia Pacific Sexual Health and Overall Wellness (AP SHOW) survey has uncovered staggering levels of sexual dissatisfaction, with 60% of men and around 60% of women in Australia saying they are not very satisfied with their sex lives.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) continues to be a key cause of dissatisfaction. The AP SHOW survey, conducted in 13 Asia Pacific nations, found that men with 'suboptimal erections', (erections that are not as hard as they could be) are less satisfied with sex and other aspects of the sexual experience.

There is also evidence of an association between optimal erectile function and men's and women's overall outlook on life, attitudes about sex and men's sexual health and performance.

54% of men with optimal erectile function say that it is 'very true' that they feel good about their relationships compared to 47% of men with suboptimal erections. Among women, this difference is significantly more pronounced - 65% of women whose partners have optimal erection function say that it is 'very true' that they feel good about their relationships, compared to only 32% of women whose partners have suboptimal erections.

The survey also found that men and women who are 'completely' or 'very satisfied' with sex are more than three times more likely to feel good about their relationships and life overall compared to those who are only 'somewhat' or 'not at all satisfied' with sex.

It is an area where GPs can make a significant difference, yet as few as 30% of men with ED seek help from their doctor. [i]

Dr Rosie King, Sexual Health Physician, Sydney Centre for Sexual and Relationship Therapy, Sydney, Australia said, "A person's willingness to talk about sexual health and performance is heavily influenced by diverse cultural beliefs and practices - most patients and even doctors are uncomfortable initiating such discussions. Therefore, a great many people remain untreated."

"GPs are aware of the importance of erectile function to the overall health and wellbeing of male patients and their partners. So, overcoming communication barriers about sexual health is crucially important," said Dr King. "The more physicians discuss sexual problems, the more comfortable they'll be."

"If a GP suspects a patient may have erection problems, there are sensitive ways to broach the subject. GPs can also help patients know that they are willing to discuss these issues even before they enter the consulting room by creating an open practice environment."

This might include placing brochures on sexual health and ED in the waiting room, offering a questionnaire that patients can fill out while waiting for their consultation or displaying posters in the waiting area and examination rooms to indicate a GPs interest in the sexual wellbeing of their patients.

"When talking about sexual health topics with patients, it is extremely important to establish a rapport that enables an open discussion. During such discussions, it is important to communicate several key points to a patient with suboptimal sexual performance including:

- GPs do treat sexual health and that sexual health is an important part of general health. Satisfactory sexual health and performance is associated with emotional wellbeing and overall good health.

- Suboptimal erections are a common problem, affecting more than 50% of men aged 40 to 70 years [ii].

- Erection problems and suboptimal erections are not a normal part of aging. An older male has just as much right to normal sexual functioning as younger men.

- Suboptimal erections can be due to an underlying illness or medication, and is not always due to psychological factors alone. Suboptimal erections often have a mixed aetiology, both organic and psychological. Concomitant physical disease is an important cause of suboptimal erections.

- Effective and convenient treatments are available and international medical consensus has affirmed that in suitable patients with suboptimal erections or ED, oral medications should be the first-line treatment. [iii]

Notes

- Data from 3,957 sexually active men and women (2,016 males and 1,941 females), from the general public, was gathered for this survey1 This included 101 males and 108 females surveyed nationwide in Australia.

- The AP SHOW survey respondents were aged between 25-74 years and had had sexual intercourse at least once in the past 12 months, (female respondents had to have sex with a member of the opposite sex)

- The 13 Asian countries/regions surveyed included Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and New Zealand

- Face-to-face interviews (a self completed questionnaire), were conducted in China, India, and Thailand
- An online self-administered method was used in Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and New Zealand

- The AP SHOW survey was conducted from May to July 2008, by Harris Interactive, an independent market research company, and was sponsored by a non-restricted, educational grant from Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals

References:
1 Data on file, Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals.

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Pfizer Australia is the nation's leading research-based health care company, investing over $A50m in local research and development annually. It develops, manufactures and markets innovative medicines for both humans and animals. For more information visit http://www.pfizeraustralia.com.au

Source
Amy O'Hara
Media Communications Assistant
Public Affairs & Policy
Pfizer Australia
http://www.pfizeraustralia.com.au