Men’s health Sexual health


More common than you think


According to the Men’s Health Forum, persistent erection problems are estimated to affect about 10 per cent of men at any one time. Here’s what you should know


Erectile dysfunction – or impotence – is very common, especially in men over the age of 40, says the NHS. However it’s usually nothing to worry


about, as most men fail to get or keep an erection every now and then. It can, for instance, happen when you’re stressed, tired, depressed or anxious. Several health conditions can also


cause physical problems that lead to erection problems, including diabetes, raised blood pressure, raised cholesterol and obesity. Men who have a radical prostatectomy – where the prostate gland is surgically removed to treat prostate cancer – may also be more likely to experience erection problems. Certain medicines can cause erection problems too, including those that affect the blood vessels in the penis and medicines that affect hormone levels. Some of these medicines are used to treat common problems such as allergies, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and depression. Other things that can cause erectile


dysfunction include regular heavy drinking and using illegal recreational drugs. Smoking can also cause a problem because nicotine affects the blood supply to the area.


When to get help If you keep having erection problems, see your GP or go to a sexual health


clinic. This is important because erectile dysfunction can be an early sign of other health problems. For example, erection problems


caused by narrowed arteries is thought to develop several years before any other symptoms are visible. This is why erectile dysfunction is sometimes thought of as an early warning signal that heart disease or other cardiovascular diseases may be developing too. Your GP can also help if you’re taking


medication that you think may be affecting your sex life, as alternative treatments that don’t affect your sexual function may be available. Most importantly, don’t stop taking any medicines you’ve been prescribed without consulting your doctor first.


How is it treated? There are several treatments available for erection problems, including prescription medicines, injections and creams. Your GP may also recommend that


you see a psychosexual therapist or counsellor if you have erection problems caused by certain psychological issues.


Making changes to your lifestyle may


help improve the symptoms or reduce your risk of erection problems as well as give your general health a boost, including the following:


• Give up smoking • Lose weight if necessary • Eat a healthy balanced diet • Stick to a moderate alcohol intake • Avoid illegal recreational drugs • Be physically active


• Take positive steps to manage your stress levels – do something that makes you feel relaxed, for example


• If you have diabetes, make sure it’s under control by eating a healthy diet, staying physically active and losing weight if necessary


If you need help to make your lifestyle healthier, your local Careway pharmacist can offer lots of tips, advice and support. Find your nearest Careway pharmacy at www.careway.co.uk/find-a-pharmacy.


Finding the right words


If your partner is affected by erection problems, it can be a worry. Talking about erection problems can be difficult, and you may not know exactly how to approach the subject. But if your partner has a problem, getting them to talk about it can be helpful.


Try to find out as much about the condition as possible before you bring the subject up, and try to choose a good moment when they’re not stressed or too busy to talk. Start the conversation by explaining you understand what’s happening, and


that you support him 100 per cent. You could also suggest that he speaks to his GP to rule out any underlying causes. Do your research first - the more you know about erectile dysfunction, the


more likely you will be helpful, constructive and supportive. Make sure your partner is comfortable, not stressed and not busy when you start your conversation, and explain you understand what's happening, and that you support him 100 per cent. Remind him that erection problems can be a sign of underlying health


conditions, and encourage him to see his GP to rule out any underlying causes. Also let him know that there are many medications available now that may help.


50 All About health


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