Impotence still a taboo subject for men

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 ◆ Impotence still a taboo subject for men

Just the mention of the word raises eyebrows or prompts crude jokes for despite the sexual revolution and Viagra, impotence is still a taboo subject.

It affects about one in 10 men and the numbers increase with age. But because of the sensitivity and embarrassment surrounding it, nearly 50% of men do not seek advice about the problem and some suffer silently for decades.

Yet 95% of cases can be successfully treated.

"It has a huge effect on their feelings. It makes them feel worried or anxious and lack confidence," Ann Tailor, the director of the Impotence Association in Britain, told Reuters.

"Some men describe it as losing their identity or not feeling like a real man."
Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, affects more than just the men's sex lives. It influences relationships, jobs and family life.

In her seven years as head of the charity, Tailor said she has spoken to thousands of men suffering from impotence, some of whom have contemplated suicide.

"Because they are so shamed by it, it affects every aspect of their lives," she said.
Interim results of an association survey of more than 3,000 impotent men, presented at a conference on men's health, showed that most suffer for two to three years before seeking help. Many have not even spoken about their problem to their partners.

Nearly 70% of the men who responded to the poll said they were worried or anxious about their impotence. Sixty-six percent were depressed and eight percent said it affected their jobs.

In almost half of the patients, impotence caused a problem with their relationships and in nine percent of cases it precipitated a breakup with their partners.
NEW DRUGS, OLD ATTITUDES

Tailor said publicity surrounding the launch of the anti-impotence drug Viagra quadrupled the normal 1,000 calls per month to the association's anonymous help line and undoubtedly increased awareness of impotence.

But men's attitudes haven't changed. "It's still a taboo subject," she said.

"The public awareness has changed but the individuals--how they feel--that hasn't changed but at least they are more aware that there is help."

A variety of treatments, ranging from drugs and implants to surgery and psychotherapy is available and new drugs that could rival the success of Viagra will be launched early next year.

Tiredness, stress, anxiety, depression and side effects of medication can cause impotence but an estimated 70% of cases are due to a physical problem.

Blocked arteries to the penis, nerve damage, hormone abnormalities, diabetes, heart disease, cancer of the prostate, drug and alcohol abuse and the side effects of some medicines can also cause impotence.

Tailor said the main aim of the association is to get men to see a doctor because there is usually an underlying cause to the problem that can be treated.

As many as 88% of the men who responded to the survey and who received treatment said it had improved their lives.