Almost Half Of Men Surveyed Unlikely To Seek Professional Help For Erectile Dysfunction
Dr Zulkifli Md Zainuddin said that the current age groups of those diagnosed with ED are getting younger by the day.
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Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a frustrating, embarrassing experience for men, but finding the courage to seek treatment might do more than remedy the bedroom issue.
A. Menarini Singapore Pte Ltd — a subsidiary of leading Italian pharmaceutical company Menarini Group — recently conducted an online survey on the general understanding and awareness of ED among Malaysians.
According to the survey, 87.9% of respondents were able to understand the meaning of ED and identify the common symptoms and causes of it.
However, the survey also revealed that 41.5% responded somewhat unlikely when it comes to seeing a health practitioner if struggling with ED.
Despite general awareness and understanding about ED, the study also found that Malaysians are still hesitant about seeking out professional help.
The Impact of ED on Patients and Loved Ones
The survey also found that 24.5% and 32.1% of respondents stated that ED takes a toll on their mental health and sometimes causes frustration respectively, thus affecting their quality of life.
Similarly, for women with partners that struggle with ED, 55.7% of respondents revealed that their confidence and personal satisfaction are affected when intercourse is interrupted due to ED.
Several male survey respondents also cited the top three causes for their struggles with maintaining an erection as stress and anxiety (34%), exhaustion (32.1%), and other personal reasons (15.1%).
Causes For Erectile Dysfunction
According to registered counsellor and sex therapist Chan Fun Shin, these are the four major psychological issues associated with ED:
- Stress, which can come in the form of work, family, partners, obligations and so on. These can exist both internally and externally.
- Anxiety which may stem from traumatic experiences in bed which in return cause performance anxiety for performance-oriented people.
- The pressures that come from unhappy relationships which may involve pressures and unresolved issues outside the bedroom.
- Low self-esteem due to influences from porn because of expectations.
Prevalence Of Erectile Dysfunction In Malaysia
According to consultant urologist at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Prof Dato’ Dr Zulkifli Md Zainuddin, the current age groups of those diagnosed with ED are getting younger by the day.
Unfortunately, we don’t have updated national data on ED in Malaysia, but from our clinical practices and experience, we’re seeing a high number of people struggling with ED.
Consultant urologist at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Prof Dato’ Dr Zulkifli Md Zainuddin
He also added that the numbers are now standing at at least 50% to 55% across all ages.
Dr Zulkifli also noted that patients tend to prefer to find alternative “cures” rather than seek medical help.
He pointed out that these alternative treatments include traditional penis massage — known as “urut batin”.
He also added that when patients come to see the urologist, it’s almost always at the late stage — not in terms of treatment but in terms of their quality of life with their partner.
We see people with ED coming to see us on the verge of divorce, depressed, and experiencing relationship issues. On a side note, there is also an increasing trend with men being accompanied by their partners to the ED clinic.
Consultant urologist at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Prof Dato’ Dr Zulkifli Md Zainuddin
Taking The Next Step With ED
Sex positive advocate and founder of Jas Explains Jasmine King explained that while there is still a lot of shame surrounding ED, sex issues, and relationship issues, Malaysians are generally interested and eager to have these conversations.
The age groups of the people that attend my workshops are between the ages 20 to 40 years old. Those with ED find it difficult to have conversations regarding the problem with their partner due to insecurities. However, it is no secret that they and their partners are both impacted by this, and this is why conversations are so important.
Sex positive advocate and founder of Jas Explains Jasmine King
What’s the way forward you may ask?
According to King, it is to engage in open and honest conversations with your partner.
Talk openly and honestly — it’s never too late to have a conversation. Have a conversation when you’re not in HAT (Hot, Angry, Tired), find a mutual time that works for the both of you. Ultimately, the most important thing is to educate yourself, get the facts ready before you speak.
Sex positive advocate and founder of Jas Explains Jasmine King
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