ED affects men’s health, lifestyle

Erectile Dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is a type of medical condition that affects approximately 130 million men worldwide from the age of 40 upwards. It may also be a symptom of other medical conditions that men experience. Diseases of the heart and vascular system such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol may manifest itself in ED.

Fifty percent of men who have diabetes suffer from ED.

Studies also show that 30 percent of men suffering from high blood pressure suffer from ED. By screening for ED, doctors may be able to preserve or improve the quality of lives of their patients.

"Sexual health is important even to the aging couple," said Dr. Jose Albert Reyes III, president of the Philippine Society of the Study for Aging Male (PHISSAM), in a recent briefing with the press.

"It is associated with overall health and happiness," he added.

According to Reyes, majority of men with ED say the condition makes them anxious and depressed, and diminishes their self-confidence. A quarter of them say their condition make them feel unattractive.
Reyes added that about 80 percent of men with ED experience some form of relationship problems because of their condition.

"The emotional and mental stress caused by erection problems can mean that men avoid intimate situations with a partner," he said.

Advances in technology and research have paved the way for the development of successful treatment for ED. However, even with available treatment options in the market, many men are still afraid or shy to talk about their condition with their doctors.

Compounding this problem is the proliferation of fake medicines for ED that put the patients’ health at risk.

The Men’s Health Check program was recently launched as a response to these concerns.

The program is designed not only to help patients obtain genuine medicine for treating their condition but also to encourage them to see their doctors regularly and take responsibility for improving their health and overall well-being.

The program will also help fight the growing problem of the counterfeit medicine trade, which poses a significant health risk to unsuspecting consumers who unknowingly buy fake medicines.

For more information on the program, patients may consult their doctors or call the hotline at 671-1000 for Metro Manila residents and toll-free 1800-10-6711000 for those in the provinces.

Aside from a healthy lifestyle, a regular visit to the doctor can lead to a longer life. Research data show that women, who see their doctors three times more often than men, outlive men by five years.

The life expectancy of Filipino males is 67.2 years, while females live for 72.5.

By visiting their doctors regularly, men can be checked and treated appropriately early for common ailments that afflict them in their later years such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prostate diseases, diabetes and erectile dysfunction.