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November 04, 2009 11:17 AM
'Manhood Down', Many Still Reluctant To Seek Help
By Zulkiple Ibrahim
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Amin is a 35-year-old senior executive at a public relations agency in the city. After 10 years of marriage and two children, Amin's married life is not like it 'used to be'.
The reason?
Amin is among those who are suffering from Erectile Dysfunction or 'ED'.
"I had tried Viagra but it does not help," Amin had told the specialist who is treating him.
Amin's 'male impotence' is causing him to be depressed, frustrated and embarrased as his wife thinks that he has lost interest in her, said the specialist who wished to be named only as Dr Lee in order to protect Amin's real identity.
"Viagra may work for some people, but it may not be effective in others. However there are other ways to help those with ED and they should not be despair as there is a way out from this problem," he said.
Erectile dysfunction can greatly affect a man's sex life and his self-esteem, said Dr Lee.
WHAT IS ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION?
A man has erection problems if he cannot get or keep an erection that is firm enough for him to have sex. This problem is known erectile dysfunction or impotence.
Dr Lee said erection problems can occur at any age but the situation is more common in older men as they often have other health problems. ED is linked to health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol level.
For men who drink too much alcohol, smoke, or use illicit drugs, they are at risk to ED.
Anxiety, stress, or depression can contribute to ED. Impotence may be also caused by injury to the nerves or loss of blood supply to the penis.
Among the other causes are surgery and injury to the pelvic area. ED is also linked to problems with the nervous system such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.
"However some medicines may cause erection problems. If you have erection problems after taking a medicine, then consult your doctor immediately as this could be a side effect of the medicine," said Dr lee.
TREATMENT
Dr Lee said doctors would usually begin by asking the patients to change their lifestyle.
"Change your lifestyle such as avoiding tobacco, drugs and alcohol. Stop the taking of medicines that may be causing the problem.
"Take prescribed medicine that can help you get erections. These include Viagra, Cialis and Levitra but these drugs may not work in all persons. You have to consult your doctor first on this. It is also important to eat healthy food and do enough exercise," he said.
The other modes of treatment are using vacuum devices, getting injection of drugs into the penis or having surgery to place an implant in the organ.
Can ED be prevented?
"To reduce the risk of having ED, do not smoke, consume alcohol or use illicit drugs. Relax and reduce stress," said Dr lee.
IGNORANCE
Dr Lee said many men with ED believe that if Viagra fails, then they have no hope in resolving the impotence that they are experiencing.
"Every man who has ED can be helped but the the main reason behind the persistence of this problem is ignorance by the patient himself".
"Men with sexual problems like ED should not be shy to get help as there are a number of ways to help them," he said.
-- BERNAMA
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