Don’t let erectile dysfunction spoil your Valentine’s Day
09 February, 2016
February 14th isn’t just St. Valentine’s Day; it’s also National Impotence Day. So before erectile dysfunction spoils your evening, visit the free service provided by Conifer Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Services.
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that lasts long enough for satisfactory sexual activity. It can affect men of all ages and can be linked with underlying conditions such as heart disease and diabetes; smoking, alcohol, lack of exercise and obesity can also contribute to the problem.
It is estimated that 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 will have some degree of erectile dysfunction at some point. The condition can lead to depression and cause relationship difficulties but many men experiencing erectile dysfunction are not aware that they can get safe, effective and completely confidential treatment from Conifer (run by City Health Care Partnership CIC).
June Agius, clinical nurse specialist in men's health at Conifer, said, "Erectile dysfunction does not usually go away on its own; the longer men leave it, the worse it becomes. Men suffering ED can become more anxious, it affects their confidence and self-esteem and can start impacting every area of their lives. I would encourage someone experiencing ED to seek help and advice sooner rather than later; pluck up the courage to talk to a health professional because help is available and you don’t need to suffer in silence.
Dr Uday Joshi, consultant in genito-urinary medicine and men’s health at Conifer, emphasised, “Men are not robots and often have too high expectations of their ‘performance’. Only few men have 100% reliable erections due to factors like fatigue, stress, anxiety, drugs, alcohol, side effects of medication or sexual boredom. Nonetheless, a persisting problem in achieving and maintaining an erection needs to be investigated and not just for the man and his partner’s sexual and psychological wellbeing.
“Problems with erections can be the first sign of blocked arteries and talking to a healthcare professional can lead to investigations to exclude problems like heart problems, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes or prostate problems. Being brave enough to talk about this very personal problem can actually save your life by leading to the prevention of a heart attack or a stroke later on.”
City Health Care Partnership CIC’s Conifer Service offers confidential and specialist advice and will work with you to see which is the most appropriate treatment for you. Advice on life style change, stopping smoking and weight management also can be arranged.
For more information on the service please text ‘TACKLE’ to 61825 (normal network rates apply), visit www.conifersexhealth.co.uk or call Conifer on 01482 336392, Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm. You can also talk to your GP about a referral to the service.
