Survey reveals ED awareness prevalent, rarely discussed nor treated

While erectile dysfunction (ED) knowledge is widespread, many are reluctant to act on their condition, reveals a new survey.

According to the findings of a new online survey conducted by A. Menarini Singapore Pte Ltd, about 88 percent of respondents knew about ED, causes and common symptoms of the condition. The survey had participants of both genders. Unfortunately, the survey also found that 41.5 percent of respondents were somewhat unlikely to visit a doctor if they were struggling with ED. Thus, despite widespread awareness and comprehension of ED, Malaysians remain reluctant to seek professional assistance.

The 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS 2019) found that 47.1 percent of sexually active Malaysian men aged 18 and above had probable mild ED while 31.6 percent had probable moderate to severe ED. ED is defined as the persistent inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual performance.

Naturalness and spontaneity are important determinants of sexual intercourse. For patients with ED, the additional concerns regarding spontaneity in sex can exacerbate psychological wellbeing, thereby reducing their ability to engage in successful intercourse. In this survey, 24.5 percent and 32.1 percent of respondents stated that ED has a negative impact on their mental health and occasionally causes frustration, respectively. This led to their quality of life being negatively affected. Similarly, 55.7 percent of women whose partners struggle with ED reported that their confidence and personal satisfaction were affected when sexual activity is interrupted.

The male respondents cited the top three causes for their struggles with maintaining an erection as stress and anxiety (34 percent), exhaustion (32.1 percent), and other personal reasons (15.1 percent). From the point of view of the female respondents, the top three causes for their partner’s struggles with ED are stress and anxiety (71.4 percent), exhaustion (65.7 percent), and embarrassment or low self-esteem (31.4 percent). In general, the survey findings have revealed that ED is a medical condition that takes a toll on not only the patient but also the loved ones.

Even though a large number of respondents reported being able to initiate conversations about ED and sexual health with their partners (41.5 percent of male respondents and 44.3 percent of female respondents), the majority of respondents said they were unlikely to consult a healthcare professional when struggling with ED.

The survey results were revealed as part of the launch of a new phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5i) drug called avanafil.  The new drug is indicated in the treatment of ED and claims to have a fast onset of action of around 30 minutes after ingestion, with a half-life of between 6 and 17 hours.

The launch featured a panel discussion comprising Professor Dato’ Dr Zulkifli Md Zainuddin, consultant urologist, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM (HCTM); Chan Fun Shin, registered counsellor and sex therapist; and Jasmine King, sex positive advocate and founder of Jas Explains.

The following are excerpts from the panel discussion. 

Professor Dato’ Dr Zulkifli Md Zainuddin

 Professor Dato’ Dr Zulkifli Md Zainuddin

• 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.

Chan Fun Shin

 Chan Fun Shin 

• There are four major causes of ED: stress, anxiety, unhappy relationship, and low self-esteem. 

• It’s important to have the mentality that sex is not a one-way street—it’s a partnership, it’s a dance between partners. 

 

Jasmine King

Jasmine King