Valentine's Day may prove a disappointment for one in three Aussie blokes
Thursday February 12, 2009
Like a wilted Valentine's Day rose, February 14 will see around 1 in 3 Australian men experiencing suboptimal erections. Additionally, despite the machismo image of Aussie blokes, the latest sexual health survey sponsored by Pfizer shows that 60% of men are not 'completely' or 'very satisfied' with their sex lives.
Conducted in 13 Asia Pacific countries including Australia, the Australian component of the survey found that men are not alone when it comes to the bedroom blues. Around 60% of women have a less-than-sizzling sex life, as they are also not 'completely' or 'very satisfied'.
Dr Rosie King, Sexual Health Physician, Sydney Centre for Sexual and Relationship Therapy, said, "Men and women across Australia should be encouraged to speak to their doctors about sexual health issues, including suboptimal erections (erections that are not as hard as they could be), because of the impact it can have on other aspects of life."
There is evidence of the association between optimal erectile function and men's and women's overall outlook on life, attitudes about sex and men's sexual health and performance.
54% of men with optimal erectile function say that it is 'very true' that they feel good about their relationships compared to 47% of men with suboptimal erections. Among women, this difference is significantly more pronounced ? 65% of women whose partners have optimal erection function say that it is 'very true' that they feel good about their relationships, compared to only 32% of women whose partners have suboptimal erections.
The survey also found that men and women who are 'completely' or 'very satisfied' with sex are more than three times more likely to feel good about their relationships and life overall compared to those who are only 'somewhat' or 'not at all satisfied' with sex.
Furthermore, men and women with higher sex satisfaction scores strongly believe in the positive impact of sex on their overall wellness.
"Erectile Dysfunction (ED) should be regarded as a shared sexual problem which affects both patient and his partner," said Dr King. "Integrating the partner into a couple-based approach to the management of ED is often useful.
"Couples who can talk openly have a great advantage. Sharing fears and worries is the first step toward feeling better. Decide if you're both motivated to resolve the problem. Successful treatment is available and your next step is to get good information about your options for treatment. Visit your GP together to learn more about what treatment options are best for you."
There are lots of things that can cause, or contribute to, erection problems such as medicines, medical conditions that affect the blood vessels and/or nerves, diabetes, ongoing illnesses, prostate problems, low levels or an imbalance of male hormones, physical problems with the penis, the effects of surgery or radiation therapy to the pelvis, cigarette smoking, drinking alcohol, psychological stress and relationship issues.
"Whatever the cause of the problem, contact your GP who can help you find the best way to manage ED," advised Dr King.