Impotence Still Is "Taboo"

A recent survey of 1000 men in Great Britain revealed that 14% of British men with impotence have suicidal thoughts and wait many years before seeking help. Despite drugs to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), ~25% of the respondents said that they were too embarrassed to even discuss the problem with their wives. Also, >50% of men said that the condition caused a loss of self-confidence and self-esteem.

An estimated 2.3 million men in Britain have ED, but only 10% are being treated for the problem. Diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and hormonal deficiencies can cause impotence. Medical experts have suggested that men who develop ED visit their physician to get an effective treatment and to have a routine physical examination.