Erectile Dysfunction - It's Not Unusual

Recently, the one and only Sir Tom Jones have shared that he has experienced erectile dysfunction and uses Viagra (Sildenafil) to manage it. He said, “A little help here and it is alright. There is no shame in that at 80. You gotta do what you gotta do”.

To share more on erectile dysfunction, Lorraine Grover who is a Psychosexual Nurse Specialist working as part of the Oxford Online Pharmacy team has answered some frequently asked questions below:

How common is erectile dysfunction (ED)?

 It’s not unusual (excuse the pun!) for erectile dysfunction (ED) to happen at some point in a man or person with a penis’s life. At least 1:10 of men suffer from it and it can happen at any age and ageing is strongly associated with ED. As there is a correlation between it occurring as you get older, it is important to recognise this can be expected and is nothing to be ashamed of. But do not assume you should leave things as they are and that it may only be due to ageing. It is thought that 50% of diabetic men over the age of 50 suffer from ED.

What treatments are available for erectile dysfunction (ED)?

ED not only affects physical health but also has a significant impact on psychological well-being. Combining medication with sex therapy often results in a more comprehensive treatment plan. Among the options, tablets like Sildenafil and Tadalafil tablets for ED are frequently the first choice. It's important to note that these medications do require sexual stimulation to work effectively.

Alternative treatments such as topical cream are easy to use, although it does have limited success for some. Waxy pellets can be inserted down the urethra (the tube through the penis that carries urine) and help to get an erection.

Penile injections are highly effective, the needle is tiny and goes into the shaft of the penis. You must be taught how to self-inject and start with a low dose to prevent getting an erection that will last too long (priapism).

A vacuum constriction device (pump) has a role in some forms of ED, especially alongside medication.

If what is tried does not work well enough for you there are even penile implants.

Do I need to get any tests because I am experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED)?

A baseline assessment is good to get as we know that ED can be a sign you may have underlying health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidaemia (high cholesterol), depression or thyroid problems. Recreational drugs, this includes nicotine and alcohol can affect erectile function. Some medications prescribed to treat other health conditions can have the side effect of causing or making worse pre-existing erectile dysfunction such as statins or anti-hypertensive (blood pressure) tablets.

I’m nervous about getting help, what should I do?

Recognising you have the problem is a step in the right direction rather than ignoring it and hoping it will go away!

Life events such as relationships, and this includes changes within relationships such as bereavement or divorce, sexuality, tiredness, and financial or work stresses can all have a psychological and physical impact on erections. Please don’t suffer in silence.

As it is so common, we talk to people daily about ED and other sexual difficulties. To us, it is no different to discussing other healthcare issues/problems like the common cold. The more we help to ‘normalise’ and raise awareness about ED the better, as it can have an impact not only on an individual but also on partners and relationships.

If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction and would like to learn more, visit our Erectile Dysfunction guide. A wide range of treatments are available and if you are still unsure, contact us to discuss the best option for you.

If you would like to book a consultation with Lorraine, you can find further information and contact details on her website.

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