Erectile dysfunction can be a pointer of other health problems

ReCently, during the official launch of the Pharmacy Academy by Pfizer Nigeria, a Consultant Urologist Dr. Funmilade Omisanjo, noted that Nigerian men with the problem of Erectile Eysfunction, ED, do not often get treatment because they do not talk about the condition. In this chat with Sola Ogundipe, Omisanjo, who is also a Senior Lecturer with the Lagos State University College of Medicine, LASUCOM, talks about the causes, treatment and prevention of ED. Excerpts: 

Situation of ED in Nigeria today

Figures we have with us suggest that at least 30-40 pecent of men above the age of 40 will have some degree of Erectile Dysfunction, ED. By the time you look at men who are 60 years and above, at least 25 percent of them will have the very severe form of ED. What that means is that if you sit amongst a group of 50 year-olds you can expect one out of every two of them to have some degree of ED. For most it will be the very mild form, mild in the sense that the men can still have some sexual intercourse but the extent of the hardness of the penis is not what it used to be. We measure ED not in the presence or absence of erection, but we also talk about the turgidity of the male sex organ. So it is roughly about one in two in men above 50 years that have mild degree of ED.

Remote and unseen causes of ED 

ED is basically age-relate. As people get older you would expect some deterioration in their sexual function. Above 50 years, women approach menopause while men approach what is loosely termed andropause. Age and lifestyle are very important factors. Obesity is necessitated with lack of exercise, people who are sedentary who don’t do my physical activity. That kind of lifestyle will also predispose people to ED. Smoking and alcohol are also significant. Most of the recreational drugs actually have negative side effects on erection. Various co-morbidity diseases like diabetes mellitus, hypodermia, high level cholesterol, high blood pressure, problems with the nerves, and of course, medications are also significant.

Effect of roadside herbal sellers and energy drinks 

Curiously you may find out that those local herbs hawked around do work sometimes, although at the expense of some other things. Those local mixtures are invariably soaked in alcohol, and that in itself, can be a risk factor for ED. Besides that, chronic intake of alcohol can have other side effects on the liver and all that. You can never tell what the concentrations of these things are. In as much some of these do work, we do not prescribe them routinely, and we don’t encourage men to take herbal remedies for treatment of ED. We always advise that they seek expert opinion for proper evaluation and treatment because there are well proven medications that work. What is more important is that ED can be a pointer of other problems, so in as much as you want to treat ED, it is important to evaluate that man fully because some men with ED may have a cardiovascular diseases that needs to be sorted out. So it is not enough for the man to feel he has ED on his own go about taking herbal remedies.

Role of pharmacist 

In as much as we like patients coming to us sometimes, pharmacists invariably are the first point of call because of the way most pharmacy stores are structured. Patients sometimes find it easier to go to a pharmacy in the neighbourhood than going to a doctor. Patients who have ED sometimes will come under the cover of all other ailments. Sometimes they come to request for energy boost or some herbal supplements. When people come with loose complaints like these, the pharmacist should take out time to discuss with the patient and encourage the patient to see an expert. This may be the only way to pick cases of ED in some of these men. Most men will not want to come out to talk about the problem.

Tips to prevent erectile dysfunction:

Drink alcohol in moderation or not at all. There is no evidence that mild or even moderate alcohol consumption is bad for erectile function, but chronic heavy drinking can cause liver damage, nerve damage, and other conditions, such as interfering with the normal balance of male sex hormone levels, that can lead to ED.
 

Exercise regularly 

Strong evidence links a sedentary lifestyle to erectile dysfunction. Running, swimming, and other forms of aerobic exercise have been shown to help prevent ED. Watch out for exercises e.g, bicycle riding, that put excessive pressure on the perineum, which is the area between the scrotum and anus. Both the blood vessels and the nerves that supply the penis can be adversely affected from excessive pressure in this area.
 

Watch what you eat 

A diet that’s bad for a man’s heart is also not good for his ability to have erections. Research has shown that the same eating patterns that can cause heart attacks due to restricted blood flow in the coronary arteries can also impede blood flow to and within the penis. Diets that include very few fruits and vegetables along with lots of fatty, fried, and processed foods can contribute to decreased blood circulation throughout the body.
 

How to solve erection problems 

It can be embarrassing to talk to your doctor about your sex life, but it’s the best way to get treated and get back to being intimate with your partner. Your doctor can pinpoint the source of the problem and may recommend lifestyle interventions like quitting smoking or losing weight. Other treatment options may include ED drugs, hormone treatments, a suction device that helps create an erection, or counseling.