A survey which was conducted amongst South African couples has revealed some alarming results concerning the naivety that exists regarding the fact that men can suffer from erection problems.

Ninety one percent of respondents did not agree with the fact that men can have a problem achieving an erection, and a further 95 percent were not aware that there are a number of effective treatments options for a condition such as erectile dysfunction (ED). Ninety seven percent of respondents were also not aware that certain risk factors that can predispose men to ED.

Erectile Dysfunction has been defined as the constant inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory intercourse.

Overall, 52 percent of men aged between 40 and 70 years of age will suffer from some form of ED. There are also many well known and researched risk factors that can predispose men to developing ED.

These include:

Getting older
As many as 80 percent of men 75 and older have erectile dysfunction. Many men begin to notice changes in sexual function as they get older. Erections may take longer to develop or may not be as rigid. But erectile dysfunction is not an inevitable consequence of normal aging. Erectile dysfunction often occurs in older men mainly because they are more likely to have underlying health conditions or take medications that interfere with erectile function.

Having a chronic health condition
Diseases of the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, nerves, arteries or veins can lead to erectile dysfunction. So can endocrine system disorders, particularly diabetes. The accumulation of deposits (plaques) in your arteries (atherosclerosis) can also prevent adequate blood from entering the penis. In some men, erectile dysfunction may be caused by low levels of testosterone.

Taking certain medications
A wide range of drugs — including antidepressants, antihistamines and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain and prostate cancer — can cause erectile dysfunction by interfering with nerve impulses or blood flow to the penis. Tranquilizers and sleeping aids also can pose a problem.

Certain surgeries or injuries
Damage to the nerves that control erections can cause erectile dysfunction. This damage can occur if you injure your pelvic area or spinal cord. Surgery to treat bladder, rectal or prostate cancer can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction.

Substance abuse
Chronic use of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs often causes erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual drive.

Stress, anxiety or depression
Other psychological conditions also contribute to some cases of erectile dysfunction.

Smoking
Smoking can cause erectile dysfunction because it restricts blood flow to veins and arteries. Men who smoke cigarettes are much more likely to develop erectile dysfunction.

Obesity
Men who are obese are much more likely to have erectile dysfunction than are men at a normal weight.

Metabolic syndrome
This syndrome is characterised by belly fat, unhealthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance.

Prolonged bicycling
Over an extended period, pressure from a bicycle seat has been shown to compress nerves and blood flow to the penis, leading to temporary erectile dysfunction.

There are many underlying causes of ED, with reduced blood flow to the penis and nerve damage being the most common of physical causes. Research has shown that physical causes are found in 80-90 percent of patients with ED.

"It is very important that sufferers seek treatment for their erectile dysfunction sooner rather than later — not only because it can affect their quality of life but also because ED could be a warning sign of a deeper hidden and more serious ailments," says Dr Frans Korb, a psychiatrist and clinical research physician.

Since the introduction 10 years ago of oral PDE 5 inhibitors globally, which revolutionised the evaluation and treatment of ED, over 40 million men have been successfully treated with these compounds, of which there are currently three types on the market.

"There are safe, proven and effective oral treatments that can be prescribed by your doctor," concludes Dr Frans Korb. "The sooner you make an appointment to see your GP, the sooner your ED can be treated and the sooner intimacy can be returned to your relationship."

Speak to your doctor if you suspect that you, or you partner, is suffering from erectile dysfunction.

For more information, go to www.36hours-of-freedom.co.za