Struggling to perform? Get a diabetes check

ALL men will occasionally fail to either get or maintain an erection. It doesn’t mean there’s a serious or permanent problem.

Studies have shown that about one in ten suffer regularly from erectile dysfunction and it’s far more common with age.

Most men avoid talking to their GP – or their partner – about it. And yet it’s potentially really easy to solve.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Stress, tiredness, anxiety or drinking too much alcohol are the most common causes of an intermittent problem.

But an erection also relies on having a healthy circulation, so in some cases it might be an early sign of more serious — but treatable — conditions such as heart problems or diabetes.

Men with diabetes are three times more likely to have erection problems, and it’s really common for patients to come to clinics seeking help with impotence only to find they’ve got diabetes.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Erection problems can be treated easily with drugs such as Viagra, which increases blood flow to the penis. However, men who have previously had a stroke or heart attack shouldn’t take Viagra.

Those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may be advised to lose weight or take medication to lower blood sugar levels, and if there’s any sign of cardiovascular disease a statin might be offered to reduce cholesterol. This in itself can help. You might be tested for your testosterone level too.

Just don’t be tempted to buy Viagra online –

¤19 million worth of unlicensed or counterfeit

Viagra was seized in 2016 alone. At best, they won’t do anything, but at worst they could be dangerous.

‘Go and see your GP — don’t self-diagnose — and get your overall health checked,’ says Jim Pollard from the Men’s Health Forum.