HEALTH: ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION.
How’s your sex life? If erectile dysfunction is an issue, getting reputable advice could be easier and less embarrassing than you think.
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual performances. In other words, not being able to get it up for sex.
It sounds scary, but most doctors suggest you only need to seek help if the issue persists for longer than three months.
What’s more, it’s very common. One in two Australian men will have had sexual difficulties, and about 40 percent of men will have had experienced ED. While ED can increase with age, it can also affect younger men, too.
Research finds that around 25 percent of men under 40 have been affected by it, 40 per cent of men by the age of 40, and nearly 70 per cent by age 70.
Some people think ED is just a problem in our heads; they may explain a failed hookups as just be performance anxiety, or in a relationship because we don’t find our man attractive anymore. But while the brain does play a role in triggering sexual excitement, it’s unlikely to be caused by your boyfriend’s dodgy covid haircut and a couple of extra kilos.
Instead, ED is more likely to be due to physical factors. It’s closely associated with diabetes, being overweight, smoking (including cannabis) and excessive alcohol consumption.
ED can also flag other health problems like high blood pressure, blocked arteries and heart disease years before being diagnosed. ED is not all in our heads and is something we really need to take quite seriously.
Unfortunately, this is where a lot of men go astray. Instead of consulting a GP, some end up with Dr Google, which can result in being bombarded by pop-up ads for pills promising to make you rock hard. These are definitely not recommended.
Many men are embarrassed about seeking help for ED. It may be something they’re not comfortable talking about with their regular GP or family doctor.
There is a work-around, thankfully, and that’s tele-health services like Pilot.com.au.
Pilot is an online service that directly connects patients to doctors securely and confidentially. The service was specifically set up to tackle stigmatised health issues that affect men such as ED, hair loss and premature ejaculation.
The tele-health option means no waiting rooms, no awkward chat, no trip to the chemist.
The tele-health option means no doctor’s waiting rooms, no time off work, no awkward chat, no trip to the chemist. It’s a convenient, embarrassment-free way for men to consult with a proper doctor.
Visitors to the website are directed to fill out a health questionnaire targeted specifically around ED, which is then sent to one of Pilot’s team of Australian doctors. They personally review all the information and respond within 24 hours to obtain any further info that they may require. Then, if you’re eligible, the doctor can prescribe the ED treatment that is best suited to you.
Pilot has teamed up with numerous Australian pharmacies, so you needn’t even leave the house to pick up the prescription. Instead, all prescriptions are sent out in discreet packaging, direct to your door.
So, while a failed one-night stand is likely nothing to worry about, a persistent issue is something to take more seriously. Consult a doctor, be that in person or via a service like Pilot. Then get back on the job!