Malaysia-based A. Menarini Singapore Pte Ltd recently conducted an online survey on the general understanding and awareness of erectile dysfunction (ED) among Malaysians.
ED is defined as the persistent inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient to allow satisfactory sexual performance. According to the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey, 47.1% of sexually active Malaysian men aged 18 and above had probable mild ED and 31.6% had probable moderate to severe ED.
ED Awareness not enough to make a change
The survey was carried out by A. Menarini found that 87.9% of respondents were able to define ED, as well as recognize its typical symptoms and root causes. However, the survey also showed that 41.5% of respondents said they were somewhat unlikely to see a doctor if they were having ED problems. Malaysians are still apprehensive about seeking out professional help despite a general awareness and understanding of ED.
According to Amelia Mok, General Manager of A. Menarini Singapore, despite the increased awareness about ED, there are still more conversations to be had about understanding this treatable condition.
ED’s impact patients and loved ones
Naturalness and spontaneity are some of the factors that lead to successful relationships, and for ED patients, time-to-effect is a key factor. For ED patients, spontaneity in sex can exacerbate psychological issues, making it harder to have satisfying sexual encounters.
In this survey, 24.5% and 32.1% of participants claimed that having ED has a negative impact on their mental health and can occasionally make them frustrated, respectively. In a similar vein, 55.7% of respondents said that when their partners’ ED causes an interruption in their sexual relations, it affects their confidence and sense of fulfillment.
Stress and anxiety (34%), exhaustion (32.1%), and other personal reasons (15.1%) were the top three reasons given by the male survey respondents for their struggles with erection maintenance. According to the female respondents, stress and anxiety (71.4%), exhaustion (65.7%), and embarrassment or low self-esteem (31.4%), are the top three reasons why their partner struggles with ED. Overall, the survey results showed that ED is a medical condition that has an impact on the patient as well as their loved ones.
Seeking professional help
It can be challenging to start a conversation about erectile dysfunction, and while the Malaysian respondents are able to discuss sexual health with their partners, most of them are unlikely to visit a doctor when they experience ED. 44.3% of women and 41.5% of men who participated in the survey said they can talk to their partners about intimacy and sexual health.
Patients with ED and their loved ones are urged to consult with a health professional to improve their quality of life.When asked to list the top three treatments for erectile dysfunction, Malaysians responded with oral medications or pills (70.1%), testosterone therapy (52.3%), and conventional and herbal remedies (43%).
Mok stated that A. Menarini’s goal is to raise awareness about men’s health and educate the public about the benefits of seeking medical help, as ED is a common medical condition. (Press Release)