London - Just the mention of the word raises eyebrows or prompts crude jokes for despite the sexual revolution and Viagra, impotence is still a taboo subject.
It affects about one in 10 men and the numbers increase with age. But because of the sensitivity and embarrassment surrounding it, nearly 50 percent of men do not seek advice about the problem and some suffer silently for decades.
Yet 95 percent of cases can be successfully treated.
"It has a huge effect on their feelings. It makes them feel worried or anxious and lack confidence," Ann Tailor, the director of the Impotence Association in Britain, told reporters.
"Some men describe it as losing their identity or not feeling like a real man."
Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, affects more than just the men's sex lives. It influences relationships, jobs and family life.
In her seven years as head of the charity, Tailor said she has spoken to thousands of men suffering from impotence, some of whom have contemplated suicide.
"Because they are so shamed by it, it affects every aspect of their lives," she said.
Interim results of an association survey of more than 3,000 impotent men, presented at a conference on men's health, showed that most suffer for two to three years before seeking help. Many have not even spoken about their problem to their partners.
Nearly 70 percent of the men who responded to the poll said they were worried or anxious about their impotence. Sixty-six percent were depressed and eight percent said it affected their jobs.
In almost half of the patients, impotence caused a problem with their relationships and in nine percent of cases it precipitated a breakup with their partners.
New drugs, old attitudes
Tailor said publicity surrounding the launch of the anti-impotence drug Viagra quadrupled the normal 1,000 calls per month to the association's anonymous helpline and undoubtedly increased awareness of impotence.
But men's attitudes haven't changed. "It's still a taboo subject," she said.
A variety of treatments, ranging from drugs and implants to surgery and psychotherapy is available and new drugs that could rival the success of Viagra will be launched early next year.
(Shanghai Star December 25, 2002)
