The ED Conversation Dilemma: Forty Percent Of Men With ED Don't Talk To Their Doctor, Survey Finds

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/115546.php
A new survey reveals that while 82 percent of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) surveyed recognize it as an indicator of other health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, nearly 40 percent have never discussed the condition with their doctors. The survey, conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs and sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), makers of Cialis® (tadalafil), was designed to further understand men's current beliefs about ED and ED treatment options, as well as the perceptions men have about communicating with their healthcare professional about ED.
"Sexual health is considered by many doctors as the window into a man's overall health -- for instance, erectile dysfunction can be an indicator of other health issues," said Ridwan Shabsigh, M.D., director of the Division of Urology at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY and professor of clinical urology at Columbia University. "It's important for men with ED to talk with their healthcare professional about ED and its treatment options. For instance, Cialis for once daily use is a new low-dose ED treatment option taken once a day and may be right for some men."
Perceived Barriers to the ED Conversation
According to the Ipsos survey results, discomfort discussing ED ranked as the number one barrier to good communication between a man and his doctor -- mentioned by 74 percent of men with ED who participated in the survey. The survey also found that, despite their discomfort, 64 percent of ED sufferers surveyed wished they knew more about ED and its treatments.
"Unfortunately, men tend not to talk about ED with their partner, their doctor or their friends," said Michael A. Perelman, Ph.D., co-director of the Human Sexuality Program at the Payne Whitney Clinic at NY Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City. "As a psychologist and sexual medicine specialist, I would encourage any man who thinks he might have ED to talk with a healthcare professional to learn about available treatment options."