Almost 40% Newly married men suffer from ED

CHANDIGARH: Once considered a largely psychological problem, impotency is increasingly being linked to diabetes, thyroid disorders, injury to private parts and vascular and neurological diseases. In fact, studies suggest as many as 70% of men who complain of erectile dysfunction suffer from these medical conditions. Of 30 cases reported at PGI’s department of urology every week, at least 40% include newly married men.

The assistant professor at the department, Santosh Kumar, said, ‘‘In the past, couples would wait for years before seeking medical help. By that time, so many of them would be so dejected that divorce seemed the only option. However, now wives often drag their husbands into the clinic within the first week of marriage.’’

Doctors said most of these patients are between the age group of 20-40 years, with one-third having crossed 50.

‘‘Over 50% impotent men put off seeking help for a year or more. By this time, their marriage runs into trouble and separation stares them in their faces. And even when they do seek help, they are consulted by doctors who are uncomfortable with the subject or quick to blame it all on age,’’ added Kumar.

Providing hope, Kumar said impotency is curable in as many as 85-90% cases. ‘‘It is often a temporary condition associated with psychological disturbances,’’ he said.

According to various studies, alcohol, tobacco, performance anxiety, depression and stress could aggravate the problem. Many common medicines including blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, antidepressants, tranquilizers, appetite suppressants and cimetidine (an ulcer drug) could cause erectile dysfunction (ED) as a side effect. Emotional stress like depression, anxiety, failed relationship, guilt, mental stress or exhaustion lead to addiction either to drugs, alcohol or smoking, and all these are known factors for impotency, the doctor said.

Emotional factors affecting sex and men’s ability include interpersonal issues that relate to relationships and psychological problems.

Between 35 to 50% men with diabetes experience ED, Kumar said. Also, surgery, especially radical prostate and bladder surgery for cancer, could injure nerves and arteries near the penis, causing the condition. Injury to the penis, spinal cord, prostate, bladder, and pelvis are some other causes.

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