After Prostate Cancer, Most Men Don’t Seek Treatment for ED

Some of the men who need the most help for erectile dysfunction (ED) don’t bother to seek it out.

Study results: 85% don’t fill their prescription

According to an article on ProstateCancerNewsToday.com, men diagnosed with prostate cancer have “earned the dubious distinction of being identified as the group least likely to treat their erectile dysfunction.”

More specifically, a study of men with ED from Northshore University Health System and the University of Chicago showed that only 15% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer who were given a prescription for ED followed through and got their prescription filled.

That doesn’t count the men with prostate cancer who never sought help.

Why seek help for ED?

Erectile dysfunction brings with it a number of additional problems, including mental and emotional side effects.

Men may experience lowered self-esteem, a feeling of being less masculine, and decreased confidence.

In addition to affecting a man’s sexual and emotional relationship with his partner, it may also affect his performance at work.

Treatment options for erectile dysfunction

Thanks to advances in pharmaceuticals, as well as medical research and technology, men now have several options to treat their ED, including ED drugs, penile injections, vacuum pumps, testosterone treatments and the Medicated Urethral System for Erection (MUSE) device.

Erectile dysfunction drugs, such Cialis, are becoming quite popular. They are available by prescription only.

Why men with prostate cancer might choose not to use ED drugs

There are three main reasons men with ED choose not use Viagra, Levitra or Cialis to treat their ED.

1. Embarrassment: Some men are too embarrassed to talk to their doctor about ED.
2. Cost: Not everyone has insurance and not all insurance covers ED drugs.
3. Side effects: ED medications like Cialis do have side effects though for most men feel the benefits far outweigh any side effects.