The Perils of Bottling It Up and What Leads to Men Keeping Quiet About Performance Issues

It comes as little surprise to learn that men generally prefer to keep sensitive personal health issues to themselves. Recent research conducted by the United Kingdom’s Talking TDS (Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome) campaign found that almost 50 percent of men would much rather discuss their finances than reveal concerns about a lackluster libido. That same research revealed that only one in every 10 men was willing to discuss his physical and mental health with his partners.

All of this is very much in line with the old-school concept of masculinity under which it was considered a sign of weakness to frankly discuss illness or other health concerns. And no single health topic is more likely to shatter the male sense of invulnerability than an admission that his sexual performance is no longer as vigorous and robust as it once was.

Suffering in Silence Unwise

However, for men who are suffering from the early symptoms of erectile dysfunction, playing out the role of the strong, silent type and suffering in silence can be very costly, even deadly. In a recent interview with Huffpost UK Lifestyle, British TV personality Christian Jessen, M.D., puts it very succinctly: “Not being able to perform in the bedroom could literally be killing men.”

Elaborating on the possible threats facing men, Dr. Jessen notes that males, unlike females, don’t have a particularly strong need to see doctors during their early and middle-age years. By contrast, women are far more likely to consult physicians during those periods on a variety of health issues, including contraception, pregnancy, pap smears, and breast checks. Apart from emergency trauma issues, says Dr. Jessen, “men often don’t have to see the doctor until they hit 50.”

May Indicate Other Health Problems

And all too often, some of the common problems that arise for men, such as difficulty getting and keeping an erection or symptoms of prostate disease, can be embarrassing to talk about. However, they can be early warning signs of underlying health problems that over time can have deadly consequences.

For most men, erectile dysfunction is caused by insufficient blood flow to the penis. And the chances are good that diminished blood flow to the male genitals is a warning that a man’s overall vascular health is at risk. Just as the penis needs strong blood flow to achieve an erection, the heart and brain depend on a strong and steady supply of oxygen-rich blood to function at optimal levels.

Loss of Libido

Another problem that a large number of men experience but usually keep to themselves is a loss of libido, which in some cases can be attributable to a decline in blood levels of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. “Loss of libido is the symptom most associated with testosterone deficiency, yet men often think that it’s just a part of aging.” Other symptoms of testosterone deficiency can include fatigue, depression, and erectile dysfunction.

Failure to seek out professional medical help for erectile dysfunction and loss of libido not only ensures that these problems will get no better and very likely will worsen over time, but it also means underlying vascular and hormonal issues may lead to even more serious consequences.

Suffering in silence may seem to some men a sign of strength, but it is a foolhardy display of machismo that in the end almost certainly will end badly. In the case of erection problems that arise because of compromised blood flow to the penis, the vascular insufficiency that causes impotence in time will progress to the larger blood vessels that supply the heart and brain. Left untreated, this can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Not Good for the Psyche

And bottling up concerns about your sexual performance — or lack thereof — can cause psychological problems, at the very least resulting in increased anxiety and stress.

Among the many diseases, disorders, and behaviors that can lead to erection problems, atherosclerosis is one of the most common culprits. Put simply, atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty plaques on the walls of arteries, which in time diminishes the flow of blood through those vessels. To achieve an erection, the penis must have strong blood flow, which can become impossible as the arteries supplying the penis get progressively more clogged.

Other common causes of ED include diabetes, which can damage blood vessels and nerves, both of which play important roles in the erectile process; kidney disease; traumatic injury to the pelvic region; other vascular disorders; and hormonal problems. Smoking can lead to erection problems, as can obesity. Certain prescription drugs can interfere with normal erectile function, but if that’s the case, your doctor often can substitute a drug that has no or fewer adverse effects on erection.

Some ED Psychological in Origin

Erectile dysfunction can also be traced to psychological issues, which medical professionals estimate are responsible for 10 to 20 percent of all ED cases. Here again, seeing your doctor promptly after symptoms of ED appear can lead you to help for these underlying psychological issues. As your doctor will probably advise you, some antidepressants can cause erection problems in and of themselves. If you are prescribed a drug with such adverse effects, consult with your doctor to see if he can prescribe an alternative drug with more erection-friendly properties.

Although discussing sexual performance concerns with your doctor can be a bit embarrassing, the alternative is to do nothing. Doing nothing almost guarantees that your sexual problems will worsen and the underlying causes of those problems could very well lead to far more serious health consequences in time.

Doctor Has Heard It All Before

WebMD.com points out that almost nothing you can tell your doctor about erection problems or other sexual performance concerns will shock him or her. Doctors have heard it all before, and it’s not likely you’re coming in with a problem that is unique.

In making an appointment to see the doctor, there’s no need to get too specific about the nature of your problem. WebMD suggests that you simply say that you want to consult the doctor about a “sexual health concern.” You might even use the same words to open your conversation with the doctor. As previously noted, your case is probably not at all unique, and the doctor should be able to lead you through this discussion with a minimum of embarrassment for all concerned.

Discuss Problems Frankly

In laying out the problem to your doctor, WebMD suggests that you be as frank and open about the symptoms as possible. It suggests that you cover the following points in your discussion:

• Specify the time and circumstances when you first noticed you were having difficulties getting and/or keeping an erection.

• Tell the doctor if you have morning erections.

• List all medications you’re taking.

• Let the doctor know if the erection difficulties occur while masturbating or only when you’re having sex with your partner.

• Tell the doctor of any other symptoms of health problems that you may be experiencing.

• Let the doctor know if you smoke or drink alcohol, and how much and how often.

• If you have suspicions as to possible underlying causes for your erectile difficulties, share those views with your doctor.

• Also advise the doctor about the strength of your sex drive, especially if you’ve recently noticed any changes in your desire for sex.

If you’re interested in reading more about erectile dysfunction and other topics of consumer health interest, check out our blog.

Don Amerman is a freelance author who writes extensively about a wide array of nutrition and health-related topics.