Challenges in the bedroom could indicate serious underlying health issues. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a frustrating, embarrassing experience for men, but finding the courage to seek treatment might do more than remedy a bedroom issue – it could actually end up saving one’s life.
That’s what happened to Nathan (not his real name) when he saw his doctor in 2019. Then 46 years old, he casually mentioned to his physician that his body had stopped responding to the Viagra he’d been taking for the last four years.
They tried changing the prescription but it didn’t work. Then the doctor ran an ultrasound and found blockages in the artery to his penis. He told Nathan that if he had blockages there, chances were high he had them in his heart, too.
An angiogram confirmed the doctor’s suspicions as Nathan had two blocked arteries and was at risk of a major heart attack. He ended up getting four stents placed in his heart.
He realised he could have died at any time, as he had no idea his difficulty in getting an erection was attributable to his heart. He wouldn’t have gone to see a cardiologist without the push from his doctor.
Nathan decided to share his story as erectile dysfunction is fairly common. One in five Malaysian men has ED, or the inability to get or maintain an erection during sex. Most patients don’t understand the correlation between the condition and cardiovascular disease.
ED is typically associated with those 40 and above who are already at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. But it could also be a symptom of heart problems that might otherwise go undetected in younger people.
This isn’t to say ED always suggests an impending heart attack. It could be the result of something as benign as a medication side effect, or a different health condition entirely. Causes might include:
- hormonal imbalance
- diabetes
- obesity
- neurological issues
- nerve disorders
- untreated mental health problems such as depression and anxiety
An underlying condition doesn’t even have to be present.
A lack of sleep, tension in relationships, a stressful day at work, performance anxiety, or having one drink too many can also cause challenges in the bedroom. The important thing is to track one’s symptoms and see the doctor if it’s an ongoing issue.
Keep track of morning erections, the frequency of sexual desire, one’s ability to maintain an erection with a sexual partner, if the incidence is situational or frequent, and how you feel about it.
Nathan says guys don’t have to run to the doctor if it happens only once or twice. But around 90% of cases can be attributed to genuine organic causes that would make ED consistent.
He encourages men to refrain from feeling embarrassed or inadequate, and to seek medical help if they experience symptoms. Don’t give in to frustration or self-pity; you owe it to your partner and your family to get yourself checked.
TELEME Healing Life Stories is a collection of inspirational stories of how ordinary people triumph over their health conditions and recover to lead a healthier life after that. Feel free to email [email protected] to share your story.
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