Erectile dysfunction ‘downs’ millions of Malaysian men

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is likely to have “downed” at least three million Malaysian men, especially those aged above 40.

Leading clinic andrologist Dr Mohd Ismail Mohd Tambi told news portal Astro Awani that a study he conducted from 1996-1997 showed 600,000 men above 40 were suffering from “complete” ED. He believes the number could be higher owing to the possibility that many are unwilling to seek medical help for their condition and as such, it goes unreported.

“The number can be at least five times or more, today,” said Ismail, who has nearly 30 years of experience in the field.

According to him, even men in their late 20s are afflicted with full-blown ED. He attributed this to unhealthy lifestyle practices prevalent in the society today, including obesity and the inability to successfully cope with stress.

He warned that smoking could also be a cause of ED – a fact many men were oblivious to.

Ismail also cautioned sufferers against treating the condition themselves by resorting to procuring ED drugs sold cheaply on the black market.

“Many people take these drugs, which are recommended by their friends, without consulting doctors. These are cheap drugs from China and India and some are even ordered online,” he said.

These drugs, he added, could cause side effects such as headaches, numbness in the face, blocked nose, palpitations, redness of the eye, as well as joint pains.

“My advice to people with ED, please consult a doctor. Don’t take drugs or medications without a doctor’s advice as ED can be the early signs of other medical issues like diabetes.”