Erectile dysfunction could be linked to other blood abnormalities: expert

Dr Irwin Goldstein, director of San Diego Sexual Medicine at Alvarado Hospital, University of California, said the inability to have or maintain a full erection could indicate abnormalities in blood circulation or the heart, preventing sufficient blood from entering the organ.

He said erectile dysfunction was characterised by the inability to maintain an erection long enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. This stems from an endothelial dysfunction that can be caused by smoking, hypertension, diabetes or dyslipidemia. The condition blocks the blood flow within penile arteries.

About 95 per cent of male patients who suffer from heart disease are also at risk of erectile dysfunction.

Goldstein said men with erectile dysfunction should see a doctor so that treatment can be given as quickly as possible.

As diagnosis is very complicated, Goldstein has developed a method called the Erection Hardness Score (EHS) that allows men to communicate their problem precisely and succinctly.

The EHS is classified by four levels: the penis is larger than normal but not hard; the penis is hard but not hard enough for penetration; the penis is hard enough for penetration but not completely hard; and the penis is fully rigid to enable mutually satisfactory intercourse.He cited a survey of 1,250 Thai males aged 40 to 70 in 2004. The study showed that 43 per cent developed erectile dysfunction, with its severity ranging from occasionally successful intercourse to the inability to have sex at all.

However, in many instances, people with the condition self-medicate without a doctor's diagnosis or prescription. This is dangerous since only a doctor can understand the real causes and the appropriate treatment.

There is also the risk of counterfeit medicine that can leave a condition untreated or have harmful effects on health. Some people opt for herbal medicine, animal extracts and other alternatives, which may often be wasteful and ineffective.

"We all share the same condition. It is not a secret. So don't be embarrassed

and go to see a doctor for better treatment," Goldstein added.