47% M'sian men aged above 40 suffer from ED

Sun2Surf: KUALA LUMPUR: Studies by the National Population and Family Development Board show that up to 47% of Malaysian men aged above 40 suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED), yet a recent Malaysian Vitalsexual study indicated that only 7% were willing to admit it.
This is among the reasons why Bayer Health Care aims to encourage men with ED to break their silence and talk to their doctors about their condition via The Thumb.
This is a new health campaign that introduces a simple and effective way for ED sufferers to overcome communication barriers when seeking treatment by merely showing the thumb sign.
Bayer said in a statement the management of ED has long been impeded because sufferers are unwilling to broach the topic with their doctors out of embarrassment, denial or lack of awareness.
It said the "thumb" is a universal sign that is easily recognised and understood by everyone. By using the thumb, men with ED or their partners can overcome the difficulty of verbalising their problems.
The Thumb will be a platform to raise awareness on the high prevalence of ED, and that it is a medical condition that can be treated Ð not a curse.
The head of the Urology Unit (Department of Surgery) at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Dr Zulkifli Mohd Zainuddin said: "The results of the Vitalsexual study can be attributed to under reporting among Malaysian men unwilling to admit to their problem. Until now, there are still many who choose to suffer in silence."
He said it is prudent for men with ED to seek treatment as it is linked to other conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.
The same study also said more than 39% of Malaysian men aged above 40 were Vitalsexuals Ðmen who place a high importance on sex, the sexual satisfaction of their partner and spontaneity in their relationships, and who would seek treatment if they had ED.
A total 1,200 clinics nationwide will participate in the campaign which started last month.
For more information, log on to www.allabouted.com.my or e-mail: vitalsexualmalaysia@bayerpharma.com.my.
A men's health conference highlighting the issue will be held in Hilton Kuala Lumpur on June 17, 2006.