Survey: 40% of men with ED still do not discuss it with their doctor

While 82% of men with erectile dysfunction recognize it as an indicator of other health problems, nearly 40% have never discussed their condition with their physician, according to a new survey sponsored by Eli Lilly & Co. designed to further understand men’s current beliefs about ED and ED treatment options.

“Sexual health is considered by many doctors as the window into a man’s overall health,” said Ridwan Shabsigh, MD, of Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. “For instance, erectile dysfunction can be an indicator of other health issues. It’s important for men with ED to talk with their health care professional about ED and its treatment options. For instance, Cialis for once-daily use is a new low-dose ED treatment option and may be right for some men.”

According to the survey results, 74% of men said discomfort about discussing their ED was the number-one barrier to good communication between a man and his physician. The survey also found that, despite their discomfort, 64% of ED sufferers surveyed wished they knew more about ED and its treatments.

A majority (88%) of men with ED who were surveyed recognize that ED is a treatable condition, and the survey revealed that men who discuss ED with a physician are less likely to believe some of the common myths associated with ED treatments.