Erectile dysfunction affects a third of men in France after the age of 40 and up to 70% of them after the age of 70. However, only one in 10 men with this disorder are properly treated, warns urological surgeon Dr Charlotte Methorst.
- Doctors speak of “erectile dysfunction” when a man has had erectile dysfunction for at least three months and they recur every time they have sex.
- Several causes can explain it: comorbidities (diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases), poor lifestyle (tobacco, alcohol, lack of physical activity, etc.), side effects of medications or even psychological factors.
- Appropriate care is essential, especially since today, “only one in ten men among those affected” benefits from it, according to urologist Dr Charlotte Methorst.
“Men are not seen enough in general medicine”, deplores urologist and surgeon Dr Charlotte Methorst, during the press conference of the French Association of Urology on Wednesday November 6, 2024, held on the occasion of the month dedicated to men’s health. According to the specialist, even fewer would go to a urologist. And yet, erectile dysfunction affects many more men than one might imagine: “approximately one in three men over the age of 40 is affected and up to 70% of men over the age of 70”, she insists. “What is dramatic is that few men are properly cared for, with only one in ten men affected.”However, many solutions exist!
Have a multidimensional approach to erectile dysfunction
Doctors speak of “erectile dysfunction” when a man has had erectile dysfunction for at least three months and they recur every time they have sex. “The pathology of erectile dysfunction has a multidimensional approach because it increases with comorbidities such as high blood pressure, obesity or other cardiovascular pathologies”, explains the specialist. “It is important to emphasize this because when we treat this pathology, we see an improvement in the monitoring of other treatments: a diabetic treated for his erectile dysfunction will better follow his diabetes treatment, etc.”, she says.
Another reason, if one was really needed, pointed out by the doctor to quickly take care of these men suffering from erectile disorders: we now know that sexuality is important to stay in good health. “When you have regular sex, you reduce the risk of mortality, you improve your mood, and it’s an excellent aerobic exercise… that doesn’t require you to wear ugly sneakers!”, smiles the urologist.
Erectile dysfunction: what treatments are possible?
As mentioned previously, erectile dysfunction can be linked to other pathologies (cardiovascular risk factors, diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea, prostate or bladder cancer, etc.), but also hormonal disorders, side effects of treatments or even be linked to psychological factors (stress, anxiety, depression, etc.). Alcohol, tobacco and taking other drugs (opiates, cocaine, heroin) also increase the risk of developing erectile dysfunction.
Several treatment approaches are therefore possible depending on the causes. “When you do 30 minutes of aerobic activity per day, you reduce your risk of suffering from erectile dysfunction by two thirds.”, first recommends Dr. Methorst. Recently, new recommendations have been issued regarding healthy living. “More specifically, you must stop smoking, engage in physical activity, follow a diet, avoid alcohol, and manage other comorbidities such as sleep apnea.”
“Sex therapy with behavioral counseling can also help patients. And if necessary, there are safe treatments with few contraindications, such as Viagra.”, she finishes.
