Over half of men surveyed believe erectile dysfunction as a symptom of overall health

A new poll of men and women over 50 years old reveals that, while most men report some level of erectile dysfunction (ED), women generally aren't aware of the problem in their partners. The problem extends beyond simple communication since ED can often be a symptom of overall health and well-being in men.

“Men are seeking advice and treatment from their physicians, yet physicians generally are only addressing the symptoms through prescription drugs”

The independent survey, conducted by New Leaf Perspectives, was commissioned by LIFESPAN labs, the manufacturer of men's sexual health supplement, 112 Degrees, to gain insights into the attitudes, beliefs and behavior surrounding the sexual health of men over 50 years old. Among the key findings is that while men say they are open to discuss ED, most are not truthful: 100% of the men in the survey reported ED symptoms, but only 32% of the women said they were in a relationship that had ED experiences. The survey also revealed that more than half of men believe ED is a symptom of overall health, but take prescriptions that only treat ED symptoms.

"The fact that women don't know everything about their man's health is interesting, especially when it comes to sexual intimacy," said Dr. Marcus Laux, a licensed naturopathic physician and advisor for LIFESPAN labs. "And communication can be a key factor since men don't always realize that ED usually is an early warning of a more grave health concern looming, which caught early is very reversible and naturally corrected. With sexual health challenges, men are better served by looking beyond just fixing the momentary symptoms and more toward addressing the larger core issues that may be eroding their mental and physical health."

When it comes to men seeking help for ED symptoms, the largest percent (33%) said they waited over a year before acting on their symptoms. The woman in the respondent's life is deemed to be influential in their decision to seek help (87%) by either convincing them to get help, and/or providing the necessary emotional support. According to the survey, more than two-thirds of men with ED symptoms primarily rely on their doctor over non-physician treatments, yet the majority (59%) prefers a non-prescription treatment. In addition, 80% of men were favorable toward an ED treatment that also provides overall health benefits.

"Men are seeking advice and treatment from their physicians, yet physicians generally are only addressing the symptoms through prescription drugs," says Laux. "There's a disconnect here in that men turn to their doctors for the best treatment option, yet are receiving prescription drugs that only treat symptoms rather than corrective measures that mitigate their health risks once and for all. A potentially quick fix could be worthwhile, but not at the expense of long term vitality and health."