'Harmless banter', the ‘jokey narrative’ around erectile dysfujnction and the pressure felt to live up to expectations, may be preventing men from seeking the support, medical advice and treatments they need. , according to a report.
Most men are likely to experience erectile dysfunction (ED) at some point in their lives, but nearly all the men who took part in research carried out by Well Pharmacy (91%), said they have felt a sense of shame around the condition – with 62 per cent saying the jokey narrative of ‘keeping it up’ adds to the silence.
In fact, only nine per cent of men asked have spoken to a loved one or healthcare specialist about the condition. One man who has experienced this is Antony Cunningham-Smith, 52, from Bournemouth.
