one in five men feel guilty about their issues (Image: Getty Images)
A third of men grappling with sexual dysfunction have resorted to purchasing treatments online through the dark web.
A survey involving 8,000 adults revealed that one in four men have encountered issues such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation or a decrease in libido.
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However, one in five men would prefer to terminate their relationship rather than discuss their sexual dysfunction. Alarmingly, nearly a third of men confessed to sourcing treatments from the internet or dark web to evade embarrassment or judgement.
The study disclosed that among those who have faced a sexual problem, 14% experienced premature ejaculation, 29% reported a loss of libido and 13% suffered from erectile dysfunction.
This has resulted in many feeling anxious, frustrated and embarrassed. It has also left one in five feeling guilty and 15% admitted it has sparked arguments with their partner.
It’s no surprise then that men are inclined to avoid discussing their problems altogether.
The study indicated that younger men aged between 25 and 34 were most likely to end a relationship rather than confide in their partner about their issues.
Mesha Moinirad, an advocator for chronic illness, who is working with Bupa, which commissioned the research said: “Speaking about sexual dysfunction is hugely embarrassing and there is a real stigma attached to erection problems for men.
“As someone who lives with Crohn’s disease and has a stoma bag, I’m well versed on embarrassing topics, but in my early 20s I experienced issues with my sexual function, and it left me feeling incredibly isolated and depressed.”
He expressed: “I couldn’t think about work or focus on relationships, and I was worried it was going to impact my fertility which left me feeling even more low. Eventually, I spoke to a healthcare professional and it gave me my life back.”
“I can’t stress the importance of seeking help and talking about what you’re experiencing, don’t keep it to yourself as it will only make things worse.”
Men are too embarrassed to talk to their partners about their problems (Image: Getty Images)
Almost four in 10 attribute their sexual dysfunctions to poor mental health and stress.
Others believe it is influenced by health conditions (29%), body image issues (27%), an unhealthy diet (21%) and even having children (17%).
Dr James Stevenson, lead practitioner at , commented: “It is not surprising that men’s sexual dysfunction is currently a silent crisis.”
“Outdated perceptions on how men must act has led to them being reluctant to speak out when they experience issues with their health, especially surrounding their sexual function.”
“As a result, it is having an impact on not only their physical health but their mental health too. We must do more to encourage men to talk to others about what they’re going through and seek help when they need it.”
DR JAMES STEVENSON’S ADVICE TO THOSE EXPERIENCING ERECTION PROBLEMS:
Be open and honest
Many who experience sexual dysfunction have never spoken about it and this can have a real impact on their mental health.
Whether you’re speaking to your partner, a friend or a healthcare professional it can help to ease the isolation you may be feeling and you may find they have experienced something similar themselves.
Communicating is so key as keeping it to yourself will only make you feel worse.
Reconnect with your partner
Connecting with your partner without the pressure of the goal being penetrative sex can help to reboot your relationship.
You can be intimate in lots of other ways such as by cuddling, kissing, and massage, and explore new ways to connect whether through shared hobbies, meaningful conversations or simply spending quality time together as a couple.
It’s really important you take things slow until you feel comfortable again.
Make lifestyle changes
Problems with erectile dysfunction can be linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, being obese and drinking too much alcohol. So, making changes to your lifestyle can help.
Make sure you stop smoking and reduce the amount of alcohol you are drinking.
Try to exercise for 150 minutes per week, including a range of high intensity and lower intensity workouts, this will help you to lose weight if you are overweight.
Cut out saturated fats from your diet and introduce fish and lean protein such as chicken, fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains and olive oil. Make sure you’re also reducing any stress you are under.
Seek Support
If you have made changes to your lifestyle and it hasn’t helped, it’s really important to see a doctor who will be able to investigate the root cause of the problem.
They will be able to test for any underlying health conditions and suggest ways and treatments to help manage any erection issues. There is also a range of support available for any mental health conditions you are suffering as a result of sexual dysfunction.