If you’re a man and you’re flagging downstairs, that could raise a red flag for your risk of heart attack. Erectile dysfunction is just one of several symptoms that could indicate all’s not well in the heart department.
A new study published in the Journal of Men’s Health suggests lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) could be another link. The study’s lead researchers, Professor Gary Wittert (University of Adelaide) and Dr Sam Tafari (SA Health), said their findings highlighted the importance of screening for urinary symptoms in men.
Prof. Wittert also flagged nocturia (getting up at night to urinate) as another potential indicator of co-existing heart problems. Such risks can come on top of the psychological distress erectile dysfunction can cause.
“These are troublesome conditions that both damage self-esteem and reduce quality of life,” he said. “Nocturia causes sleep disruption and erectile dysfunction has adverse effects on intimate relationships. Left untreated they get worse and that makes them harder to fix.”
Erectile dysfunction – another link
Prof. Wittert’s co-author, Dr Tafari, pointed to another link some men may not know about. Around 70 per cent of men with nocturia also have erectile dysfunction, he said.
Dr Tafari believes many men brush aside or ignore symptoms such as nocturia because they’re unaware of their potential significance. “If men don’t understand the significance of their symptoms, they may opt to take a wait and see approach.”
A significant proportion of men also take no action because they believe conditions such as erectile dysfunction will resolve spontaneously. Further, many older men may do nothing because they accept it as a natural part of ageing.
Should GPs do more?
According to both Prof. Wittert and Dr Tafari, yes. “By addressing these symptoms, healthcare practitioners can better identify and treat underlying cardiometabolic problems early,” said Prof. Wittert. This would mean “potentially reducing morbidity and mortality among men”.
“We want GPs to routinely ask about these symptoms,” said Dr Tafari. “It’s also crucial for men to understand the significance of these issues and seek help when they notice them,” he said.
This may be one area in which healthcare professionals can perhaps do more. The short title of the research paper – Before you go – suggests how. The study shows 70 per cent of men leave GP encounters feeling their most important health issues haven’t been addressed.
Why? Along with the factors mentioned above, many men feel uncomfortable or embarrassed to broach the subject of erectile dysfunction. The words ‘before you go’ uttered by a GP could help reduce those feelings.
What follows those first three words can help break the ice further. ‘Before you go, are there any other issues you’d like to discuss? Before you go, how are things going downstairs?’
GPs can use the words they’re most comfortable with, but simply asking the question could be enough to prompt men to discuss such matters. In some cases, they may have wanted to discuss them, but struggled to initiate the conversation.
How important is it to discuss matters such as erectile dysfunction?
The study’s abstract answers this question to a large degree. It says LUTS and erectile disfunction, “share risk factors with major chronic disorders like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity”. The symptoms are also associated with depression and obstructive sleep apnoea.
So, even if you don’t see either LUTS or erectile dysfunction as big issues for you, the diseases they share a link with could have serious – even fatal – consequences.
Discussing erectile dysfunction – as hard as it might be – could lead to benefits in all aspects of health.
Do you shy away from asking your GP uncomfortable questions? Would you bring up matters such as erectile dysfunction? Let us know via the comments section below.
Also read: Alarming report reveals how older men end up in hospital
Disclaimer: This article contains general information about health issues and is not advice. For health advice, consult your medical practitioner.
