Doctor: More Kenyan men aged 40-69 seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction

A man in deep thought/FILE

An increase in awareness has seen Kenyan men aged between 40 to 69 years seeking sexual health treatment the most, an analysis by AAR Hospital has revealed.

Urologists at AAR Hospital say a majority of middle-aged men are seeking medical assistance for erectile dysfunction.

Dr. Samuel Ogombe, the lead Urologist at the Hospital attributes the increase to sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary choices and societal pressures that affect mental health.

"In every urology clinic there are men seeking help for erectile dysfunction (ED). Our analysis shows prevalence increases with age, in some cases as high as 50 percent of men between 40 and 69 years are suffering the condition," Dr Ogombe said.

Easier access to information on the internet has made men more open to discussing ED and seeking medical help.

Dr Ogombe says most of them do preliminary online research and even attempt self-medication before seeking medical assistance at the hospital, but warns that some of the unproven remedies could have life-long negative consequences.

He adds that ED is a medical condition that is associated with many diseases like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions among others.

"The co-existence of ED and cardiovascular disease is well established. Local studies done in Kenya have also affirmed this association. The association with heart disease is complex but in simple terms there is blockage of blood vessels that supply the various organs including the reproductive organs. There is a close correlation between ED and coronary heart disease that may even result in a heart attack," Dr Ogombe said.

He advises that good mental health is essential for a good sexual function, as the connection between ED and psychosocial factors is already well documented in medical studies.

Dr Ogombe adds that there is a worrying trend of young men with ED, which may be attributed to a sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, diet, smoking among other lifestyle choices.

Treatment options for ED include counseling, medical therapy, and surgical therapy, depending on the various factors.

"Penile prosthesis are also locally available and can be offered in cases of failed medical therapy. So, no man should suffer in silence," says Dr Ogombe.

He, however, adds that ED is not a single disease entity, and so the treatment offered may vary from patient to patient depending on the cause, comorbidity, severity and other factors.