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Dec
08
2014
Erectile Dysfunction - a Health Indicator
 

There is no doubt that Viagra has had a significant impact since its introduction to the market, but it has become increasingly clear that it has drastically changed the patient-physician relationship too.  It is not possible for men to walk in to a clinic or surgery and openly talk about sexual functions and possible aides, whereas before it was undoubtedly a taboo subject.  In turn, this enables men from all walks of life and ages to open up about their sexual health.

Since the appearance of Viagra on the market the dialogue about sexual dysfunctions has provided doctors with an opportunity to identify other health problems in their patients.  Dr Chris Steidle, a urologist and the author of Sex and the Heart says “You always hear the someone [just] dropped dead [but] it’s not sudden death if [they] couldn’t get an erection.” 

Dr Steidle goes on to say that the inability to get, or maintain an erection is a symptom of an underlying heart condition, and therefore says erectile dysfunction is something that should never be ignored.

Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, an associate clinical professor of urology at Harvard Medical School agrees, saying “There's now good evidence that shows that men with Erectile Dysfunction, who have no other symptoms of anything are at increased risk for heart attacks and strokes.” Which makes the inability to maintain an erection a significant symptom.

Arguably the penis is like the tip of the iceberg, or the canary in the mines – acting as an indicator of overall male health.  Medical professionals have often lamented the fact that men are ashamed of discussing erectile dysfunction, but thanks to the social acceptance of Viagra, this is no longer the case.

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