Hearing real life experiences
Frank’s Story:
Frank, aged 57 and measuring 5ft 6”, had been steadily gaining weight for some years and now tipped the scales at around 15 stone 7Ibs. Although his GP advised him to lose weight, Frank really started to worry about his health when he had his first experience of erectile dysfunction (ED). Eventually, Frank found the courage to mention it to his GP and was referred to a Urologist at the local hospital. The Urologist explained that the ED might be caused simply by being overweight. From then on, Frank decided to take more responsibility for his health - and that meant losing weight. Today, Frank weighs less than 14 stone 2Ibs and ED is no longer a problem.
Mark’s Story:
Mark was experiencing erection difficulties but couldn’t face talking to his partner about it. He heard his friends discussing high cholesterol and wondered if he might also have it, as both his mother and father suffered from the condition. Mark went to the doctor to have some tests and discovered that he had very high cholesterol. The doctor mentioned ED can be a symptom of high cholesterol and Mark was relieved to hear his ED probably had a physical cause. From then on, he felt happier discussing ED with his partner. They also discussed his treatment options and his concerns about relying on a drug forever and, in turn, how that would affect his cholesterol medication. Having thought it over, Mark went to the Urologist, who gave him the most appropriate ED treatment for men with high cholesterol. The Urologist also gave him some useful advice on the kind of lifestyle changes he should make.
Gary’s Story:
Gary experienced ED and was also feeling tired and lethargic. His wife Marie was worried and pestered him to go to the doctor, as she thought he might have diabetes. Gary was very defensive: he didn’t want to go to the doctor as he was worried about what the GP might tell him, as well as being ashamed of his ED. After putting it off for six months, Gary finally went to the doctor. However, he didn't mention ED as he didn't think it was relevant and he was embarrassed. When Gary went back for his results he was shocked to discover he had diabetes, which is a serious condition. While discussing how to manage the condition, the doctor mentioned that ED could be a symptom of diabetes. Gary was relieved and finally admitted the problem to his doctor. After all this time he realised the ED wasn’t his fault, but there was a physical reason for his ED. The doctor then sent him to an Urologist who was able to prescribe an effective treatment appropriate for a man with diabetes.
Jon’s Story:
Jon assumed he had ED due to stress. He was embarrassed and it took six months before he even spoke to his partner Stella about it. Stella was also worried he was working too hard, but persuaded him to see a doctor anyway. Jon went to the doctor but he found it very difficult to discuss the topic. Privately, he felt ashamed and a failure. His doctor took his blood pressure and told him it was very high, which could be linked to ED. Jon was concerned about having high blood pressure, but was relieved that ED was not just in his mind or his fault in some way. Now that he had found a medical reason for his ED he felt more comfortable talking to his partner about it. The doctor prescribed medication for hypertension and also suggested an ED treatment that wouldn’t interfere with his hypertension medication. Jon took this straight away and having also made positive changes to his lifestyle, he’s now noticing a real difference.