Erectile dysfunction: A new plague

摘要

Erectile dysfunction has the potential to affect all men, of all ages and of all ethnicities, it does not discriminate. It has the power to emasculate men, impacting on their daily lives. It is estimated that one in ten men at some stage of their life will have some kind of problem in establishing an erection. This estimation, however, must be an underestimation as there are some men who do not seek help or treatment. The nurse should never underestimate the centrality that sexuality has to the concept of personhood and when this fails, the ensuing problems can be associated with challenges to self-esteem and feelings of shame. For some men, this reaction can be so severe that their relationships, particularly with their partners, can be badly affected and this can often lead to depression. The ability to build new relationships may also be adversely affected. The impact that this condition can have on men can be far reaching and devastating. Even though thousands of men experience erection problems, they still seem to be struggling alone. Nurses have the power to help but there still seems to be a reluctance to get involved.