0ne Year After Viagra, Americans Still Need More Education About Impotence
National Survey Reveals Low Awareness of Causes and Treatment
of Erectile Dysfunction
BOWIE, Md., April 28 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to sex, American men and women still have a lot to learn. One year after the introduction of Viagra(R), a new nationwide survey sponsored by the Impotence World Association suggests that only five percent of Americans surveyed could correctly identify the primary origin for most cases of erectile dysfunction (ED). Additionally, less than 15 percent of respondents were aware of any prescription treatment options for ED other than Viagra.
The omnibus survey of 1,035 men and women, conducted by the independent polling firm Bruskin-Goldring, found that less than five percent of survey respondents correctly identified "physical" reasons as the primary cause of ED. Additionally, more than 55 percent of those surveyed incorrectly responded that ED is the result of a combination of physical and psychological conditions.
Medical experts have found that 80 percent of ED cases are the result of serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension or prostate cancer surgery, while the remaining 20 percent of cases are due to psychological factors, or a combination of both.
"While ED can lead to psychological troubles for men, the condition is most often caused by a physical problem. Many times, impotence is a symptom of a more serious underlying condition," said Victoria Tate, executive director of the Impotence World Association (IWA). "Men should seek expert medical advice to rule out serious health problems and receive counseling about the efficacy and safety of various treatment options."
Low Awareness of Treatment Options
The survey also found that Americans are not fully aware of the different treatment options available for ED. In fact, less than 15 percent of respondents could cite knowledge of medications other than Viagra. Interestingly, there was a higher awareness of non-prescription treatments, including penile implants (46 percent) and vacuum pumps (36 percent).
"Viagra has helped destigmatize this once taboo topic, but the product is not a panacea. Based on my experience, it will not work for up to 30 percent of men who try it," said Myron I. Murdock, MD, association medical advisor for the Impotence World Association. "Physicians and their patients should discuss all treatment options, since no one product works for everyone."
Current treatment alternatives to Viagra include medications like alprostadil, a prostaglandin-derived product that is administered via injection (Caverject(R) sterile powder, Edex(TM)) or intraurethrally (MUSE(R)), vacuum constriction devices, and, for more severe cases, surgical prostheses. While not offering the convenience of a pill, these are often effective options. Testosterone deficient men, who make up a small percentage of erectile dysfunction sufferers, may find hormonal therapies effective.
"For spontaneity and consistency, I find that Caverject works well for me," said Greg McGreer, a New Jersey sex therapist who, because of his multiple sclerosis has first-hand experience with impotence treatments. "It is important for every man to find the treatment option that works best for him and his partner."
Experts Not Seen Often Enough
The study found that those surveyed would prefer to receive treatment for ED from their primary care physician (PCP), despite their belief that urologists are the experts. Of those respondents who might consult a physician to treat ED, more than 50 percent would consult their PCP. However, 46 percent of respondents identified urologists as the experts treating ED. Primary care physicians were ranked third with 24.5 percent, behind sex therapists, with a 25 percent response.
"It's important that men take the first step and see a physician who can help them," said Dr. Murdock. "Beyond that, patients and physicians should discuss treatment options and expectations. Should the therapy not work, a urologist can best provide patients with information on treatment options that their PCP might not be familiar with."
Mr. McGreer, a New Jersey sex therapist, adds, "It's difficult enough to get most men to the doctor for a regular physical, much less for a problem as sensitive as ED. Urologists are trained to inform men about treatment options, motivate them to stay a course of treatment, and counsel them through the potentially frustrating times until they find a solution."
One thousand thirty five Americans (467 men and 568 women) were interviewed by phone during April 9-11, to gauge consumer awareness of impotence causes and treatments. The survey was made possible by an unrestricted educational grant provided by Pharmacia & Upjohn.
The Impotence World Association is a non-profit, educational and charitable international health association. IWA is the only provider of a full-service non-commercial, unbiased, non-vested interest platform for the objective dissemination of new and existing male impotence treatment information. Such a platform is not available anywhere due to the presence of bias, profit and/or vested interest.
Those interested in more information on impotence and treatments can call 800-669-1603 or visit the Impotence World Association website at impotenceworld.org.
Viagra(R) is a registered trademark of Pfizer.
Caverject(R) is a registered trademark of Pharmacia & Upjohn.
Edex(TM) is a trademark of Schwarz Pharma.
MUSE(R) is a registered trademark of Vivus, Inc.
SOURCE Impotence World Association
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