A survey of 8,000 adults revealed that one in four men have experienced issues such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation or loss of libido.
Yet, one in five men would prefer to end their relationship than discuss their sexual dysfunction. Even more concerning, nearly a third of men confessed to sourcing treatments from the internet or dark web to avoid embarrassment or judgement.
The study disclosed that among those who have encountered a sexual problem, 14% suffered from premature ejaculation, 29% reported a loss of libido and 13% had erectile dysfunction.
This has resulted in 33% experiencing anxiety, 28% feeling frustrated and an equal percentage feeling embarrassed. Almost one in five have been left feeling guilty and 15% admitted it has caused arguments with their partner.
Despite feelings of anxiety the study found men were more likely to completely avoid the subject. This was particularly true for younger men aged between 25 to 34 who were the most likely to end a relationship rather than discuss their issues openly with their partner.
Mesha Moinirad, an advocate for chronic illness, who has partnered with Bupa, admitted that he has faced his fair share of embarrassing moments and when it came to erection problems, he felt 'isolated' and 'depressed'.
He confessed: "I couldn't think about work or focus on relationships, and I was worried it was going to impact my fertility which left me feeling even more low. Eventually, I spoke to a healthcare professional and it gave me my life back."
"I can't stress the importance of seeking help and talking about what you're experiencing, don't keep it to yourself as it will only make things worse."
A staggering four in 10 men attribute poor mental health and stress for their sexual dysfunctions. While others reckon it's down to health conditions (29%), body image issues (27%), a shoddy diet (21%) and even having kids (17%).
Dr James Stevenson, lead practitioner at Bupa Health Clinics, warned: "It is not surprising that men's sexual dysfunction is currently a silent crisis."
"Outdated perceptions on how men must act has led to them being reluctant to speak out when they experience issues with their health, especially surrounding their sexual function."
"As a result, it is having an impact on not only their physical health but their mental health too. We must do more to encourage men to talk to others about what they're going through and seek help when they need it."
DR JAMES STEVENSON’S ADVICE TO THOSE EXPERIENCING ERECTION PROBLEMS:
Be open and honest
Many who experience sexual dysfunction have never spoken about it and this can have a real impact on their mental health.
Whether you’re speaking to your partner, a friend or a healthcare professional it can help to ease the isolation you may be feeling and you may find they have experienced something similar themselves.
Communicating is so key as keeping it to yourself will only make you feel worse.
Reconnect with your partner
Connecting with your partner without the pressure of the goal being penetrative sex can help to reboot your relationship.
You can be intimate in lots of other ways such as by cuddling, kissing, and massage, and explore new ways to connect whether through shared hobbies, meaningful conversations or simply spending quality time together as a couple.
It’s really important you take things slow until you feel comfortable again.
Make lifestyle changes
Problems with erectile dysfunction can be linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, being obese and drinking too much alcohol. So, making changes to your lifestyle can help.
Make sure you stop smoking and reduce the amount of alcohol you are drinking.
Try to exercise for 150 minutes per week, including a range of high intensity and lower intensity workouts, this will help you to lose weight if you are overweight.
Cut out saturated fats from your diet and introduce fish and lean protein such as chicken, fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains and olive oil.
Make sure you’re also reducing any stress you are under.
Seek Support
If you have made changes to your lifestyle and it hasn’t helped, it’s really important to see a doctor who will be able to investigate the root cause of the problem.
They will be able to test for any underlying health conditions and suggest ways and treatments to help manage any erection issues.
There is also a range of support available for any mental health conditions you are suffering as a result of sexual dysfunction.