A day dedicated to relationships

As many as one in ten men over the age of 40 suffer from impotence (erectile dysfunction)(1) and one in five men have experienced broken relationships as a result of their condition.(2)

As February 14 is traditionally the day dedicated to relationships, the Impotence Association has chosen this day to remind people that help is available. Press and radio advertisements developed by the Men's Health Forum and the Impotence Association will publicise an information and helpline (0870 129 0100) helping men to overcome their reluctance to seek treatment.

Callers to the helpline will hear a short message and can then request a booklet, discussing the causes and effects of impotence and how men and their partners can get the help they need. There is also the opportunity to be connected to a trained counsellor at the Impotence Association for confidential advice.

Significant confusion still surrounds the causes of impotence. Over half of men (59 per cent) and half of women (50 per cent) believe that in the majority of cases the causes of impotence are psychological rather than medical.(3)

Dr Ian Banks, a GP in Northern Ireland and Chairman of the Men's Health Forum stresses: "Up until recently it was believed in the medical community that impotence was almost entirely due to psychological factors and this is true in some individuals. However, we now know that most cases of impotence are associated with an underlying chronic illness including cardiovascular disease, diabetes or high blood pressure, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol and obesity or certain medications."

Ms Ann Craig, Director of the Impotence Association emphasises the role of the partner in encouraging the sufferer to seek help: "Impotence is all too often perceived as affecting just the man. This is clearly not the case and the partner can therefore be pivotal in reassuring and encouraging the sufferer to seek appropriate help. Wherever possible advice and treatment should be sought as a couple."

The `Understanding Impotence' booklet can be obtained free of charge by calling: 0870 129 0100, or by writing to the freepost address: InformED, Freepost (PY917), PO Box 36, Plymouth, PL1 1BR.

A website ( http://www.informED.org.uk ) also provides details of the advertisement and further information on impotence for the public. The initiative is supported by an educational grant from Pfizer Limited

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