It is not always easy to confront a problem that is delicate. But if untreated it can lead to several situations that destroy the joy of living. Sexual dysfunction is more common among men than women, but most patients choose to suffer in silence. Social conditioning does not allow them to seek help. The mental trauma takes its toll. The remedy, however, is simple: awareness medical help is always at hand.
The waiting room at a clinic is crowded, and the hushed silence speaks words as patients browse through glossies, trying to banish their worries.
And in one corner, a couple fidget, somewhat awkward, somewhat tense. The problem seems to be a niggling one, not life-threatening.
But the unease is more than palpable.
Modern times bring with them an assortment of troubles, some physical, some mental and others a combination of both.
Still some others are brushed under the carpet because they are delicate, but can slowly eat into a marriage as the years go by. Communication breaks down, the mental trauma takes an ugly toll and in time, life becomes a drudge.
So what is this silent malady that can cause so much distress and pain?
Doctors and psychologists say sexual dysfunction can be treated with the right medication, which, in fact, is being misused by some to seek that extra rush of thrill.
The problem is more prevalent among men than women and an estimated 100 million suffer worldwide. Some do muster up courage, overcome embarrassment and seek help from specialists, but a sizeable majority choose to suffer in silence.
Delicate issue
Dr Abdul Razzaq Al Madani, Director of Dubai Hospital, says since the issue is so delicate both doctors and patients prefer to bypass it. There are certain conditions like diabetes and renal and liver diseases along with psychological disorders like stress and depression that trigger the condition.
Says Dr Al Madani: "There are doctors who spot the problem while examining patients suffering from conditions like diabetes, but they do not address the issue because it is very delicate. They feel they will upset patients and the patients are not ready to break down barriers."
It is a vicious circle that leads to even more trouble. For instance, Dr Al Madani says the wife gets suspicious if her husband suddenly decides to tell the doctor. "She argues that she doesnt have a problem with his condition and they have a happy marriage. The wife then suspects the man is seeing another woman."
He points out that doctors must be sensitive to a patient. If he feels there is a problem, it must be dealt with. But there are ways to tackle the issue.
"Doctors have students and nurses in the room while examining someone. However, if they do diagnose the condition, doctors should ask the students and nurses to leave and then talk to the patient. You have to be considerate? that is the key."
The embarrassment can also lead to several other complications.
Quacks cash in
Many men think it more prudent to approach quacks and try their potions. "People here are simple and are often taken for a ride by quacks offering cures. They exploit people, there should be more awareness among people so that these quacks are curbed," says Dr Al Madani.
Professor Ibrahim Galadari, Head of Dermatology and Venereology at the UAE University in Al Ain, says the curtain of embarrassment is seldom drawn. "Men approach us, saying a friend has the problem, when they themselves are suffering. They do not tell the truth."
These patients then seek a cure in herbal medications and other wonder drugs that, Prof. Galadari says, are advertised in the media.
Most medicines contain herbs, but are scientifically manufactured. Quacks offer herbal cures that do not have "active ingredients" which often have severe side effects that lead to kidney and liver malfunction.
Says Prof. Galadari: "There must be more coordination between the authorities to ensure that quacks do not operate."
Some patients also experiment with Chinese medicines, but the Ministry of Health warns that these can cause severe side effects.
Says a spokesman of the ministrys Department of Drug Control: "In the UAE, the registration of herbal medicines, including traditional Chinese medicines is controlled by law and any medical claim must be justified.
"This is because despite belief that herbal means 100 per cent safe, these medicines often contain potent natural substances and if not prepared by an expert manufacturer, they can contain high levels of harmful substance.
"There has been a lot of commercial interest in this type of medicine. Any of these have a wide range of potential uses. The use of such medicines for impotence or to enhance sexual performance is usually supported by rumour, not fact.
"The WHO has circulated reports from the U.S., Hong Kong and Singapore of some traditional Chinese medicines being adulterated with prescription medicines. This can lead to the patient not only suffering side effects, but the doctor not being able to identify the cause of the side effects."
Misuse
But what is even more worrying is the misuse of drugs like Viagra. In the UAE, Viagra and related medicines are prescription medicines in common with Europe and North America. Any UAE pharmacist who supplies these medicines without a valid prescription is breaking the law.
However, those wanting a booster dose turn to the Internet to procure these drugs. Says Prof. Galadari: "It is freely available and there are some young men who buy these medicines for the extra thrill. In fact, they become dependent on these drugs. The point is why take medicine if you dont have a headache. These medicines are meant to treat a condition."
Doctors say some pharmacists sell the drugs without a prescription and this, along with breaking the law, is very dangerous.
Both Dr Al Madani and Prof. Galadari stress that the issue should not be glossed over. They suggest that patients should speak frankly to a specialist and must not approach just any doctor. It is a medical condition like any other, and with proper treatment, it can be remedied. And being aware is half the battle won.
Gulf News
