Just over 10% of men in their early to mid 40s were aware that they may experience erection problems in their next decade, even though evidence suggests 40% will be affected.

Talk Test Treat Today, a new Survey on Erectile Disfunction in men over 40, reveals lack of awareness.

A new survey of 1,000 men aged over 40, commissioned by Eli Lilly and Company Limited (Lilly UK) as part of a new erectile dysfunction awareness campaign, 40over40, suggests a serious disconnect between men's health expectations and reality for men.

Just over 10% of men in their early to mid 40s were aware that they may experience erection problems in their next decade, even though evidence suggests that erection problems affect 40% of men over the age of 40. Additionally, most men were unaware that ED may be a warning sign that they could have a serious underlying illness, even though 80% of men with ED over 70 have heart disease, diabetes or other underlying conditions. More than double the number of people who felt ED might concern them in their next decade were worried about heart disease being a concern, indicating that they do not realise that ED could be an indicator of heart problems. In fact, three times as many survey respondents in their 40s rated hair loss ahead of losing their erections as a major health concern1.

The 40over40 campaign, from Lilly UK, is designed to highlight that ED is common in early middle age as well as in older men, and to inform men about the potential dangers of ignoring ED. The campaign also aims to show men they can be optimistic about finding a solution – as 95% of men with ED are now treated successfully.

The centerpiece of the 40over40 campaign is the new www.40over40.com website that provides information for men, and their partners, about ED, how and when it strikes, the number of men affected, the causes and potential treatments. It also gives advice on starting a conversation with their GP and what to expect during a consultation. The launch of the website will be accompanied by a TV advertising campaign that will run from 30 June 2008.

The survey also throws new light on sexuality in middle age – revealing that nearly three quarters of men aged 40 or older have only a 'sporadic' sex life, with just 17 in 100 enjoying a spontaneous sex life with their partners, despite 70% of men claiming that an active sex life is important to them.

Dr Chris says : "Men are often embarrassed to talk about issues like this, but they should know that they are not alone and that these problems are quite common and more importantly relatively easy to treat".

"What's more, erectile disfunction can be a symptom of underlying problems like high blood pressure and raised cholesterol levels - which is why ED should prompt a visit to the GP. The message is clear Talk, Test, Treat, Today."

More information
You can visit the 40over40 site here:
www.40over40.com



NOTE: This article is based on information provided by Lilly UK.


This content was created on Wed 10 September 2008

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