PETALING JAYA: When it comes to erectile dysfunction (ED), many are unaware that it may be a symptom of underlying medical conditions, such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), hormonal imbalances or psychological conditions, says Dr Jasvinderpal Singh.
The medical director of Hisential Bangsar Clinic said it could also be an adverse effect of certain medications, including those used to treat elevated blood pressure or hair loss.
“ED can often be a warning sign of more serious non-communicable diseases, such as ischaemic heart disease and psychological issues. Conditions like diabetes are on the rise in Malaysia and therefore increases one’s risk of developing ED in their lifetime.
“We’ve seen more men, particularly aged 30 to 60, seeking help, but it’s still a drop in the ocean. Most start taking proactive steps to address the issue after getting to know more about it,” he said in an interview.
Dr Jasvinderpal was responding to Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, who said that two out of three Malaysian men are at risk of ED.
Data showed that 69.5% of men aged 40 and above are currently experiencing or have experienced ED. There are also cases of men in their 20s and 30s having ED due to stress, sleep issues or poor lifestyle.
Dr Jasvinderpal said there is a common misconception that ED can be fixed with a pill alone.
He added that medications such as PDE5 inhibitors are a short-term fix, much like treating the symptoms. But if the root cause, be it vascular, hormonal, psychological, or lifestyle, isn’t addressed, ED may persist.
“At our clinic, most cases are incidentally picked up when they are present for a general health overview or for other medical reasons.
“This is because they have brushed ED as part of ageing or they’ve resorted to quick fixes online, either via supplements or purchasing ED medications from unreliable online sources.
“Most men worry about their masculinity, fertility and ability to satisfy a partner, particularly feeling like they have become a different person.
“That’s what we are trying to focus on, as in the past, men have been burdened by outdated gender stereotype terms like ‘man up’,” he said.
Dr Mohammad Imran Basri, chief executive officer of He Medical Clinic, which focuses on men’s health, said the number of men seeking help has steadily increased in recent years.
Citing growing awareness, he said many men understand ED can signal more serious underlying issues like diabetes, hypertension, or low testosterone, and that it is treatable.
He said common concerns among those seeking treatment include fears about performance, long-term reliance on medication, potential side effects, or even heart disease.
Some are also looking for reassurance, non-judgemental professional guidance and non-invasive treatments such as shockwave therapy.
“Early treatment helps restore function as well as early detection of hidden health risks such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or hormonal imbalance,” he said.
Dr Mohammad Imran said stigma remains the biggest barrier coupled by ED being a sign of weakness or shame.
To address this, he suggested there should be more education and public health campaigns to show that ED is a treatable condition, setting up more clinics which provide privacy and a male-friendly environment.
“ED is still under-reported and under-treated, and many Malaysian men suffer in silence due to stigma or lack of access to comfortable care settings.
“The health implications go beyond sexual function – it affects mental health, self-esteem, workplace productivity, and relationships,” he added.
