Erectile dysfunction: Why it’s so much more than awkward questions and blue pills

Every GP is familiar with the unhappy experience of talking to patients about erectile dysfunction (ED). It is easy to recall the awkward way many students would hesitantly broach the topic, asking the question too indirectly or circumspectly. And for many doctors in practice, the issue of how best to address erectile dysfunction with patients is never really resolved, remaining a matter best avoided by both parties. To compound the problem, as GPs we know that there are multiple causes of erectile dysfunction, most commonly diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and anxiety. Yet many patients go on to be prescribed Viagra or