The Problems of Viagra

Emma Howard: Hello! I'm Emma Howard. I'm joined by Dr. Jonty Heaversedge who is an expert on men's health problems. Hello, Jonty! Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: Hi Emma! Emma Howard: A question here from a 35 year old man, having problems in maintaining an erection and he wants to know if Viagra is his best option. Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: Okay. The answer to that is probably unlikely. At 35, I can understand why he is concerned. I mean it's certainly, something he needs to be going and talking to his GP about although, it's an embarrassing problem. It's actually incredibly common. I think given his age, it's quite unlikely there is a physical cause behind it. I think a lot men worried that there could be physical program behind it. Emma Howard: When they worry about something like that, it often gets worse. Doesn't it? Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: That's exactly right. You've hit the nail on the head. The problem is that very often men have difficulties in sustaining an erection on a couple of occasions and then start to panic. And the problem is, are they going to be able to perform the next time. I think the worry of a performance than actually -- affects the performance, that's a vicious cycle, I guess set up very commonly for men who struggles in getting erection, particularly younger men. So the first thing to say is, don't worry. It's very unlikely at his age that is anything physical. Sometimes Viagra is helpful in situation that is because it can help to give you a confidence back and I certainly use it in that way with people at times. Emma Howard: Do you tend to use with older men because I would imagine that a 20 year old coming to you and asking for Viagra, it seems a little bit more suspicious than somebody older. Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: Absolutely, yeah. Actually, we don't get a great deal of that because I don't know whether, actually Viagra isn't available on National Health Service to the majority of peoples. Only people specific conditions, who can have Viagra on the National Health Service. So younger people tend not to be looking for it recreationally as it were I guess. Emma Howard: Well, you certainly look another area, the other sources. Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: Absolutely, no that's right. I guess the only other thing I would say to this chap is worth just looking at your lifestyle because the other thing is that actually if we're stressed, if we're anxious, if we're bit low or depressed that often affects our libido and our sexual function. So the sort of things is really important to do you. Get out, get some exercise, find some time for relaxation, cut down alcohol and smoking and generally try to eat -- try to live as healthier life as possible. That would be a good start and just don't worry too much. Emma Howard: And as a GP, you get young men and old men coming to you with these problems. Do you think that they are often quite reluctant to talk about it, but you came of some place for them to talk these problems? Do you think that makes a difference? Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: Always. Every young man I speak to, kind has the courage or plucks out the courage to talk about it. I think it's helped by just hearing a little bit about a fact that he is not alone, not only isn't he alone. But actually for the most part, it is a psychological issue which can be quite easily overcome. Emma Howard: Jonty, a very good advice as always. If you have a similar problem, we hope we may have given you some help. But remember, it's always best to go and see your own doctor for medical advice. Thanks for watching. We'll be back with more health questions and answers.