最新糖心Vlog

Adelaide researchers are calling for general practitioners to take a more proactive approach towards addressing erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), in light of new findings suggesting these conditions may be linked to underlying cardiometabolic disorders.

A study, recently published in the , led by the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide鈥檚 Professor Gary Wittert and Dr Sam Tafari from SA Health with funding from The Hospital Research Foundation Group, highlighted the importance of screening for urinary symptoms in men.

Professor Wittert, who鈥檚 also the Director of the Freemason鈥檚 Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing (FCMHW) at SAHMRI, said erectile dysfunction and nocturia (getting up at night to urinate) are red flags for the presence of co-existing heart problems, including a heightened risk of heart attacks.

鈥淭hese are troublesome conditions; that both damage self-esteem and reduce quality of life. Nocturia causes sleep disruption and erectile dysfunction has adverse effects on intimate relationships,鈥� said Professor Wittert.

鈥淟eft untreated they get worse and that makes them harder to fix.

鈥淏y addressing these symptoms, healthcare practitioners can better identify and treat underlying cardiometabolic problems early, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality among men.鈥�

Dr Tafari said around 70 per cent of men with nocturia also have ED.

鈥淎lthough we want GPs to routinely ask about these symptoms, it鈥檚 also crucial for men to understand the significance of these issues and seek help when they notice them,鈥� said Dr Tafari.

鈥淚f men don鈥檛 understand the significance of their symptoms, they may opt to take a wait and see approach.鈥�

The research shows young men are less likely to seek treatment for ED due to the belief that it may spontaneously resolve, whilst older men may accept it as a natural part of ageing.

Researchers are now developing a checklist to draw attention to these and other important symptoms and prompt getting health checks from a GP.

鈥淔ailure to seek or receive appropriate care represents a lost opportunity for prevention, diagnosis, and remediation of chronic disease,鈥� said Professor Wittert.

鈥淲e鈥檙e encouraging GPs to ask their male patients about the presence of erectile dysfunction and nocturia and respond accordingly.

鈥淓xperts say men shoulder a disproportionate burden of chronic disease and have poorer outcomes from most chronic disorders.

鈥淩outinely asking about erectile function and nocturia provides an opportunity to improve quality of life and mitigate health risks.鈥�

The research, conducted through Professor Wittert鈥檚 Training Specialists in Men鈥檚 Health project, has been financially supported by The Hospital Research Foundation Group with Dr Tafari the first specialist to receive a fellowship.