If you’re suffering from erectile dysfunction, consider whether you’re gay say doctors
A medical report looking into the reasons behind erectile dysfunction is encouraging doctors to ask patients about their sexuality in case they are sleeping with someone with the “wrong gender”.
The report estimates that around 100,000 Britons could be wrestling with their sexuality which is leading to them not being able to perform in the bedroom, a report by the British Society of Sexual Medicine has reported.
“If a man is in a relationship with a woman and is having problems with erectile dysfunction it might be because they are in a relationship with the wrong gender,” said the writer of the report, Dr Geoff Hackett.
“There can no longer be an excuse for avoiding discussions about sexual activity due to embarrassment,” he added.
It is with a doctor’s discretion that these men have the chance to pursue healthy sex lives and acknowledge their orientation, suggests the report.
“Some people can be wrestling with their sexuality and need to be pointed in the right direction,” wrote the doctor.
Olivier Ciappa
“This may be your one and only chance as a doctor to do so.
“They might be able to overcome their issue if they come to terms with this.
“If you do not get at this problem you will waste a lot of time and ineffective treatment going down the wrong path.”
And it appears that Dr Hackett is a man to listen to when it comes to sexual health issues.
To date, the expert has written over 100 papers and three books on the subject.
As this story shows, it can throw up a cocktail of difficulties if a doctor assumes you are straight during a GP appointment.
From April 2019, NHS doctors will ask the sexual orientation of their patient rather than assuming that they are heterosexual.
