An assessment of erectile dysfunction among male diabetics attending Temba Community Health Centre, Pretoria

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction is common among men with diabetic mellitus and has a negative effect on their quality of life. The proportion of male diabetics who disclosed their problematic sexual performance was increasing at Temba Community Health Centre (CHC), which motivated a survey that was conducted from April 2015 till April 2016. Aim: Assessment of erectile dysfunction among male diabetics attending Temba Community Health Centre.

Neglected sexual dysfunction symptoms amongst chronic patients during routine consultations in rural clinics in the North West province

“…Erectile dysfunction and orgasmic challenges were prominent in this study; the result of erectile dysfunction symptoms in this study was in line with a recent study in Gauteng province, South Africa, where 97% of the men attending a community health centre presented with erectile dysfunction. 25 As erectile dysfunction is considered a biomarker for coronary artery disease, 22 the failure to enquire about this raises questions about the identification and management of end organ damage of these patients in primary care clinics. Apart from medical issues, the psychological impact of not attending to the sexual functioning needs of the patient is immense as sexuality is often perceived as penis-driven and the loss of functioning thereof signals loss of manhood and its associated status.…”

“… 24 A recent study in South African primary care suggested that 97.3% of men with diabetes lived with erectile dysfunction. 25 Sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes is often neglected, despite the fact that they suffer similar neuropathy, endocrine changes and vascular complications to men. 26 A meta-analysis on sexual dysfunction and diabetes suggested that women living with diabetes were 2.02 times more likely to have sexual dysfunction than women in control groups.…”

Sexual history taking: Doctors’ clinical decision-making in primary care in the North West province, South Africa

“…44 Patients of all ages experience sexual challenges, and patients with diabetes and hypertension experience an even more significant burden of disease. 49,50,51,52,53,54,55 As doctors are expected to serve the best overall benefit or the best interest of the patient, many researchers have concluded that screening for sexual dysfunction must be a clinical priority when dealing with patients living with chronic disease. 2,56 Best interest should also imply giving attention to holistic well-being, although it has been shown that patients' preferences and subjective illness experiences are often not a consideration in clinical judgement or decision-making.…”

Perspectives on sexual history taking in routine primary care consultations in North West, South Africa: Disconnect between patients and doctors

“… 29 , 30 , 31 Although sexual health research is not common in South Africa, research on male sexual dysfunction has raised serious red flags about the proportion of patients living with sexual challenges. 31 , 32 , 33 The most recent South African study found that 97% of diabetic male patients who frequented a primary healthcare clinic lived with erectile dysfunction. 33 In addition, in South Africa, it has been reported that sexual challenges often result in conflict in intimate relationships, increase risk behaviour, are sometimes used to justify infidelity and contribute to unhappiness.…”

“… 31 , 32 , 33 The most recent South African study found that 97% of diabetic male patients who frequented a primary healthcare clinic lived with erectile dysfunction. 33 In addition, in South Africa, it has been reported that sexual challenges often result in conflict in intimate relationships, increase risk behaviour, are sometimes used to justify infidelity and contribute to unhappiness. 3 , 4 , 34 …”