Societal taboos on male infertility have prompted hospitals to understand the need for specialized medical treatment, to address such issues and enable couples to lead a happy marital life. Doctors feel there is lack of awareness on erectile dysfunction(ED) and infertility, the void which must be filled with relevant information available to people at large.
An Initiative To Create Awareness
Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals launched Eastern India’s first male infertility and impotence clinic in a hospital set-up on the 6th of December. The clinic is equipped with the latest treatments for erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction, including surgeries to correct penile deformities with implants.
“This is probably the first conference about something like this as there is no proper awareness about male infertility. Our society refuses to discuss anything as such. If a couple is not able to conceive, then it is the woman that is blamed every time, only because she is responsible for carrying the baby.” Said Dr.Amit Ghose, senior consultant urologist of Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals.
“We need to think that the problem might be with the man as well which, is a serious problem. For a few men, it is so depressing and often leads to suicide. This is why the hospital has decided to help the men through this initiative and bring about more awareness.” Added Dr.Ghose.
Facts and Figures
According to the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, about 52% of men aged between 40 to 70 years, suffer from ED. The male reproductive process can be divided into two parts. Firstly, the formation of the adequate amount of sperm and secondly the capability of the vessels to carry it through the passage. According to Dr Ghose, the problem can be in any one of the processes and Apollo aims to provide necessary treatment for both. Some major reasons for ED are psychogenic, vasculogenic, neurogenic and penile fracture.
Excessive use of drugs like heroin and cocaine can lead to ED. Dr Jana mentioned that if a boy or a man is not having morning erection now, then he might be an ED patient in future. The clinic looks to address cases of erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction and penile deformity.
“ED should not be treated casually as it can lead to cardiovascular diseases. There are various methods through which this can be cured, like oral medication which includes Viagra, Vardenafil, amongst others. It can also be treated through injections. These methods do not cost much. If all of these fail we still have vacuum erection devices and Penile prostheses (implant).” Said Dr.Atanu Jana, a consultant urologist of Apollo Gleneagles Hospital.
Other Facts
Doctors present on the occasion also believe that sex not only helps in reproduction but also increases immunity and improves sleep. Oral medication can have minute side effects like slight headaches, but if the erection stays for more than an hour, then it is a case of an emergency that can lead to permanent ED.
According to Dr.Ghose, his patient records reveal that 50% of the time a couple is not able to conceive is due to male infertility. “This phenomenon is rising rapidly. I have 22-year-old men coming up to me with cases of ED. It is because of the stress that they face in a fast-paced world. It is affecting the younger generation, which is proving to be a major health hazard. The more relaxed men are, the better their bodies will function in this regard. I request people to come out and talk about it,” added Dr.Ghose.
