According to Bernama, Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni has brought a pressing issue into the spotlight: erectile dysfunction (ED) affects nearly two-thirds of Malaysian men, marking it as a significant public health concern.
Speaking in Putrajaya, he revealed findings from the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), which indicated that 31.6% of Malaysian men aged 18 and above suffer from moderate to severe ED. The figure rises sharply with age, as 69.5% of men over 40 have experienced or are currently experiencing this condition.
Erectile dysfunction is characterised by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for satisfactory sexual performance. Despite its prevalence, ED remains a subject largely avoided in public discourse, shrouded by stigma and embarrassment. This reluctance to discuss the condition openly can delay treatment and exacerbate both physical and emotional consequences.
The deputy minister’s announcement came during the launch of the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for the Management of Erectile Dysfunction. These guidelines have been developed over several years with the aim of equipping healthcare practitioners with comprehensive, evidence-based protocols to treat ED effectively. By providing a standardised approach for diagnosis and management, the CPG hopes to improve patient outcomes and encourage more men to seek professional help.
Lukanisman emphasised the importance of recognising ED as a medical condition, comparable to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolaemia. This comparison is vital because it frames ED not as a matter of personal failure or inadequacy, but rather a health issue requiring proper medical attention.
The deputy minister urged men not to feel ashamed about their condition, pointing out that nearly 70% of ED cases contribute to marital breakdowns and divorce. This statistic underscores the far-reaching social and psychological impact of untreated ED beyond its physical symptoms.
The role of partners, particularly women, was also highlighted. Lukanisman encouraged spouses to educate themselves about ED and support their partners in pursuing treatment. Such support can alleviate the emotional burden often associated with ED and foster open communication within relationships.
On the regulatory front, the Ministry of Health is taking steps to monitor and control the sale of ED medications, especially on popular e-commerce platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok.
The pharmaceutical services division is collaborating with these platforms to restrict unregulated sales, which often involve drugs marketed for sexual enhancement without proper medical oversight. The deputy minister cautioned against treating these medications as mere enhancers of sexual stamina or performance, stressing that they should be used strictly under medical supervision.
While the NHMS data provides valuable insight into the extent of ED among Malaysian men, it is important to consider certain limitations. Surveys rely on self-reported information, which can be influenced by social desirability bias or underreporting due to embarrassment.
Moreover, the study does not fully explore underlying causes such as psychological factors, lifestyle habits, or comorbid conditions that may contribute to ED.
The introduction of the CPG represents an important step towards addressing these gaps by guiding clinicians through holistic assessments and personalised treatment plans. These guidelines encompass lifestyle modifications, pharmacological treatments, psychological support, and referrals when necessary. This multifaceted approach recognises that ED often results from a complex interplay of physiological and psychological factors.
Given the significant number of men affected, raising awareness remains critical. Public health campaigns that normalise conversations about erectile dysfunction could encourage earlier intervention and reduce stigma. Education efforts targeted at both men and their partners would help dismantle misconceptions and promote healthier attitudes towards sexual health.
The deputy minister’s remarks serve as a reminder that erectile dysfunction is not merely a private issue but one with broader health and social implications. With nearly 70% of cases implicated in divorce rates, untreated ED can strain relationships and diminish quality of life. Addressing this condition openly and professionally can mitigate these adverse effects.
Tackling erectile dysfunction requires a combination of medical expertise, patient education, supportive partnerships, and regulatory vigilance. The newly launched Clinical Practice Guidelines offer a structured framework for healthcare professionals to deliver quality care, while government efforts aim to safeguard public health by controlling medication distribution channels.
This development signals progress in how Malaysia addresses male sexual health issues—moving away from silence and stigma towards informed care and open dialogue. Encouraging men to seek help without shame could reduce the personal and societal burdens linked to ED. Ongoing research and public engagement will be key to refining strategies that improve well-being for affected individuals and their families.
