Most Brit blokes with erectile dysfunction would rather STOP having sex than see GP

BRIT blokes would rather avoid having sex or dump their partner than see a GP over erectile dysfunction.

Most men bury their heads in the sand - waiting on average four weeks to seek medical help for health problems, a shock poll reveals.

When it comes to erectile dysfunction, most men said they would rather break up with a partner, shop anonymously online for a solution or stop having sex.

And more than a third of the 18 to 40 year olds quizzed said they would rather ignore a physical problem altogether than see a doctor.

Men find it hard to open up

Dr Earim Chaudry, GP and Medical Director at Manual, the first direct-to-consumer men’s wellbeing platform in the UK, which commissioned the research said: “When men do come in, they usually find it hard to open up and have an honest conversation about their health.

“It’s important to put them at ease and reassure them that no-one is judging.

“What I’ve also noticed is a shift in the age of men coming in to see me, those suffering from erectile dysfunction are becoming younger.

“These are common conditions and so it's imperative we de-stigmatise the conversation around these taboo topics so that men feel compelled to seek help.

"Creating a safe space online will help empower these men to take action sooner.”

Pressure to 'be a man'

More than 75 per cent of those questioned said there is a lot of pressure on blokes to "be a man" - and appear tough rather than being honest about their emotions.

Researchers also found six in 10 adults think men who open up would encourage their friends to do the same.

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Eighty four per cent of those polled think the idea of masculinity is changing and men are being encouraged to open up and show how they really feel.

And almost half of men said they look after their mental and physical health more today than they did five years ago.

The study of 1,874 respondents, polled via OnePoll, also found half reckon it is easier for women to talk about personal issues than it is for men.

Three quarters of those believe this is because it seems more "acceptable" for women to open up.

'Don't sweep your problems under the carpet'

George Pallis, CEO and co-founder of Manual added: “It’s worrying the lengths men will go to before they face a problem – and I used to be exactly the same.

“So many men find it extremely difficult to open up to both friends and professionals about any personal issues.

“At Manual we want to encourage men to talk openly, challenging the outdated notions of masculinity where ‘being a man’ meant sweeping problems under the carpet.

“It’s a shame that men still feel pressured to hold in their feelings in comparison to women.

“As an online platform we are providing men with a safe space to understand their problems and seek solutions, empowering them to take action and deal with a problem.

"We are launching with a focus on erectile dysfunction and hair loss, but will expand the platform to include solutions and knowledge on everything from sex to skin, and hair to general well-being.”