Allan Pease Standing Tall Interview

Allan Pease Standing Tall Interview

Bedroom performance is only the 'tip of the iceberg' for men suffering erection difficulties with many revealing the condition also has a severe impact on their confidence, self-image and sense of manhood, according to a major report on the widespread problem.

The Standing Tall Report, based on a nationwide Galaxy survey of more than 1,000 men with erection problems, found the majority of sufferers regarded their inability to have sex as secondary to the impact of the condition on other aspects of their lives.

According to the survey, commissioned by Lilly Australia, many men admit the impact of erection problems is felt on an ongoing basis and extends far beyond the ability to have sex.

"Self-esteem is the biggest problem," says body-language expert Allan Pease, himself a man affected by erection difficulties resulting from prostate surgery 13 years ago. "The impact of the condition extends far beyond the ability to respond physically when aroused," he said.

While 60 per cent of survey participants who sought medical help said the ability to have sex was one of their reasons for doing so, only 35 per cent said it was the main reason.

Around 65 per cent of men indentified the desire to 'feel normal?, the need to 'feel like a man again' and 'concern for their relationship' as the primary reasons for speaking to a doctor about their condition.

"Many men define manhood by the ability to have an erection," says Allan Pease. "Erection problems dramatically affect your confidence and you wonder if you'll ever feel like a man again. It's a compounding thing that goes far beyond the actual erection or having sex."
"When a man goes to the doctor for help it may seem that he is after a quick fix but he is really looking to restore his self-esteem, his confidence and his identity," Allan Pease said.

Commenting on the Report, Sydney based sexual health physician, Dr Michael Lowy, said the majority of men who initiate treatment for erection problems are looking to address a broader range of issues than simply the ability to have sex.

"For many men, the nature of the condition extends far beyond the bedroom and acts as an ongoing source of concern, fear and anxiety," Dr Lowy said.

The Standing Tall research found that men with erection problems suffer high levels of anxiety induced by doubts about their virility and by constant reminders of their problem.

The Report found that for 43 per cent of men with erection problems, just the thought of having sex can make them anxious. Furthermore, one-in-two men admit to being reminded of their condition by physical contact with someone they find attractive.

Nearly 60 per cent of survey participants admit they had experienced a lack of confidence when interacting with a person they found attractive because it reminded them of their condition. Other reminders include seeing an attractive person, exposure to sexually suggestive or explicit materials and even jokes with sexual themes.

Both Allan Pease and Dr Lowy agree these reminders can lead to changes in a man's behaviour and his outlook on life. Nearly 60 per cent of men living with erection difficulties admit to avoiding conversations about sex, while a third have avoided situations that may lead to sex.

"Everywhere you go you are reminded of your erection problem," says Allan Pease. "You see it on television, you see it on billboards, you see a pretty girl walking down the street and this reminds you. If you don't take positive action you will never escape the condition.

"I know men who avoid situations where jokes involving sex are being told because it reminds them of their problem and affects their self esteem. These men desperately want to feel normal again but they don?t know what to do to change their situation," he added.

Around 50 per cent of sufferers admit they have gone to bed at a different time to their partner in order to avoid the possibility of sexual activity. Indeed, the Report concludes that the impact of the condition on partners and on relationships is of major concern to sufferers of erection problems.

According to the Report, almost 60 per cent of respondents claim they are more concerned about the impact the condition has on their partner and their own confidence levels than on their ability to engage in intercourse.

"Sex is simply the tip of the iceberg for most men with these problems. It's time we talked more openly about what sits below the surface and how this impacts men on a daily basis," Allan Pease said.

He added that, "Many men go into denial and buy toys like a big boat, a fast car or a pair of aviator sunglasses. They try to recapture their manhood by surrounding themselves with masculine things but it's only a temporary thing. Without help the problems only get worse."

Despite the impact of the condition on almost every aspect of a sufferer's life, less than half seek treatment and just 14 per cent are currently using a prescription medication. "The successful treatment of erection problems should no longer be defined simply by a man's ability to have sex. When we address the broad impact of erection issues we can help men feel and act the way they did before the problems started," Dr Lowy said.

The Standing Tall Report found that approximately 40 per cent of men aged between 40 and 69 years experience erection problems and that the incidence and severity of the problem increases with age.

The Standing Tall: The Full Impact of Erection Problems on Men report was developed from research undertaken by Galaxy Research on behalf of Lilly Australia. The research was conducted among a representative sample of 2,258 men aged 40-69 years. These men were distributed throughout Australia, including capital cities and regional areas. For the purpose of the study, respondents were screened on five clinical questions to determine if they had erectile dysfunction (ED). A total of 1,010 (45% of the original sample) were classified as having mild (50%); mild-to-moderate (25%); moderate (12%); or severe (13%) ED, and completed the questionnaire. Field work was undertaken in March 2011.

Interview with Allan Pease

Question: How do ererction problems impact a man's life?

Allan Pease: Research reveals that approximately 40 per cent of men aged 40 years or older will experience erection problems. For some men, the inability to have an erection will be linked to psychological factors, such as stress, and for other men the condition will be caused by physical factors, including diabetes, obesity, prostate problems and the ageing process.

The impact of erection problems on a man's life is wide and varied and can be as unique and individual as the man experiencing the problem. However, one thing is certain, erection problems are not confined to the bedroom and extend across all aspect of a man's life. The most significant impact is on the man's self-esteem and confidence. Popular media has instilled in society that men are defined by their sexual identity and that erections are everything that is male. As a result, when a man loses the ability to have an erection he can also feel like he has become less of a man. When this happens a man can lose confidence in his ability to interact with those he finds sexually attractive. He may start avoiding situations that remind him of the condition, for example, conversations about sex and intimacy, or watching movies with sexual content. Moreover, he may avoid situations that may lead to sex, for example going to bed later than his partner or working longer hours to avoid his partner.


Question: What impact does erection problems have on a male?

Allan Pease: One of the important findings of the Standing Tall report is that erection problems are not just confined to the bedroom and impact upon many aspects of a man's life.

The biggest impact, beyond the inability to have intercourse, is that erection problems can strip a man of his confidence and reduce his self-esteem. In many cases the man will experience depression and question his value in society and to his partner or potential partners.

Consequently, many men will inadvertently attempt to bolster their perceived 'value' by working harder and attempting to become more successful in their careers. They may also make unusual, out-of-character purchases, including new wardrobes of expensive clothes, sporty looking cars or 'toys' that serve to increase their masculinity or show off their success.

Question: How do the erection problems of a male impact a relationship?

Allan Pease: As highlighted in the Standing Tall report, many men are experts at avoiding issues or situations that make them uncomfortable and will try to hide their erection problems by avoiding situations that lead to intimacy or that may expose their inability to develop or sustain an erection. This can have dramatic and detrimental consequences for relationships. Partners often know there is something wrong but don't know exactly what the cause is. As men are reluctant to talk about the issue, partners can confuse their distance with a lack of interest in them sexually, or may even believe their partners are 'cheating' on them or don't love them anymore. This can create a great deal of unnecessary conflict in relationships and can result in many partners feeling unloved and dejected. Divorce rates dramatically increase under these circumstances.


Question: How can erection problems be successfully treated?

Allan Pease: The first step in treating erection problems is for the man to accept and acknowledge that he has them in the first place. The next step, if he has a partner, is to discuss the condition with them. This serves to take the feeling of isolation out of the condition and allow both the man and his partner to address the problem - nobody likes facing problems on their own.

Fortunately, a number of treatments for erection problems exist. By talking to their doctor, men will discover they can take simple action to address the condition. There are a number of oral medications available to suit the different lifestyle requirements of men, as well as devices such as vacuum pumps. Additionally, and at the more involved end of the treatment spectrum there are injections and implants.

From my personal experience with erection problems and as a prostate cancer councillor, in addition to the feeling of relief many men and their partners get from seeking treatment, couples can and do have a lot of fun 'experimenting' with treatments and solutions. For many, it often serves to re-invigorate their relationship and sex life.


Question: What are the main reasons men seek treatment for their erection problems?

Allan Pease: Sex is important to both men and women, and as highlighted in the Standing Tall report, 35 per cent of men indicate they seek treatment because it allows them to have sex. However, 65 per cent of men cite the importance to their relationship, importance to their day-to-day life, feeling normal again and feeling like a man again as reasons for seeking treatment.

The Report also highlighted that the most common concern for men with erection problems was their inability to satisfy their partner, followed by their inability to have sex and then the impact the condition has on their relationship. Almost half of men were concerned about the impact of their confidence and 35 per cent were concerned with the impact on their sense of manhood.

Erection problems can cause a complex set of symptoms that extend beyond the inability to develop an erection. Many men describe themselves as living with the condition - they wake up with it, they spend all day with it and they go to bed with it. But few people realise that this is also true for their partners. They have to live with a man who is 'not himself'. Finding successful treatment can remove a substantial burden for both a man and his partner.


Question: Why do you think less than half of sufferers seek treatment?

Allan Pease: Many men avoid or put off seeing their doctor for a range of health complaints, not just erection problems.

The notion that the problem will 'fix itself' or go away if they don't think about it is tied heavily to the point that men avoid issues they are uncomfortable with. Erection problems, because of their intrinsic link with manhood and masculinity, are highly stigmatised and therefore can become a 'hide from at all cost' type of condition.
It can take a man a long time to build up the courage to seek treatment, but when he does there is an immediate feeling of relief. Men need to understand that their doctor can help them and in most cases treat their erection problems. In a lot cases, it is the man's partner who pushes him to seek treatment. Partners are also often more open about discussing the severity of the problem and are often the most enthusiastic at exploring solutions - which for both people can be a lot of fun.


Question: Where you surprised at the findings of the Standing Tall- The Full Impact of Erection Problems on Men report?

Allan Pease: The Standing Tall report confirmed what many doctors have known for some time - that erection problems extend far beyond the bedroom. When talking about erection problems with men who have survived prostate cancer, many of them have described their ability to develop an erection as 'a big part of who they are'. This isn't surprising as sexuality, masculinity and confidence all greatly contribute to a man's identity and an erection is an extension of that.

What I did find surprising about the Standing Tall report and the research it is based on, is the openness with which the respondents approached the topic.

And that brings me to the aim of the report, to encourage men and their partners to acknowledge and address the condition and engage in an open conversation about it with their doctor. Erection problems can be treated and there are a range of treatments to suit almost every set of circumstances.


Question: Why do men 'avoid' fixing their problem?

Allan Pease: Many men hope the problem will just go away. It is when they realise that the problem is negatively impacting a variety of other areas of their lives, not just their bedroom time, that they realise they need to find a solution. The impact on their partner, their inability to satisfy their partner and the constant reminders of the condition they encounter throughout their day eventually become so great that they either seek help or risk falling into an abyss of depression.

Men need to realise they don't need to wait until their relationship starts deteriorating or their self-esteem ebbs so low that they become depressed to seek help. Doctors can fix most erection problems and there are solutions out there that will suit men and their individual situations and lifestyles.


Interview by Brooke Hunter