Lt. Kol. (PA) Profesor Dr. Zulkifli Md. Zainuddin

Most Malaysian men who suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) prefer to find alternative cures rather than seek medical help, a urologist said today. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia s head of Urology, Professor Datuk Dr Zulkifli Zainuddin, said the main reason for this was embarrassment. Secondly, it is may be because they do not want to spend a lot of money because pills and surgery to treat erectile dysfunction can be very expensive, he said. Dr Zulkifli pointed out that these alternative treatments include traditional penis massage known as urut batin in Malay putting on a penis ring, and drinking energy drinks that have no scientific basis behind them. Energy drinks like Tongkat Ali are tested on rats so unless your penis is the size of a rat s, it won t work, he added, referring to the plant Eurycoma longifolia or also known as longjack, which root is used as folk medicine in Southeast Asia. Dr Zulkifli urged those who suffer from ED to seek medical attention immediately.

Dr Zulkifli, who has spent years consulting with couples struggling with the problem, said that communication was key in helping them cope with ED. I have met many patients with ED who faced relationship issues and dissatisfaction due to their inability to verbalise the problem, he said. The blow in self-confidence felt by men afflicted by ED made it a challenge for them to see a doctor about it. He said this was where partners could play a vital role in easing them into the task. By being supportive and encouraging, you can help your partner garner the courage needed to see the doctor and address the problem. Dr Zulkifli commented that in many cases, patients tended to see a doctor quite late. One must be aware that ED is our body s way of telling us that something is not right. ED is often a precursor to other problems such as cardiovascular disease, he revealed.