Over half of Irish men don't realise loss of sex drive could be down to a medical condition that can be easily treated.
Testosterone deficiency (TD) commonly affects over 8% of men aged between 50 and 79 years.
But in a new survey by Besins Healthcare to coincide with International Men’s Health Week, it was found that over 20% with libido loss will just suffer in silence.
Although 44% of men said they would feel concerned about their future health if they found out they had TD, one third (32%) find it uncomfortable talking to anyone about sensitive health issues.
Only 45% of men regularly discuss their physical and mental wellbeing with their partners.
Professor Thomas Lynch, Consultant Urologist at St. James’s Hospital and Trinity College, Dublin, said: “50% of Irish men don’t know that testosterone deficiency (TD) is a medical condition and are therefore not seeking advice or treatment.
"A significant number of men are suffering from a condition they don’t even recognise.
"The symptoms of TD include; low libido, fatigue, depression, erectile dysfunction, hot flushes and sweating.
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"TD is accepted by many men as a natural part of ageing however there are times when testosterone levels are lower than they should be and if their low testosterone levels are reversed this can significantly improve their quality of life so it is important to speak to their GP about it.”
You are more susceptible to TD if you have other conditions like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, COPD and osteoporosis.
Up to 40% of men with type 2 diabetes have low or borderline low levels of testosterone.
If you think you have TD, you need to talk to your doctor as an accurate diagnosis is essential.
For more information on testosterone deficiency, visit www.whatistds.ie .
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