Andrewes, James Joseph

English

Aim: Erection difficulties (ED) are predominantly considered in medicine as secondary to physical illnesses associated with aging. Current NICE guidelines suggest treating all cases of ED with pills called phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE-5is) which increase blood-flow to the penis, regardless of suspected cause. However, recent research suggests growing numbers of younger men are seeking treatment for ED which appears to be primarily psychological in origin. This study responds to the current absence of any qualitative research into this population. It examines how ED is experienced by younger men and considers whether PDE-5is, which target ED at a purely biological level, are suitable for this population.Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six men under 40 who had used PDE-5is to manage ED. Data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results: Three superordinate themes were identified: “Anxious Preoccupation with Sexual Performance”, “Concerns About Viagra Dependence” and “Struggles with Communication”. Participants experienced considerable anxiety regarding the social and psychological consequences of poor sexual performance, using PDE- 5is to protect against these feared outcomes. However, using PDE-5is often introduced new psychological complications, including a pull towards dependence and a felt sense of alienation from “natural” sex. Participants reported struggling to discuss their difficulties with others but found opportunities to do so highly beneficial. Implications: These results call into question the suitability of PDE-5is for younger men with ED, challenging NICE guidelines and raising ethical questions about their current ease of access. They suggest that more research into possible alternatives such as psychological interventions is required. They also indicate that a greater number of opportunities for open communication about sexual difficulties would be beneficial for younger men, calling for policymakers and practitioners to respond accordingly

Roehampton University Research Repository

"If I’ve Got the Solution in my Pocket, Why do I Need to Talk About it?":Young Men’s Experiences of Using Pills like Viagra to Manage Erection Difficulties, an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

https://pure.roehampton.ac.uk/portal/files/19150441/Andrewes_James_Joseph_Final_Thesis.pdf

"If I’ve Got the Solution in my Pocket, Why do I Need to Talk About it?":Young Men’s Experiences of Using Pills like Viagra to Manage Erection Difficulties, an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

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Roehampton University Research Repository