Latest news with #ErectileDysfunction
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Popular ‘80s Band Refutes Embarrassing Fake ED Report: ‘Please Don't Be Fooled'
Popular '80s Band Refutes Embarrassing Fake ED Report: 'Please Don't Be Fooled' originally appeared on Parade. Crowded House recently took to social media to refute a report featuring a fake AI interview with the band's frontman , 67, that claimed he fathered a child after overcoming erectile dysfunction. 'We're not sure where this came from but please don't be fooled. Neil's never had trouble with erections,' read a message on the band's official Facebook account above the fake video report. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 The clip appears to feature New Zealand journalist Simon Dallow on a news broadcast that claims the 'Don't Dream It's Over' singer has once again become a father after overcoming a personal problem. It's followed by an AI-generated video version of a fake Finn, sharing his personal problems. 'I never thought I'd be able to become a father again. Honestly, I believe that chapter of my life was closed, not because I didn't want it, but because I simply couldn't.' The fake Finn also said, 'For years, I lived with a problem most men are too ashamed to talk about. My erections became weaker and weaker until they stopped altogether. No desire, no confidence, no control. I was too embarrassed to even talk to my wife about it.'Fans approached the issue with a mix of humor and shock in their comments on Facebook. 'Neil's new album featuring hits such as "Better be Hard Soon", "Don't dream Erections are over", "Semi's so strong", "Now we're growing somewhere", "Don't flop now", and of course the classic "Four boners in one day,'' wrote one fan, who tweaked the names of some Crowded House songs to fit the fake news. 'Jesus AI is getting good. But you did write a fantastic tune early on with "something so strong" so I had always wondered ,' commented another. 'God bless you Neil and your erection, it gave us Liam and Elroy and therefore more amazing music… perhaps you should insure it??? ,' wrote another fan, referring to Finn's real adult sons who are both solo artists and members of Crowded House. Popular '80s Band Refutes Embarrassing Fake ED Report: 'Please Don't Be Fooled' first appeared on Parade on Aug 14, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Telegraph
04-08-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
I've helped hundreds of men overcome erectile dysfunction. Here's how
Erectile dysfunction: it's a fact of getting old, along with sagging skin and achy knees, we've been led to believe. But that's false, says Dr Ben Davis, a GP and clinical sexologist at Central Health London. Erectile dysfunction (ED) 'is not necessarily inevitable,' Dr Davis says. 'Plenty of men in their 70s and 80s continue to have satisfying sex lives, including good erections. Ageing doesn't have to mean the end of sexual pleasure.' After 10 years spent helping men to improve their sex lives at his clinical practice on Harley Street, he would know. Dr Davis wants to be clear that ED ' is common, whether it starts later in life or has been present for years'. Half of all men will experience it at some point in their lives, and it's a condition that is on the rise in Britain, in fact. Superdrug Online Doctor, which provides prescriptions to help with ED through online pharmacists, saw a 68 per cent rise in demand for its services here last year. That came with a 46 per cent increase in men aged 18-29, the age group least likely to experience ED for reasons strictly related to physical health. While 'it doesn't mean there's necessarily something wrong with you', ED can be an important indicator of your overall wellbeing. Erection problems 'can predict a heart attack or stroke by five years' as well as being 'a possible sign of testosterone deficiency and diabetes,' says Dr Davis. It works the other way round, too. 'There has been an increase in things like metabolic disease and obesity in the past decade, both of which can make erectile dysfunction more likely,' says Dr Davis. 'But it's just as true that life has become more stressful. I see more anxiety generally in patients, and there's less work security, a part of life that lots of men draw validation from.' Then there is the precarious British housing market, which has led to a third of men aged under 35 living with their parents, and a number more with their in-laws. Whether you're the returning child or the loving but frustrated parent, 'it's very hard to be sexual when you don't have real privacy'. If any of this sounds familiar, the good news is that ED can be reversed with the right treatments. Here is what you need to know, from the man who really has seen it all. You probably don't need testosterone therapy Men's testosterone levels tend to decrease as they age, at a rate of about 1 per cent every year after 30, according to the NHS. 'Testosterone is a key hormone for sexual desire and arousal. It influences key brain areas linked to sexual stimuli, as well as being important for the erections and erectile health,' Dr Davis says. 'Key symptoms of testosterone deficiency are low sexual desire, loss of morning erection, and other erection difficulties.' While testosterone does tail off with age, there is a difference between this gradual decrease and actual testosterone deficiency. 'It's both hugely under and over-diagnosed,' says Dr Davis. 'About one in four men have the symptoms associated with testosterone deficiency' – fatigue, low mood and low sex drive, as well as erectile problems – 'but this doesn't necessarily mean that their symptoms are caused by testosterone deficiency'. Only 2 to 5 per cent of men actually have abnormally low testosterone levels, recent research from Bupa suggests, and this natural decline isn't enough to cause erectile dysfunction on its own (though if you're having trouble for other reasons, it may be a contributing factor – more on which below). Despite this, 'testosterone is sold as a cure-all for a whole range of men's sexual difficulties,' Dr Davis says. 'But if you have normal levels of testosterone, then your ED is being caused by something else, and increasing your testosterone levels is unlikely to solve the problem.' You might be prescribed testosterone therapy by a doctor after a full blood test, taken on more than one occasion. It's important to see a professional to explore all of the options first, especially if you're planning to pay for treatment yourself. 'Some online clinics label men's testosterone levels as being suboptimal if they're less than 18 nanomoles per litre [nmol/L], which is well above average and unlikely to be causing symptoms,' Dr Davis explains. 'Many online clinics are focused on turning initial consultations with patients into regular testosterone subscriptions. Testosterone also has a significant placebo effect, and so men may feel better injecting testosterone, even if testosterone is really not the cause of the issue.' The key message: don't buy testosterone through online pharmacists alone. 'The risk is that men spend money on something that doesn't address the root causes of their problems, which can also make them feel more desperate if things don't improve,' says Dr Davis. Viagra might help, but it isn't necessary for everyone Viagra was a wonder when it was approved for use in the UK in 1998. It's now commonplace in bathroom cabinets and much less stigma-laden than it was 30 years ago. Viagra, Cialis and other similar medications improve blood flow to the penis and, therefore, 'can be very helpful, particularly where the problem is being caused by damage to blood vessels,' Dr Davis says. This is something that midlife men may well face, as it's an issue often caused by poor cardiovascular health over a course of years or decades. However, if you're taking Viagra to patch over relationship problems or a lack of attraction to your partner, expect its effects to wane. These medications can help by 'improving erection strength, giving you more confidence and reducing the anxiety you might have around your erections, but in the long term, if there are other underlying issues then Viagra won't solve them,' says Dr Davis. Although it can be helpful, Viagra on its own isn't enough to stop heart disease. 'I've previously had patients who have started taking Viagra in their 40s or 50s, but didn't have a full work-up from a doctor, who went on to have a heart attack 10 years later –not because of the Viagra but because they had underlying cardiovascular disease affecting the arteries in the heart as well as the penis,' Dr Davis recalls. 'The blood vessels in the penis are smaller and the effects are noticeable earlier than in those around the heart. A man with erection problems is in a key window of time to prevent future heart attacks, but too often men are too ashamed to seek help.' The little blue pill does also come with side-effects when taken in the long term. Regular headaches can cause nausea, dizziness and stomach cramps. If vascular disease is your main problem when it comes to your erections, 'there are other treatments like shockwave therapy which can help to stimulate the blood vessels, as well as new home devices like the Vertica, which can improve things in the medium term,' says Dr Davis. Diet and exercise will likely help – but may not be a cure Erectile dysfunction can be managed through diet and exercise. 'In some cases, changes here might be enough to rectify the problem,' says Dr Davis. 'Becoming more active and improving your diet can improve your cardiovascular, metabolic and pelvic health, which in turn can improve the blood flow to your penis.' The best foods to eat to prevent or reduce erectile dysfunction are the ones that make up the Mediterranean diet, being rich in fibre, nitrates and omega 3: fatty fish, oil, nuts and seeds. 'There's also some evidence that lycopene, found in tomatoes, can be helpful for prostate health, while we know that ultra-processed and high-sugar foods can worsen metabolic health,' Dr Davis says. Exercise can also give you a much-needed boost by benefiting overall circulation, improving your confidence and supporting your mental health. That said, if the damage to your blood vessels from cardiovascular disease is extensive, then diet and exercise alone are unlikely to be enough. 'Here, Viagra, or those alternatives to, it really do come in handy,' says Dr Davis. Remember that it's not all about penetrative sex Some men struggle with erections even when they are alone and want to masturbate. Others struggle only in the presence of a partner. This is often a stressful and upsetting situation for both parties. It might sound counter-intuitive, but Dr Davis suggests 'pressing pause on penetrative sex for a while'. When facing sexual difficulties, many men find that masturbation can feel more relaxed and less pressured than partnered sex. 'This can be a way to reconnect with your own pleasure without performance anxiety,' says Dr Davis, but porn can 'reinforce social scripts around sex that often make men feel pressured or inadequate, and make it much harder to get an erection in the moment'. It is something to be consumed with caution. Sexual difficulties 'can actually give more room to explore what really excites you and turns you on,' says Dr Davis. While a lot of men believe that penetrative sex is really important to women, 'most women don't orgasm from penetrative sex and it's often not as important to them as many men believe,' Dr Davis advises. This is the perfect time to 'experiment with different kinds of sex other than penetrative sex, as well as different kinds of touch,' for heterosexual and same-sex couples alike. Maintaining desire Dr Davis says: 'For some men, their sexual drive is good, they've just lost desire for their partner, which is very common.' This can be even tougher, and sometimes it's down to the 'doublepause', with women going through menopause and men dealing with declining testosterone at the same time inside of a relationship. 'Maintaining sexual desire in long-term monogamous relationships can be a challenge, but there are lots of great resources out there,' says Dr Davis, who recommends the books Mating in Captivity by psychologist Esther Perel, and Mind The Gap: The Truth about Desire and How To Futureproof Your Sex Life, by Dr Karen Gurney. Sexual difficulties don't have to mean the end of a relationship. 'This is a really good time to have open conversations about both of your fantasies and erotic worlds, and to see which overlaps you have that you haven't yet explored,' says Dr Davis. 'It's likely that there are some remaining even when you've been together for decades, if you are open to being curious about you and your partner's sexual selves. A new level of intimacy can often emerge.' In the end, that could be more fun, after all.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘My husband's diabetes destroyed our sex life – here's how we saved our marriage'
'Sex – several times a week – had always been an important glue in our marriage,' says Sara Chaudary, who's been with her husband Arion for 17 years. 'Yet there were horribly strained evenings, when we'd start having sex but couldn't finish. As a result he stopped instigating sex, and rejected me trying to start it. This just wasn't the norm for us.' Erectile dysfunction (ED) – the inability to get or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance – remains one of the most awkwardly unspoken medical conditions among men. Yet for millions worldwide, it is far from rare – especially when diabetes is thrown into the mix. For West Yorkshire restaurant owners Sara, 36, and Arion, 45, problems in the bedroom followed shortly after Arion's Type 2 diabetes diagnosis at the age of 43. He is not alone. In the UK, more than 4.3 million people live with diabetes, with around 90 per cent of cases being Type 2, like Arion's. According to Diabetes UK, ED is more likely in older men with Type 2 diabetes and those living with obesity, though it can affect men of any age with any type of diabetes. Up to 75 per cent of men suffering from diabetes will experience some degree of ED over their lifetime, with male diabetics thought to develop symptoms 10-15 years earlier than other men. 'It's one of the most common complications of the disease – yet it's also one of the least discussed,' says consultant urologist Professor David Ralph, of University College London. 'Many men feel embarrassed when I meet them, the term 'erectile dysfunction' rarely leave their lips. Instead they come in saying things like, 'it's not like it used to be, doctor' or 'it's not working properly down there'. There's often a feeling that they've somehow let themselves or their partner down,' says Professor Ralph. 'It's my job to explain that ED is extremely common – particularly with age and underlying health conditions like diabetes – and that it's a medical issue, not a personal failing.'Why this occurs, says Professor Ralph, is because prolonged high blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels and nerves which are essential for an erection. 'This reduces blood flow and sensation in the penis. Men with diabetes are also more likely to have low testosterone, which further lowers sexual desire,' he adds. Professor Ralph also points out that psychological factors such as anxiety or low mood can worsen the problem. While other diabetes-related health problems, such as heart or kidney disease, may also play a role in reducing sexual desire and contributing to erection problems. Sara and Arion first met in 2008, moved in together within two months and welcomed their first child a year later. But their whirlwind romance stood the test of time, as they married and went on to have five sons together, now aged 16, 14, 12, nine and three. 'After so many years together we both know sex isn't the be-all and end-all, but it's certainly the important glue, and I'd say we connected this way three to four times a week' says Sara, who helps run Arion's restaurant. 'Having friends who haven't had passion that actually lasts, we always felt very fortunate in that area.' A routine check-up a few years ago showed Arion was pre-diabetic. 'Diabetes is more prevalent in the South East Asian community, and in my line of work I'm constantly surrounded by delicious chapatis, naan, and we cook with ghee – admittedly not ideal for insulin levels,' he says. According to Professor Ralph, pre-diabetes is a 'warning sign' and prompt action – modifying lifestyle factors such as weight loss – can minimise the risks by getting the sugars controlled. Determined to reverse the condition naturally, Arion improved his diet, installed a treadmill in the front room, and played football with his sons. But despite these efforts, by 43, he'd tipped into full Type 2 diabetes. This too, alas, is common says Professor Ralph. 'Many patients progress to full blown diabetes, and all of the cardiovascular complications including ED.' That's when things started to change in the bedroom. 'For someone who is naturally full of beans, Arion became more lethargic,' describes Sara. 'His erections were weaker, and intercourse became a struggle.' Sara admits she worried Arion had stopped finding her attractive. 'After five babies my body had changed, however many kegel exercises I did. There were tense evenings, and the longer it carried on, the more Arion lost his confidence. His enthusiasm for sex waned, I'm sure he feared it would result in failure.' She knew they needed to talk about it – but not during sex. 'I didn't want to bring it up while in bed, with all that pressure. So instead, the two of us we went out for a walk and I said, 'I love you, come on, let's talk about this.' Arion seemed relieved I'd raised it. 'Of course I still fancy you,' he reassured me. And I cried, 'Of course I don't think you're letting me down.' That initial conversation was an important first step. Together, they focused on non-penetrative ways to stay intimate. 'We tried massages, different positions, using sex toys, and yes – forgive me if this is frank – we practised more oral sex,' admits Sara says. 'It was worth us both improving our technique, and just lightening up a little if things didn't work out.' When Arion decided he wasn't ready to stop having sex in the way they were used to, he went to the GP, who suggested Viagra. PDE5 inhibitor oral medications – like sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) – remain the first-line treatment according to Professor Ralph. These work by temporarily improving blood flow. 'However, they don't address another key issue that many men with ED face – the problem of blood leaking back out too quickly, which can make it hard to maintain an erection. Studies indicate that around half of men stop taking them within a year. Patients often report side effects like headaches or flushing and do not like having to plan sex around a pill.' Treatments for ED have advanced considerably, says Professor Ralph, with far more available today than 10 years options include NHS-provided mechanical vacuum devices, which help draw blood back into the penis. 'While these are effective and non-invasive, many men find them inconvenient or uncomfortable long-term,' admits Professor Ralph. Penile injections are another alternative. 'Alprostadil injections (which relax the blood vessels in the penis) are used when oral treatments fail and are effective in the majority of cases, but drawbacks include pain, priapism risk (an unwanted erection lasting hours), and the need for self-injection,' says Professor Ralph. Penile implants are available too, but this surgical option tends to be reserved for more complex or persistent cases. They're irreversible but associated with high satisfaction rates. 'More recently, there's been growing interest in treatments that aim to restore function more naturally – especially among men (such as Arion) who want longer-term solutions or don't like the idea of planning sex around a pill.' One example is low-intensity shockwave therapy which is a private treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate blood flow and encourage new blood vessel growth. 'It can benefit some, particularly those with mild ED, but the clinical results are mixed, and it requires multiple clinic visits, and can cost up to £3000,' explains Professor Ralph. 'Another option is Vertica, a handheld, at-home device, using radiofrequency energy to improve blood flow and reduce venous leak, a common cause of ED,' he adds. A peer reviewed study in the International Journal of Impotence Research reported that 85 per cent of users experienced improvement at four weeks, and 93 per cent had erections sufficient for penetration by 12 weeks. It's approved by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) though is not available on the NHS and costs approximately £1,250-£1,500, depending on the says Professor Ralph, the device worked just as well in men with diabetes 'who are typically harder to treat'. 'Around 40 per cent of men in the trial had Type 2 diabetes – given how often ED and diabetes go hand in hand that's encouraging.' For Arion personally, 'who doesn't even like taking paracetamol' it was the drug free solution, Vertica, that worked. 'After about a month of using the device three to four times a week consistently we noticed a difference,' says Arion. 'My morning erections returned, full sex was mostly possible, and crucially my confidence improved,' says Arion. 'It felt like turning back time in a way we didn't think possible.'Today, the couple feel closer than ever. 'It's just like normal again, before his diabetes diagnosis,' Sara says. 'We laugh more, talk more, touch more. We came through this hurdle together, and who knows, we're not ruling out baby number six in the future...' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Forbes
26-06-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Erectile Dysfunction Is Rising, And It's More Than Just Blood Flow
Extra strong pills for sale at an adult sex shop in Soho, central London, United Kingdom. Photo by ... More Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is no longer merely a symptom of aging but a physiologic and psychological signal that something more profound in the system is out of sync. And clinicians are sounding the alarm: ED is one of the earliest warning signs of cardiometabolic dysfunction, hormonal imbalance and emotional strain. More than half of men over 40 will experience some degree of ED, and younger men are increasingly reporting symptoms, too. Yet silence persists. Industry surveys show that only about half of men experiencing ED speak to a doctor, and even fewer discuss it with their partners. Despite its prevalence, however, stigma and misinformation continue to prevent early intervention. Medical experts across disciplines now treat ED not as a standalone urological issue but as a red flag for a broader health dysfunction. The condition is progressively linked to cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, hormone imbalances and chronic stress. But as public awareness grows, more men are being encouraged to shift their view of ED from a source of taboo to a clinical signpost pointing toward deeper recalibration. At its core, ED reflects impaired blood flow, a vascular issue often rooted in endothelial dysfunction. Erections rely on the bioavailability of nitric oxide and the ability of blood vessels to dilate efficiently. When that vascular responsiveness is compromised, often by conditions like hypertension, insulin resistance, smoking or chronic inflammation, erectile function suffers. Recent studies confirm what clinicians have long suspected: ED frequently precedes overt cardiovascular disease by several years. It can function as a quiet biomarker for subclinical atherosclerosis and systemic inflammation, a literal early warning from the circulatory system. Testosterone levels also play a pivotal role. Low testosterone can disrupt libido, increase abdominal fat, dampen nitric oxide production and impact mood, all of which contribute to diminished erectile function. Additionally, micronutrient deficiencies and sedentary lifestyles exacerbate the body's ability to maintain healthy vascular tone, sexual response and beyond. The emotional and neurological dimensions of ED are equally paramount to understanding its complex, often multifaceted root cause entirely. Chronic psychological stress activates the body's stress-response system, elevating cortisol levels that interfere with testosterone production and dampen sexual desire. In parallel, persistent activation of the sympathetic nervous system blunts the parasympathetic response required for arousal. Research now links high perceived stress and lack of sleep with significantly higher rates of psychogenic ED, particularly in men under 40. Still, cognitive and behavioral interventions have been shown to improve erectile outcomes by reducing performance anxiety and promoting nervous system balance. Meanwhile, digital behaviors, particularly habitual pornography consumption, can also be a source of impact on arousal pathways. Regular solo porn use may desensitize dopamine receptors and condition the brain toward artificial stimulation, which can dull responsiveness in real-life intimacy. For some men, this contributes to delayed arousal, a disconnect in partnered sex and increasing sexual dissatisfaction. Pharmacological factors add another layer. Antidepressants, especially SSRIs, are known to contribute to sexual side effects in a large percentage of users, including reduced libido and difficulty achieving orgasm. Navigating these effects often requires an integrative approach, blending psychosexual therapy, medication review and lifestyle interventions. While PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil and tadalafil remain first-line interventions, today's most effective ED treatment protocols go far more in-depth. Leading clinicians are combining pharmacologic tools with root-cause strategies, starting with metabolic health, hormone balance, nervous system regulation and muscular integrity. Structured lifestyle changes are among the most impactful. Mediterranean-style nutrition, weight loss, improved glycemic control and physical activity have been shown to restore erectile function in the majority of men with mild to moderate ED. These interventions not only enhance sexual health but also reduce cardiovascular risk and improve mental clarity. Pelvic floor physical therapy is also acquiring clinical relevance, especially for men with postural imbalances, chronic pelvic tension or post-surgical complications. Strengthening pelvic musculature directly supports erection maintenance and ejaculatory control. In cases of clinically low testosterone, hormone replacement therapy may be introduced with careful monitoring for potential risks. When used appropriately, testosterone therapy can improve energy, mood, libido and sexual function. Moreover, some functional medicine protocols also include micronutrient optimization, mitochondrial support (CoQ10 and NAD+ precursors) and targeted vascular support via L-citrulline, beetroot extract or nitric oxide boosters. These therapies strive to restore endothelial function from the inside out. The long-term risks associated with untreated ED are substantial. The condition is strongly related to early-stage diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and coronary artery disease, among others. In fact, ED often surfaces years before more serious cardiac events, offering an opportunity for early intervention that could extend both the quality and duration of life. Sleep disorders are particularly relevant. Obstructive sleep apnea, common in men with ED, contributes to intermittent hypoxia, which impairs endothelial health and suppresses testosterone. Men who address their sleep disorders often see similar improvements in sexual function and energy levels alike. Beyond the physical implications, ED also impacts relational and emotional well-being. The shame and mysteriousness surrounding the condition often lead to isolation, decreased self-esteem and avoidance of intimacy. By normalizing the conversation, clinicians and partners can help men move from denial to diagnosis and from symptom management to systemic healing. ED is no longer a mysterious or isolated condition. It is a window into the body's overall health, often the first manifestation that metabolic, cardiovascular, hormonal or emotional systems are under strain. Hence, treating ED means going far beyond the prescription pad to investigate upstream imbalances, restore physiological integrity and support the nervous system from within. Because when men listen and react, they gain agency, insight, and, frequently, a longer, healthier and more fulfilling life.
