HAVING trouble getting it up?

And we’re not talking about the Christmas tree.

If so, you’re not alone with new research revealing that one in three Aussie men aged over 40 have erectile dysfunction.

It’s a common-side effect of prostate cancer treatment, diabetes, heart and blood vessel disorders, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

But instead of being embarrassed about the condition and burying your head in the sand, doctors are advising men to get help as soon as possible.

“Timely and effective treatment for ED is crucial, because the longer the condition continues, the more complicated it can be to treat,” says professor Jeff Dunn, head of research at the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

“I encourage anyone living with ED to speak up and seek help.”

70-year-old Perth grandfather and business owner Ken is proof you should never give up hope.

After prostate cancer surgery, he experienced ED, which led to bouts of anxiety and depression.

“When I learned I would never regain sexual function, I was shattered. I thought my life was over and was very concerned about my future,” he says.

“However, the biggest challenge of living with ED was mental. Despite surviving prostate cancer, developing ED following prostate cancer treatment, was totally devastating.”

After three years of trying various treatments with limited success, Ken went to a urological specialist and everything changed.

“Eventually, four years after my prostate cancer surgery, I found an ED treatment option that worked for me. It changed my life completely,” he says.

Inspired by this journey, Ken founded the not-for-profit WA-based PCaHELP to support men and their families during and following treatment.

Today he has a simple but poignant message for other Australian men living with ED.

“Help is available. All you have to do is ask,” he says.

“There are many brilliant doctors and various treatment options out there.”

Reconstructive urological surgeon David Sofield says if left untreated, ED can trigger mental health issues including shame, frustration and depression.

“The new research reveals 65 per cent of WA men who have experienced ED, feel the condition robs them of intimacy with their partner, 39 per cent reported it strains their relationship, while 58 per cent reported it reduces relationship satisfaction with their partner,” says Dr Sofield.

“This does not however, need to be the case. There are many effective treatment options available to men living with ED.”

Professor Helen O’Connell, president of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand, says it’s important to get ED checked out quickly, as sometimes it can be a sign of wider health problems.

“Recognising early signs of ED is critical,” she says.

“ED symptoms can often present as the first sign of metabolic diseases, cardiovascular disease (disorders of the heart and blood vessels), high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Stress is also a risk factor for ED.

“Eighty per cent of ED cases occur due to compromised blood vessels.

“Men living with diabetes are at heightened risk of developing ED because of damage caused to blood vessels and nerves due to the disease, with almost two-in-three developing ED.

“ED is also a common complication of prostate cancer, and its treatment.

“For some men, it can take up to two years or longer post-treatment to regain sexual function.”

To learn more about the symptoms, management and treatment of ED, visit your doctor and check out performatyourpeak.com.au.