I blame Pfizer Inc.
As men, our lives were relatively uncomplicated until Pfizer Inc. invented Viagra. Until then, we could huddle away in a dark corner and indulge our melodramatic ability to feel sorry for ourselves. Our world had come to an end. We had ED. That made us no better than women (sorry, I exaggerate — we are always better than women. . .
Can I say that here? Sorry, I’ll be back with you in a minute. I just have to ask the editor of this site whether I can be so obviously sexist. We’ve been getting so politically correct about what we can or cannot say, I get confused about how much of what I think I can write. OK. He says I can keep the meaning but I should write it in a more subtle way. 
Subtle I can do.
Now where was I?
Our world had come crashing down (along with everything else that should have been rising up). And then this drug company comes along and tells us they’ve invented a cure!
A cure! That’s great!!!! It’s a what? It’s a tablet. And it’s only available on prescription?
But that means I have to tell someone I have ED. I can’t get the cure unless I tell someone.
What kind of a cure is that?!?!!?
Why can’t they just put it in the water supply so we can all be cured without having to tell anyone?
Is Pfizer run by women? Have they devised this plot to humiliate us?
[The editor is telling me this is not subtle enough. We all know that Pfizer is run by men — as a top US company, there’s only the usual token woman on the Executive leadership Team of ten (http://www.pfizer.com/about/leadership_and_structure/meet_executive_leaders.jsp)]
Damn! It’s not a conspiracy, then.
So we gotta go and see a doctor? That’s the price we have to pay for this cure?
What about this internet thing? Why can’t we just buy Viagra online?
Whaddya mean I could be sick? I’m not sick! There’s nothing wrong with me. This is just a temporary difficulty.
So this ED could just be a symptom of something more serious?
Perhaps I should go see a doctor.
But ten years ago, the medical profession was not prepared for the scale of demand. Before Viagra hit the market, doctors in general practice had not seen many patients wanting to discuss their sexual problems. There were a number of specialised units in both public and private hospitals and, of course, there were a number of commercial clinics offering a confidential service. But the spirit of wounded male pride barred the doors and, because there was no easy remedy for ED, not many men would break down those doors to get advice. This also allowed doctors the luxury of never having to confront their own prejudices. They did not have to discuss sensitive issues with their patients.
Then the advertising hype generated demand. The trickle of male patients became a flood. Doctors were overwhelmed and reacted in the only rational way possible. They gave out prescriptions for Viagra without a professional investigation of the cause of each patient’s ED. There just was not time (and many of the doctors were like their patients and felt too embarrassed to talk about ED and perform the necessary physical examinations) so everyone got what they wanted — quick and easy access to Viagra, a tablet that proved to be as good as its advertising hype.
Well, ten years is a long time. Today, the medical profession is back on track. Education and training have been modified to prepare all newly qualified doctors for dealing with cases of sexual difficulties. Existing doctors have had updating courses. The necessary lab resources are in place. New technology offers better diagnostic options. New drugs are available with Cialis and Levitra joining the market alongside Viagra.
Yes, the process will take a little longer than those original consultations ten years ago, but that is to your advantage. Back then everyone was gambling that there was nothing too seriously wrong with you. Now, quick and easy tests are available in a carefully devised schedule so that you only escalate to the more serious tests if there is a real need. Doctors have taken the lottery out of diagnosis without spending big bucks to investigate the problem unless it is absolutely necessary.
It is better to be safe and leave those big bucks to the bedroom where they belong!
Tags: Pfizer