Erectile dysfunction and compassion in patient-centred diabetes care

So happy to see all the future Diabetes Educator students were still awake after a long 2 hours of Medication in Diabetes Management presentation in Southern Cross University on Gold Coast yesterday morning! Even better to receive heart-warming feedback on my personal philosophy, especially asking male patients about erectile dysfunction and compassion in patient-centred diabetes care.

ED is a very personal and private matter and it’s often overlooked. Patients usually respond with a shock in their face that I’ve asked them that question. A lot of patients have told me that they’ve never been asked about erectile dysfunction. Many people are unaware that it is a possible complication from diabetes. Many men and sometimes their partners have cried in my consultation, regardless of their social status or stereotypes of their appearance. I have been told that I’m famous in turning a man into a big crying baby. I promise, the crying is unintentional. However, it always appears that the big rock on the shoulder has fallen. Many have told me they are relieved after the crying during the consultation. Can you imagine the emotional stress of not being able to talk about it?

It’s so difficult for many people to ask their doctors because they are embarrassed and some have said they actually feel ashamed, even though there’s nothing to be ashamed of. So I’ve encouraged the future diabetes educators to always ask their patients after they’ve established a trusting relationship with their patients. I do have a secret code, 008, for patients who are too embarrassed talk about it in front of their partners in subsequent consultations.

Compassion has been my key to help patients open themselves up to share their volubility, such as erectile dysfunction for any male. I gather that there’s a funny notion if you have ED, you are not a man, from many patients. It doesn’t make sense but it’s there. Maybe that’s why it’s such a difficult conversation to have with anyone, sometimes even their partners. I know it’s not an easy thing to tell anyone about ED hence I’ve always started the conversation. I’ve always encouraged patients to talk with their doctors so the doctors can treat them or  they can refer them to specialists who may be able to help them. You don’t have to struggle or suffer in silence. Help is always available. I love building patients’ confidence in living well with their diabetes. Yes, you have heard me right, patients need to take ownership of their health and only then can they move towards a healthier life!

Viv Hsu
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