Erectile dysfunction may signal heart disease, doctor warns Nigerian men

Erectile dysfunction may be an early indicator of cardiovascular disease, a Nigerian doctor has warned, urging men to seek medical attention rather than allow stigma and embarrassment to delay diagnosis.

Damian Avar, a medical doctor and health educator popularly known as Sabi Doctor, gave the warning during a street awareness campaign in Lagos organised by global healthcare company Viatris under its EmpowerED for Life initiative.

The campaign involved interviews with 25 men and women to explore public attitudes towards erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition that affects men’s ability to achieve or maintain an erection.

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Avar said erectile dysfunction should be treated as a medical condition rather than a source of shame, noting that some men ignore symptoms because of stigma and cultural expectations surrounding masculinity.

“ED is a health condition that deserves genuine attention, not judgment,” he said, adding that open conversations could encourage early diagnosis and improve health outcomes.

Erectile dysfunction can sometimes precede more serious cardiovascular complications, making medical assessment important. However, the condition does not automatically mean that a man has heart disease.

Despite its prevalence, erectile dysfunction remains underreported, partly because men may feel uncomfortable discussing sexual health concerns with healthcare professionals or their partners.

Responses gathered during the Lagos street interviews showed differing levels of awareness. While some participants recognised ED as a common and treatable medical condition, others highlighted the stigma that continues to discourage men from speaking openly about it.

Sushil Kumar Mishra, associate vice president for commercial at Viatris, said taking the conversation beyond healthcare facilities was necessary to reach people in everyday settings.

“Many men are silently struggling with a condition that affects not only their physical health but also their confidence, relationships, and emotional well-being,” Mishra said.

He added that open dialogue could help create a more supportive environment for men to seek information and care.

Global projections cited by the campaign suggest that more than 320 million men worldwide are affected by erectile dysfunction, with developing regions expected to record some of the most significant increases.

The EmpowerED for Life campaign operates in six African countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and South Africa. It combines community outreach, digital storytelling and public education to address misconceptions about erectile dysfunction and encourage men to seek professional medical advice.

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The campaign also promotes access to regulated treatment options, as concerns about embarrassment and misinformation can leave men vulnerable to inappropriate or unverified remedies.

Health professionals advise men experiencing persistent erectile dysfunction to consult qualified healthcare providers for proper assessment and guidance on appropriate treatment.