LONDON, April 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

49% of British men are more comfortable discussing difficult financial matters than loss of libido 

New survey results lift the lid on how men really feel when it comes to talking about sensitive topics such as their lack of desire in the bedroom. Nearly half of British men (49%) are more comfortable discussing difficult financial matters than sensitive health issues such as loss of libido.^[1]  

With only 4 in 10 (41%) regularly speaking with their partner about their physical and mental health, sensitive issues are proving to be a harder topic for today's man to tackle.^[1]

Highlighting the embarrassment around this subject for men, 4 in 10 (39%) say they would rather go clothes shopping with their partner than speak to their doctor about testosterone deficiency syndrome or TDS, which affects over 700,000 men aged between 50 and 79 in the UK.^[1],[2],[3] Meanwhile, nearly a third (29%) would rather file their tax returns and almost a quarter (23%) would rather go to their dentist for a painful treatment like root canal work.^[1]

"Loss of libido is the symptom most associated with testosterone deficiency yet men often think it's just a part of ageing. Signs and symptoms vary and can also include tiredness, depression and erectile dysfunction.^[2] If you find yourself living with a grumpy old man who has lost his lust for life, or think of yourself that way, there may be more to it than that. TDS can be confusing as symptoms are not all specific to low testosterone so an accurate diagnosis is essential," commented Dr Christian Jessen.^[2]

The new research was conducted as part of the new Talking TDS awareness campaign sponsored by Besins Healthcare UK Ltd, which features a short sketch about how men tackle the issue.^[1]

The film written by top comedy writer Pete Sinclair delves into the pub chat of two old friends. It soon becomes clear that one of them isn't quite as lively as he once was, prompting a discussion about 'man stuff.'

The impact of TDS on self-esteem may also be a barrier to talking with their partners for many men, with 30% of men saying that they would feel less of a man if they found out they had TDS and a staggering 13% saying they would worry about their partner leaving if they had the condition.^[1]

Worryingly, 4 in 10 men questioned (43%) either do not know or do not consider testosterone deficiency to be a medical condition.^[1] "TDS can impact on quality of life both emotionally and physically and can cause wider problems if left untreated, however, it can be diagnosed and managed. TDS can be a misunderstood condition, sometimes confused with ageing," said Dr David Edwards, a GP with a special interest in male and female sexual dysfunction.^[4]

The research also revealed that when it comes to form and function, over three quarters of men are likely to turn to their doctor if they experience erectile dysfunction (77%), yet less than half (47%) are likely to seek advice if they experience low sex drive.^[1]

The film can be viewed via YouTube or from the What is TDS website (http://www.whatistds.com) which also features information on how to check for TDS, pointers on speaking to your doctor and advice for loved ones on raising the issue with men they fear may have TDS.

Editors Notes  

The Talking TDS film    

The short film featuring two male characters whose light-hearted pub chat leads onto a more serious discussion about TDS and the fact that one of them has been diagnosed with the condition. The film has been created as part of the Talking TDS campaign to raise awareness of TDS.

The film can be downloaded via YouTube http://bit.ly/1GQiBlX

http://www.whatistds.com

http://www.whatistds.com is a website dedicated to providing background information on TDS, advice and support.

What is Testosterone?  

Testosterone is a hormone that is produced by the body in the testes.^[4] It is required by all men for a healthy life physically and psychologically.^[2],[5],[6] Testosterone is the hormone responsible for stimulating sperm production and sex drive, as well as supporting the development of muscle and bone mass.^[4],[6]

What is  Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TDS)? 

Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome or TDS is when the level of testosterone drops to an unusually low level, or stops being produced altogether and symptoms occur.^[2] Signs of TDS are often subtle and can be mistaken as a part of ageing.^[7]

Who does TDS affect? 

TDS most commonly affects 8% of men aged between 50 and 79 years old.^[2] The prevalence of TDS increases with age and has been linked to certain risk factors, these include: chronic illness (diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive lung disease, inflammatory arthritic, renal and HIV-related diseases), obesity, prolactinoma, excessive alcohol consumption, metabolic syndrome and haemachromatosis, as well as chronic opiate therapy and androgen deprivation therapy (for prostate cancer).^[2]

What are the symptoms of TDS? 

The symptom most associated with TDS is low libido, however, the absence of morning erections is one of the most recognisable symptoms.^[2]

Symptoms of TDS include:

• Low libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Ejaculatory dysfunction
• Reduced muscle mass and weakness
• Fatigue
• Reduced well-being
• Depression
• Loss of concentration
• Hot flushes and sweats
• Reduced body hair
• Irritability^[2],[8]

How is TDS diagnosed? 

Assessment of low testosterone may be undertaken over several consultations with a GP or specialist, who will take a patient's history, clinical examination along with completion of a questionnaire, and serum testosterone tests (blood tests to measure testosterone levels in the patient's blood).^[2] The diagnosis of this condition is based on the presence of appropriate symptoms, combined with a reliable measurement of testosterone levels taken in the morning, on more than one occasion.^[2]

How is TDS treated? 

There are many treatment options available for men who have testosterone deficiency syndrome, including changes to diet and lifestyle.^[2],[9] Treatment is aimed at restoring the normal level of testosterone to improve wellbeing, sexual function, and quality of life.^[10] Testosterone replacement therapy options are available, and may be in the form of gels applied to the skin, injections and oral formulations.^[11]

Besins Healthcare UK Ltd 

Besins Healthcare UK Ltd discovers, develops and markets novel healthcare solutions that restore, restart, and regulate fundamental male and female processes so the body can perform optimally. Besins Healthcare UK Ltd has advanced healthcare through innovation for nearly 130 years and has become a world leader in therapies for gynaecology and andrology, ensuring physicians and patients have access to products in more than 100 countries. Besins Healthcare UK Ltd is committed to raising awareness about testosterone deficiency syndrome, including symptom recognition, diagnosis and management.

For further information, please contact:

Linda Sciancalepore, Tel: +44(0)20-3047-2297, Linda.Sciancalepore@zenogroup.com

Claire Gurr, Tel: +44(0)20-3047-2686, Claire.Gurr@zenogroup.com

[1] Edelman Berland. Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome Awareness Quantitative Survey. January 2015.

[2]  British Society for Sexual Medicine (BSSM). Guidelines on the Management of Sexual Problems in Men: The role of Androgens. 2010

[3] Office of National Statistics. 2011 Census: Population Estimates for the United Kingdom. 2011.

[4] Men's Health Forum. Testosterone FAQs. 2014. Accessed February 2015 from: http://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/testosterone-faqs

[5]  Dandona, P. and Rosenberg, M.T. A Practical Guide to Male Hypogonadism in the Primary Care Setting. The International Journal of Clinical Practice. 2010. 64(6): 682-696

[6]  Andropause Society. About Andropause (Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome). 2014. Accessed February 2015 from: http://www.testosteronedeficiency.org/downloads/Prof-Tom-Trinick-TDS-Q&A.pdf

[7]  NHS Choices. The 'male menopause'. 2014. Accessed March 2015 from: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/male-menopause/Pages/Introduction.aspx

[8] Sternbach, H. Age-associated testosterone decline in men: clinical issues for psychiatry. American Journal of Psychiatry. 1998. 155(10): 1310-1318

[9]  Huefelder, A.E. Fifty-two-Week Treatment with Diet and Exercise Plus Transdermal Testosterone Reverses the Metabolic Syndrome and Improves Glycemic Control in Men With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes and Subnormal Plasma Testosterone. Journal of Andrology. 2009. 30(6): 726-733

[10]  Maggi, M. et al. The burden of Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome in Adult Men: Economic and Quality of Life Impact. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2007. 4(4): 1056-1069

[11]  MIMS. Hypogonadism and other sexual disorders. 2015. Accessed February 2015: http://www.mims.co.uk/drugs/endocrine/hypogonadism-other-sexual-disorders

BHUK/2015/099
Date of preparation: March 2015

SOURCE Besins Healthcare UK Ltd