Ivory Coast: Fighting erectile dysfunction between stigma and medical hope

A silent burden for many men

In Côte d’Ivoire, erectile dysfunction is becoming a serious public health problem, affecting many men while remaining largely underreported. The consequences go far beyond intimacy, causing shame, isolation and sometimes strain in relationships.

Junior, a 23-year-old young man, speaks of his suffering:

“When I had sex, my penis couldn’t even stay erect. I felt ashamed and she told me I wasn’t a man . “

Like him, many men are reluctant to talk about this problem, even to those close to them. The stigma associated with sexual health remains a major obstacle to accessing care.

An underestimated medical condition

In Ivory Coast, erectile dysfunction remains a taboo subject, and available figures are rare. However, on an African scale, studies show that this disorder is often linked to factors such as:

• Chronic diseases : diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases.
• Lifestyle : stress, alcohol consumption, tobacco, and unbalanced diet.

The combination of these factors and the lack of education on sexual health reinforces the isolation of men suffering from this disorder.

Medical solutions to break the silence

Ivorian health professionals are calling for the taboo to be broken to enable appropriate care.

Dr Fadley Coulibaly, radiologist, explains:

“If the cause is anxiety, we offer therapies. If it is a disease like diabetes, we treat it. A penile Doppler ultrasound can help us identify the underlying causes of the disorders . “

This personalized diagnosis makes it possible to offer treatments ranging from psychological therapy to medication or surgical interventions, depending on the patient’s needs.

The importance of awareness

To combat stigma, awareness campaigns are needed to:

• Educate the population about erectile dysfunction and its medical causes.
• Encourage men to seek medical attention at the first sign.
• Promote healthy lifestyles to prevent risk factors.

Conclusion: Lifting the veil for better health

Erectile dysfunction, although intimate, is a major public health issue in Côte d’Ivoire. Fighting stigma and providing access to appropriate medical solutions can give many men hope. By breaking the silence, it is possible to improve their quality of life and contribute to a more open debate on sexual health.