Managing erectile dysfunction (ED) symptoms and supporting men’s self-care are the focus of a new handbook published by FIP today.

Affecting up to 50% of men over 50 years old, ED is often underdiagnosed due to stigma and poor access to care. The handbook, under FIP’s Practice Transformation Programme on Non-communicable Diseases, offers evidence-based guidance on risk assessment, counselling, safe use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, and referral pathways. It also addresses the growing risks associated with self-medication and the use of substandard and falsified medicines.

“Pharmacists are often the first healthcare professionals men turn to when they experience symptoms of erectile dysfunction,” said FIP president Paul Sinclair.

“In many parts of the world, access to well-informed physicians with sexual health knowledge is lacking. The ability to provide that care at the local pharmacy is cost-effective. The critical information contained within this handbook should result in improved patient and partner outcomes,” said Dr Gerald Brock, professor emeritus of surgery, Division of Urology, Western University, Canada, past-president, International Society for Sexual Medicine and medical director, Advanced Medical and Surgical Group.