Every November, men across the UK embrace Movember, growing a moustache, raising funds, and shining a light on men’s health issues. It’s a powerful movement, but it’s also just the beginning.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is one of those issues still whispered about, joked about, or ignored entirely. Yet ED affects millions of men in the UK, and often it’s a sign of deeper health issues. This Movember, we’re turning the spotlight on ED, separating fact from fiction, encouraging men to talk openly, and offering proactive testing that can make a real difference.
Why ED Matters: More Than a Quality-of-Life Issue
ED is often framed as a sexual issue, but it’s a barometer of overall health.
- ED as a vascular signal: Erections depend on healthy blood flow, so ED can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular problems. Studies show men with ED are at significantly higher risk of heart disease and stroke
- ED as a metabolic and hormonal clue: Diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and low testosterone are all linked to ED and sometimes ED is the first sign something’s wrong.
- ED as a mental health factor: Beyond the physical, ED can affect self-esteem, relationships, and mental wellbeing. The silence and stigma make it worse.
In short: ED isn’t just about performance. It’s often the body’s way of saying “check under the bonnet.
Myths, Misconceptions, and Why Men Don’t Get Help
| Myth | Reality | Why It Matters |
| “ED is just part of getting older.” | While ED becomes more common with age, it’s not inevitable and it’s often treatable. | Accepting it as “normal” delays diagnosis and care. |
| “It’s all in your head.” | Psychological factors can play a role, but most cases have a physical cause (vascular, hormonal, or metabolic). | Ignoring physical health can miss serious underlying issues. |
| “It’s embarrassing to talk about.” | Healthcare professionals see and treat ED every day. You’re not alone. | Speaking up is the first step to better health and confidence. |
| “A pill is all you need.” | ED medication can help, but it works best when the root causes (like hormones or cholesterol) are addressed. | Treating only symptoms is incomplete care. |
The Case for Testing: Let Bloodwork Speak
One of the most powerful tools in your arsenal is blood testing. Men often balk at “lots of tests,” but targeted lab screens can unmask treatable conditions and guide personalised care.
“Erectile dysfunction isn’t just a quality-of-life issue, it’s a potential health signal,” says Dr Ruchira Karunadasa, Chief Medical Officer at PrivateDoc. “We now know that changes in blood sugar, cholesterol, hormones, and even prostate health can all play a role. By testing these key markers early, men can identify risks and take proactive steps to protect both their sexual health and overall wellbeing.”
Here’s a breakdown of the key blood tests we offer, why they matter, and what they reveal:
| Test | Why It Matters | What It Can Reveal |
| Lipid Profile (Cholesterol) | High cholesterol damages blood vessels, reducing blood flow, a leading cause of ED. | Atherosclerosis, heart disease risk. |
| Testosterone | Low testosterone reduces libido and impairs erectile function. | Hypogonadism, fatigue, low mood. |
| Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) | SHBG controls how much testosterone is bioavailable. | Hormonal imbalance affecting sexual function. |
| Prolactin | High prolactin can suppress testosterone and libido. | Pituitary disorders, hormonal imbalance. |
| HbA1c (Blood Sugar) | Diabetes and prediabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels that support erections. | Undiagnosed diabetes or poor glycaemic control. |
| Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) | PSA screens for prostate conditions that can affect urinary and sexual function. | Potential prostate disease or inflammation. |
These markers are key to understanding the why behind ED and taking steps to treat it effectively.
What Happens After the Tests
Taking the tests is just the start. The next step is using the results to create a clear, personalised health plan.
- Interpretation: A clinician reviews your results, considering lifestyle, medication, and medical history.
- Action plan: Results may reveal risks like high cholesterol, low testosterone, or early diabetes, all manageable with the right care.
- Lifestyle support: Nutrition, exercise, sleep, and smoking cessation all play vital roles in improving both cardiovascular and sexual health.
- Targeted treatment: With underlying issues managed, ED medications and therapies are more effective.
- Ongoing monitoring: Annual check-ins help track progress and keep your health on course year-round.
Movember and Beyond: Making Men’s Health Rout
This Movember, PrivateDoc is encouraging men to look beyond the moustache and take charge of their health.
Our Men’s Health Blood Test includes checks for:
- Cholesterol (Lipids)
- Testosterone
- Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
- Prolactin
- HbA1c (Blood Sugar)
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
A simple blood test can help identify the root causes of ED, and open the door to better health, confidence, and wellbeing.
Book your test today at PrivateDoc.com
Because men’s health matters, not just in Movember, but every month of the year.
Authored by Adeel Arshad,
Lead Clinician | MPharm, Independent Prescriber
Adeel has been working in pharmacy since 2008 and brings a huge amount of experience to his role as Lead Clinician at PrivateDoc. He qualified as an independent prescriber in 2016, specialising in cardiovascular health, and has since run chronic heart disease and polypharmacy clinics across several medical practices. Adeel’s strength lies in combining his deep pharmacy knowledge with a practical, patient-first approach to prescribing - always focused on helping people get the most from their treatment.
