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MEN ’ S SEXUAL HEALTH : HOW A NEW MEDICATION MAY BE ABLE TO HELP MEN LIVING WITH IMPOTENCE
MAC Clinical Research is one of the UK ’ s leading clinical trials organisations . Founded in 1988 , MAC is an award-winning healthcare organisation with clinics across England ( including Merseyside , Manchester and Blackpool ), and are dedicated to developing new and improved treatments for a broad range of medical conditions . Working with the pharmaceutical industry , MAC strive to improve the quality of life for people all over the world by offering paid clinical trials for people suffering from conditions , such as eczema , diabetic neuropathy and erectile dysfunction .
Although many would assume erectile dysfunction is something that only affects older men , it can affect men of all ages for a variety of reasons . In fact , it ’ s believed that 1 in 5 men ( around 4.3 million ) in the UK are living with erectile dysfunction .
Erectile dysfunction is the term used to describe when a man is unable to develop or sustain an erection , which can lead to difficulties in having sexual intercourse . Also known as impotence , it is something that most men will experience in life , and it can be caused by physical or psychological reasons such as high blood pressure , hormonal problems , and depression as well as lifestyle factors such as obesity , alcohol and drug abuse , and smoking . Some men may only experience erectile dysfunction in certain situations , for instance they may develop an erection during masturbation or when they wake up but are unable to achieve one with their sexual partner .
Impotence can also go on to cause other psychological problems such as an unsatisfactory sex life , stress or anxiety , low self-esteem , and relationship problems .
Men living with erectile dysfunction that is caused by things such as smoking or drinking too much alcohol may be able to treat their impotence by making lifestyle changes ; Others may need to take medication to maintain an erection . Over-the-counter treatments , such as sildenafil ( sold as Viagra ©), can be used to treat the condition and are effective in around two-thirds of men with impotence . However , 30-40 % of men find that they do not experience an adequate response from these medications , which highlights an unmet need for more effective medications to be developed . At MAC Clinical Research a clinical trial is being carried out testing a compound that may have the potential to treat erectile dysfunction in a novel way that current well-known medications do not .
John Connell , Chief Scientific Officer at MAC Clinical Research , said : “ Erectile dysfunction can have a big impact on a man ’ s life ; it remains one of the most serious conditions affecting males of all ages in mental health .
“ The development of these new treatments has only been possible by the dedicated support of men with issues around Erectile Dysfunction , volunteering to help assess the treatments at MAC ’ s clinical research centres ."
The study medication being trialled is thought to target the dopamine signalling pathway in the brain to help both initiate and maintain an erection unlike current treatments on the market , which tend to only boost a natural erectile response .
The trial will run at MAC ’ s Merseyside clinic as well as nearby clinics in Greater Manchester and Lancashire , and men aged 18-59 living with erectile dysfunction ( but are otherwise healthy ) are being sought to take part . Eligible participants will receive up to £ 680 plus travel expenses for their time and commitment to the trial and will need to visit the clinic seven times over a two-month period .
For more information on this clinical trial and how you can get involved , call MAC ’ s advisers in confidence on UK freephone 0800 917 7619 or visit researchforyou . co . uk .
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