Strike up a conversation
When erectile dysfunction (ED) gets in the way of sexual intimacy, many couples are reluctant to discuss the problem.
This is why Bayer HealthCare brought together a team of international specialists in the fields of urology, sexology, primary care, psychology and patient advocacy to create the "Strike Up a Conversation" program. This first-of-its-kind global health education initiative is designed to help men suffering from ED reclaim their sex lives by taking the simple first step of talking about it.
Below you will find descriptions of materials that you can download and print to help you strike up a conversation about ED. The following information is available in Adobe® Acrobat® (PDF) format. To download Acrobat® Reader®, click here.
 Improving communications around ED treatment
The "Improving Communications Around ED Treatment" report presents a range of educational and support information for men, their partners and their doctors based on the findings of the "Strike Up a Conversation" research. "Sex. Most couples agree that it is an important part of their intimate relationship. But talking about sex? Well, there's probably less agreement on the needs for that, especially when everything seems to be working just fine."
The "Strike Up a Conversation With Your Partner" leaflet suggests ways to communicate with your partner about your erection difficulties and about how to find a solution that works for both of you. "While it may seem easier to avoid the problem, or to hope that it will go away on its own, this is something you can and should deal with. Being frank and open with your partner will help, as millions of couples have already found."
The "Strike Up a Conversation With Your Doctor" leaflet provides tips for speaking with your doctor and a questionnaire to assess your sexual health. "Erection difficulties can sometimes be the result of other medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and depression, but are not always associated with more serious conditions-only your doctor can tell you for sure."
Displayed in the office, this poster offers assurance that patients can talk openly and comfortably with their doctor about ED and its treatment. "The purpose is to make men with ED aware that many men worldwide are experiencing similar symptoms, to initiate the conversation with their doctor regarding ED and to reassure them that if they bring the issue up with their doctor, their doctor will feel that ED is a legitimate issue to discuss during consultation."
A leaflet for doctors to give to patients when prescribing Levitra®.
The diagnostic algorithm is a tool to help doctors diagnose the cause of a patients erectile dysfunction. It prompts doctors to ask all the necessary questions and undertake all the necessary examinations that will result in an accurate diagnosis of the cause of the condition. "The purpose of the diagnostic algorithm is to guide doctors through the ED consultation and ensure that they explore all possible causes of presenting ED. Such exploration ensures a precise diagnosis, leading to improved treatment outcomes."
The treatment strategy algorithm should be used by doctors to decide on an appropriate course of treatment for patients with ED. It outlines the treatments available, including PDE-5's and indicates when to refer to a specialist.
The ED risk calculator is an easy-to-use tool to help doctors assess the likelihood of their patients experiencing ED. This is useful for those doctors who are interested in proactively reaching out to their male patients on the subject of ED.
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