A Scottish college has launched a new online module on erectile dysfunction that “challenges the silence” around one of the “most common yet least discussed” health concerns affecting men.
The module was launched at a Men’s Health Symposium on Wednesday 3 June at New College Lanarkshire’s Coatbridge campus. The event, which followed a Women’s Health Symposium on Tuesday 2 June, was held as part of the college’s Better Than 52 initiative, which seeks to address the fact that people in North Lanarkshire have a healthy life expectancy of just 52 years – the lowest level in Scotland.
Speakers included Dr Nina Vaswani of the University of Strathclyde's Children and Young People's Centre for Justice, whose presentation examined masculinities, misconceptions and mental health and Heather Connolly, Chair of the Division of Health Psychology Scotland and Principal Health Psychologist at NHS Scotland who addressed the role of behaviour change in men's health, while David Kennedy of NHS Lanarkshire focused on the challenge of cardiovascular and metabolic health in men.
Delegates also attended a varied programme of workshops designed to provoke thought and prompt action including sessions on the impact of pornography on young people and how social media algorithms shape behaviour. A drop-in health clinic offering height, weight and blood pressure checks ran throughout the day.
The SCQF accredited module, entitled Men’s Health: Erectile Dysfunction, can be accessed without charge through the college's online platform, The Learning Well. Those completing the course will learn about the “relationship between Erectile Dysfunction and wider health conditions”, its impact on mental wellbeing, strategies for challenging stigma around the issue, and more.
According to peer-reviewed research published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, 43.6% of Scottish men report experiencing some level of erectile dysfunction; the second-highest prevalence across the UK.
Chris Wilson, Head of the Department of Education and Sport at New College Lanarkshire, said: “The module reframes erectile dysfunction not as a source of embarrassment, but as an important clinical and psychological indicator, an early warning sign of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
“It also explores the profound impact on relationships and mental health, including links to stress, anxiety, and self-confidence, while developing the communication skills to reduce stigma and encourage men to seek the support they need.”
A module exploring Women’s Health and Wellbeing Across the Lifespan has also been launched by the college following the Women’s Health Symposium. Also free of charge and SCQF accredited, it offers an introduction to how biology, social context, and structural inequalities shape women's health outcomes; and offers practical guidance for improving health.
Professor Anna Glasier OBE, the Scottish Government's Women's Health Champion, told the symposium that a focus on women's health was essential.
She said: "Women experience different health problems from men and more women in Scotland, 36% of women, report long-term health conditions. Disability-free life expectancy is lower for women."
The symposium also saw presentations from Glasgow Women's Aid on the impact of domestic abuse on women's health, Christine Brown on the work of Maggie's Cancer Care, and Dr Joanna Crispell, Head of Brain Health Scotland, to offer a holistic approach to all aspects of women's health.
Lynn Orr, Head of the College's Department of Dental Health and Social Care, said the module was intended to offer an entry point for anyone who wanted to know more about women's health.
She said: "The module equips members of the public with skills to think differently about women's health, their own and that of their loved ones. At a time when there is so much misinformation about health out there, it offers a rigorous, expert-led approach to women's health that anyone can access."
Christopher Moore, Chief Executive of New College Lanarkshire, said: "A healthy life expectancy in North Lanarkshire of 52 years is not what any of us want or can accept. At New College Lanarkshire we are resolved to play our part to secure healthier lives for people in our communities. We know that education leads to healthier lives. Our Better Than 52 programme is the bold, focused and determined way in which we will rise to this crucial challenge."
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