It is enough to make any self-respecting Health Educator do a double flip. No, not those by the Olympic gymnasts or the "flipping" of apartments going on by the river and bay downtown or by the seas off Sentosa.

There seems to be trouble in the waterworks of a different kind. It is a common problem in diabetics, yet this condition remains rather 'hush-hush" – the sort of taboo subject that's whispered with a blush in or out of consultation rooms.

We are talking about erectile dysfunction (ED): in common speak - impotence. On a few occasions, I have had patients "sneaking" into my clinic in double quick time during the 'lull' period and in the absence of the lady nurse, eyes darting furtively and asking hesitantly. " Er..doc..may I take...?"

I (un)usually interject at this juncture. "Yes, you may, provided that you...."

And no. I am not being flippant about the whole subject of erectile dysfunction. Sufferers of this very private malady understandably want to keep this private subject private. Acknowledging that this common malady actually exists, however, is the first step towards allowing professionals in the medical field to manage this condition.

With this special "ED" issue (yes, the first dedicated issue by our society!); We want to be upfront about this "embarrassing issue". ED is just as likely to hit the neighbourhood uncles toted out in brightly-colored "crocs" or flip flops as much as the well-heeled Executive Director in Salvatore Ferragamo.

A study conducted in three local hospitals and involving over 1500 patients showed that ED is indeed a very common problem and one which would affect the whole strata of society. "EDed" men downed 23 million "small blue tablets" worldwide and that's not counting the many other different competing brands, "parallel imports" and "ethnic cures". Is Tongkat Ali better than the western imports! Flip the page.

Dr Yeo Kim Teck
Editor, Diabetes Singapore

Senior Consultant
Singapore National Eye Centre