Preliminary Pages

Foreword

The committee hopes this report highlights some of the challenges in the area of treating and managing erectile dysfunction (ED), and that it moves the debate some way forward to addressing those issues.

Treating ED early presents a significant opportunity to treat and perhaps prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This early detection helps the patients concerned and can play a part in preventative health, as well as easing the costs on the Australian health system as a whole. Accordingly, I urge all men suffering ED to see a general practitioner for a comprehensive check-up.

Finally, on behalf of my committee colleagues, I would like to thank everyone who participated in the inquiry by appearing as witnesses or presenting submissions.

Steve Georganas MP

Chair

Membership of the committee

Membership of the sub-committee

Committee secretariat

Terms of reference

The Committee will hold a roundtable forum to examine the health impacts of impotence medications in Australia.

The Committee is concerned that some of these medications, which are legally available for sale, may not be clinically tested and may have adverse impacts on men’s health and wellbeing. The Committee also has concerns that medical advice in respect of these medications is being offered to consumers over the telephone in lieu of a face-to-face consultation with a medical practitioner.

List of abbreviations