Are you filled with dread by the mere mention of the words 'Valentine's Day'? Does having to plan a romantic evening with your partner leave you feeling under pressure? Are you worried about your partner's expectations of

Valentine's night? If so, it appears you are not alone.

Research out today conducted on behalf of the SortED in 10 campaign reveals that 1 in 3 men in the UK feel under too much pressure to be romantic on Valentine's Day(1). The research also showed that over 75% of men don't

make any effort to be intimate or have sex with their partner on Valentine's Day(1).

So why it is that men are finding Valentine's Day more problematic than pleasurable? Well, it is no coincidence that National Impotence Day also falls on the 14th February. Perhaps this could provide some answers as to why

Valentine's Day isn't as passionate as we might expect. More than one in ten of the men surveyed admitted to having suffered from erectile dysfunction, which may be why they aren't so keen to initiate romance and are worried

about letting their partner down.

Suzie Hayman, agony aunt and relationship expert comments; 'At first these research results might seem surprising and indeed disappointing - where's the romance gone you may ask? But when you consider that one in two

men over the age of 40 will suffer from erectile dysfunction at some point(2), that research suggests only 10% of them seek medical help and are treated for the problem(3), I would expect plenty of men to be suffering in

silence and avoiding intimacy for this very reason. The research released today underlines this by highlighting that it is the more mature men in particular who find Valentine's Day most difficult, with the 45 to 54 year

age group feeling most pressurised by the expectation to be romantic. For many couples whose relationships are not as good as they could be, Valentine's Day can be the trigger to bring underlying problems such as ED to the surface.'

Sir Stirling Moss, British racing legend, who has ED himself

and spearheads the SortED in 10 campaign, comments; 'Admitting to having problems in the bedroom is a very difficult thing for most couples but I urge people to not avoid Valentine's Day for this reason, but embrace it as an opportunity to talk honestly to each other about the problem. I know from the letters I've received from men in a similar position that speaking out to your partner and seeking medical advice is the first step on the road to

recovery. An appointment with your GP only takes 10 minutes and is often all that is needed to get the problem sortED.'

© 2006 HealthNewsDigest.com