Prospective patients will be able to locate a nearby physician or counselor in a confidential manner by simply typing in their zip code via www.SexualHealthDoctors.com. MSHRN was developed to provide potential sexual health patients with easy access to a network of highly qualified and committed healthcare professionals and an online resource in which they can research regional experts. On the site, men can also find tips on how to speak with their existing doctors or an MSHRN healthcare professional about sexual health.

“Millions of men have received effective treatment to improve their sexual health. However, despite advancements in treatment options, research shows many men with sexual health concerns, including ED, remain untreated,” said Richard Siegel, MD, senior medical director, Sexual Health at Pfizer. “Because this is often due to embarrassment or lack of direction, these men need an easy, confidential resource like www.SexualHealthDoctors.com to access experienced and supportive healthcare professionals who can take their concerns seriously and provide appropriate diagnosis and treatment.”

Criteria for participation in the network were developed exclusively by the New York University School of Medicine Department of Urology. Dr. Andrew McCullough, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Urology, and Director of Male Sexual Health, Fertility, and Microsurgery at New York University School of Medicine led this initiative. Healthcare professionals participating in the network must demonstrate both experience in and comfort with helping men improve their sexual health.

“New York University School of Medicine is pleased to be a part of this very important program,” said Dr. McCullough. “A lack of physical intimacy, due to either decreased libido or a physical condition such as ED, can take a toll on a man’s relationship with his partner. ED can also be a sign of a number of medical conditions, including depression, diabetes and heart disease. The Men’s Sexual Health Referral Network makes it easier for men with sexual health concerns to get treatment.”

Physicians participating in MSHRN are required to meet the following criteria:

· Be state-licensed

· Be board-certified in an approved specialty (e.g. internal medicine, family medicine, geriatric medicine, cardiology, endocrinology, urology, psychiatry)

· Demonstrate (through appropriate responses to a survey) a desire to treat male sexual health conditions

· Have demonstrated expertise in the treatment of ED and other male sexual health conditions in one of the following categories:

o Treatment Experience: Have extensive experience treating men with sexual health conditions

o Academic: Hold an academic position in the areas of Urology, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry; Male Sexual Health, Fertility, etc.

o Research: Have published research in peer-reviewed media that advances treatment of male sexual health

Sexual Health Counselors must meet the following criteria:

· Must be members in good standing of either the American Society of Sexual Educators, Counselors and Therapists (ASSECT) or the Society of Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR)

Participants receive no compensation from Pfizer or New York University for participating in the network.

About Viagra

Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Viagra is available only from healthcare providers and should always be used in accordance with its approved labeling. Viagra is contraindicated in patients who use nitrates in any form at any time.

Patients should discuss their general health status with their doctors to ensure that they are healthy enough to engage in sexual activity. If patients experience pain, nausea, or any other discomfort during sex they should seek medical help. Although erections lasting for more than four hours may occur rarely with all ED treatments in this drug class, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Erections lasting longer than six hours can result in long-term loss of potency.

The most common side effects of Viagra are headache, facial flushing and upset stomach. Less commonly, bluish vision, blurred vision or sensitivity to light may briefly occur.

Patients with recent serious cardiovascular events, hypotension or uncontrolled hypertension or retinitis pigmentosa did not participate in pre-approval clinical trials. In these patients, physicians should prescribe Viagra with caution. The use of Viagra offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Discovered and developed by Pfizer, Viagra is the breakthrough oral treatment for erectile dysfunction that is found to be effective and well tolerated in more than 130 completed and ongoing clinical studies. Viagra has been approved by regulatory authorities in more than 123 countries around the world and is among the most widely prescribed medications, with more than 130 million prescriptions written for 23 million men worldwide.

For more information about erectile dysfunction or VIAGRA® (sildenafil citrate) and for full prescribing information for Viagra (25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg) tablets, please visit www.viagra.com

© 2005 HealthNewsDigest.com