The majority of Indian men do not consult doctors when faced with sexual health issues like Erectile Dysfunction
Men’s sexual health is often brushed under the carpet by none other than men themselves. The hard-hitting question is why? Well, the answer lies in two aspects – either due to ego or fear of being shamed.
India is referred as Impotence Capital of the World
India has some of the highest rates of impotence, which is medically known as Erectile Dysfunction (ED). At least 50% of Indian men above the age of 40 experience some form of ED.
“These numbers have earned India the distinction of being called the so-called impotence capital of the world,” says Rajat Jhadav, Co-founder of Bold Care.
Despite such staggering numbers, the conversations around this topic in general public discourse are almost non-existent.
“What is even more surprising is that the majority of Indian men do not consult doctors when faced with ED,” he adds.
The men who do get a consultation are often scammed by quack practitioners who are uncertified sexologists.
However, this is changing with the increased dialogue and awareness around men’s sexual health in the last few years and entry of new-age brands in this segment.
Bold care is one such digital brand, which was born out of real-world experiences with the healthcare system and the pursuit of something better.
“We are acutely aware of the shame factor that is associated with talking about men’s sexual health. Hence, we ensure that all of our communication is secure and confidential,” says Rajat.
Tacky Advertisements and Product Packaging makes it worse for Men
The tacky ads in newspapers and the packaging by so-called “men’s wellness” brands over the years have not helped the cause either.
“We have made a conscious effort to stay away from any tacky branding or packaging, and any false claims,” said Rajat.
He further added, “We wanted to create a beautiful, clean experience that does not make men feel like they are purchasing something questionable. We want them to feel good about themselves when they subscribe to our treatment plans.”
Solutions offered by Bold Care
Starting off with sexual wellness, Bold Care aims to provide specialized care in every aspect of men’s health.
Every customer gets a personal Bold Care assistant whom he can open up to with fear of judgment and get the right advice. The assistant is available over a call or WhatsApp for quick answers.
Currently, the brand offers holistic treatment plans for problems men may face with erection, ejaculation, and fertility.
“We provide a mix of authentic allopathy medication and natural products coupled with free consultations with doctors who specialize in men’s sexual health,” says Rajat.
“While allopathic medicines offer an immediate solution, natural supplements work on boosting sexual health gradually. The supplements have ingredients extracted from 100% natural sources,” he further adds.
All their medicines are approved by the FDA and are manufactured in GMP compliant facilities.
The brand plans to foray into haircare, daily nutrition, and immunity in the months to come.
Outlook on Men’s Sexual Health and Wellness Industry
Sildenafil or generic Viagra is used to treat Erectile Dysfunction and is the most common selling drug in the world.
According to some estimates, generic Viagra sales amount to more than INR 400 crore per month in India.
However, Rajat points out that these numbers are not accurate as most of the drugs are sold without a prescription due to the issue being surrounded by stigma.
Globally, the erectile dysfunction market is estimated to grow to about US$ 8.4 billion by 2027.
“This figure might be staggering to some. However, considering the increasing prevalence of ED due to modern-day sedentary and stressful lifestyles, it is only understandable that the market for this will grow exponentially in the years to come,” says Rajat.
Normalizing issues regarding men’s sexual health
There is a vast need for educational content about sexual health and Bold Care plan to address this issue by putting up medically reviewed articles on their blog and easy-to-consume listicles on their social media platforms.
“I think the best way to normalize men’s sexual health issues is through well-researched content. Talking about it openly is the first step towards raising awareness in our society,” concludes Rajat.
