17th Saudi Urological Conference in Dhahran to highlight sexual dysfunction

The 17th Saudi Urological Conference will take place from 8 to 10 March at the King Fahd Medical Military Complex, and it will be chaired by Dr. Ibrahim Al-Oraifi.

According to the organizers, the event will involve a comprehensive scientific program that will feature a variety of panel discussions, state-of-the-art lectures, main sessions, surgical tips, and pre-conference courses.

The central topic of discussion, however, is likely to remain the challenges involved in both promoting and treating the Kingdom's erectile dysfunction (ED) problem.

"Sexual dysfunction, and especially ED, among men of all ages in the Kingdom is a growing issue of concern for Saudi physicians, and urologists in particular," said a Saudi urologist.

"We intend to use the 17th Saudi Urological Conference as the ideal platform from which to discuss, debate, and agree proper methods and therapies for the treatment of this increasingly prevalent condition," he added.

One such therapy under discussion will be the continuing use of the drug Viagra, and the success it has enjoyed in the Kingdom. Scientifically proven to produce longer-lasting, harder erections, the drug is believed to be the number one choice among Saudi physicians prescribing ED medication to patients.

"As a Saudi, I understand cultural sensitivities regarding sex, but these must always be weighed against the knowledge that improved sexual education in the Kingdom will lead to improved overall health and well-being. Viagra brings hope to more than 23 million men around the world, and it gives me hope any day and every day I need it here in Saudi Arabia," said Haidar Said, a Saudi national who is speaking out about his ED condition in the hope that greater professional discussion on the topic will lead to reduced public embarrassment about the condition and increased numbers of Saudi men seeking medical attention.

A growing number of patients in the Kingdom are sharing their ED experiences with others, a move that has been welcomed by medical professionals.

"We continue to encourage the Kingdom's ED sufferers to seek medical attention for their conditions, but we also want to fully support the region's medical community in its ongoing study of this debilitating affliction. Accordingly, Pfizer is proud to be playing an active role in the 17th Saudi Urological Conference," said Dr. Ahmed El-Hakim, Director of External Affairs, Pfizer Middle East.

Discovered and developed by Pfizer, Viagra is a breakthrough oral treatment for ED that has been found to be effective and well-tolerated. There have been more than 130 completed and ongoing clinical studies with Viagra. Viagra has been approved by regulatory authorities in more than 120 countries around the world and is among the most widely-prescribed medications, with more than 170 million prescriptions written for more than 23 million men worldwide.