Abhishek Shah (name changed), a 45-year-old Mumbai man initially visited the diabetes care centre, says Dr Rajiv Kovil, head of Diabetology, Zandra Healthcare and co-founder of Rang De Neela Initiative, for a routine diabetes checkup. Although, he was reluctant to discuss his health issues, the Mumbaikar eventually confided that he was struggling with Erectile Dysfunction (ED). A doppler examination revealed plaque buildup in the blood vessels of his penis, a common complication of diabetes. Medications were prescribed to improve blood flow and help him achieve an erection.

However, Abhishek later experienced chest pain and was found to have inadequate blood flow to his heart, placing him at risk for a heart attack. Treatment for his cardiovascular condition required stopping the ED medication, highlighting a challenging dilemma: prioritising heart health at the expense of his sexual health. After undergoing a coronary angiography and receiving a stent, Abhishek resumed his ED medications and now leads an active sexual life.