New College Lanarkshire launches free course on Erectile Dysfunction
New College Lanarkshire today announces the launch of Men’s Health: Erectile Dysfunction, a new module that challenges the silence surrounding one of men’s most common yet least discussed health concerns.
The module was launched at the college's Men’s Health Symposium today, which is part of their Better Than 52 initiative, focused on the fact that healthy life expectancy in North Lanarkshire is just 52. The lowest level in Scotland.
The SCQF accredited module can be accessed without charge through the college's online platform, The Learning Well.
Chris Wilson, Head of Department of Education and Sport for the College said: “The module reframes erectile dysfunction not as a source of embarrassment, but as an important clinical and psychological indicator, an early warning sign of underlying conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
It also explores the profound impact on relationships and mental health, including links to stress, anxiety, and self-confidence, while developing the communication skills to reduce stigma and encourage men to seek the support they need.”
The module covers three interconnected themes: understanding erectile dysfunction as a clinical marker for wider health conditions; examining its psychological and relational dimensions; and building the practical communication skills that enable health and care professionals to have sensitive, effective conversations with the men they support.
According to peer-reviewed research published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, 43.6% of Scottish men report experiencing some level of erectile dysfunction; the second-highest prevalence across the UK.
The module was unveiled at the NCL Men’s Health Symposium, held on 3 June 2026 at Coatbridge Campus, bringing together leading voices in men’s health, psychology, and community wellbeing.
Speakers included Dr Nina Vaswani of the University of Strathclyde's Children and Young People's Centre for Justice, whose presentation examined masculinities, misconceptions and mental health and Heather Connolly, Chair of the Division of Health Psychology Scotland and Principal Health Psychologist at NHS Scotland who addressed the role of behaviour change in men's health, while David Kennedy of NHS Lanarkshire focused on the challenge of cardiovascular and metabolic health in men.
Delegates also chose from a varied programme of workshops designed to provoke thought and prompt action. Including sessions on pornography, sexual violence and the impact on young people, how social media algorithms shape behaviour and a drop-in health clinic offering height, weight and blood pressure checks ran throughout the day.
The symposium is part of the college's Better Than 52 campaign, which is a response to the low levels of healthy life expectancy in North Lanarkshire.
Christopher Moore, Chief Executive of New College Lanarkshire, said: "A healthy life expectancy in North Lanarkshire of 52 years is not what any of us want or can accept. At New College Lanarkshire we are resolved to play our part to secure healthier lives for people in our communities. We know that education leads to healthier lives. Our Better Than 52 programme is the bold, focused and determined way in which we will rise to this crucial challenge."
