Table 5 Key findings reported in the included study following data extraction

Almigbal and Schattner (2018) [29]

Only few men had been questioned by their physicians about ED, despite the expectation expressed by most of them

The participants who complained of severe ED or were older than 60 were unwilling to discuss ED. "Embarrassing the doctor", "ED is a personal issue", "too old to address ED issues ", "feeling embarrassed to talk about it", "too sick now to address ED issues", "no effective treatment is available", and "my doctor is too young to discuss my ED” were reported as the barriers for the men to seek help

Jiann et al. (2009) [30]

The majority of the men suffered from severe ED. Less than a third of them had ever sought treatment for ED. Embarrassment and misinformation about ED treatment were the main causes for not seeking professional help. Most men wanted their doctors to initiate discussion of ED

Lo et al. (2014) [31]

Only half of the men participating in the study were aware of ED. Amongst those who have ED, only a third viewed ED as an illness that requires treatment or as a consequence of an illness. Few of these men had ever sought help from any doctor, although most participants expected help

Cooper et al. (2018) [32]

Sexual difficulties emerged as a key and pressing concern for men with diabetes in this study. Instead of receiving supports, most men in the study reported the dismissive and punitive responses expressed by the HCP as the drive to avoid seeking help

Hadisuyatmana et al.(2021) [8]

Sense of embarrassment, perceiving the doctor would not have enough time to consult, and lack of knowledge have become the barriers for the men from raising questions around ED with the HCP. Although, the men were expecting help and discussions initiated by the HCP

Rutte et al. (2016) [33]

This study identified that most of the men were aware of sexual dysfunction associated with diabetes (DSD). Many of them had needed help, and some had contacted a care provider for sexual problems. These few men were all dissatisfied with the offered care. Some HCP who received their request remained silence and did not offer any assistance, and some other HCP seemed lacking knowledge. Meanwhile, the men had the impression that HCP were embarrassed, not capable, insecure, or did not want to be burdened with such a discussion. A few patients who were provided with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors often found that the medication did not help. Instead, they would prefer a psychological help. However, GPs were often thought to lack time for DSD discussion. Other patients preferred the diabetes nurse, since she is responsible for diabetes care, but some patients doubted the knowledge of diabetes nurses on sexuality