Mati pucuk (erectile dysfunction or impotence) means being unable to get or keep an erection long enough for sex; it is very common, especially after 40, and an occasional problem is usually caused by stress, tiredness or alcohol. If it keeps happening, it can be linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression or hormone problems, and it can be an early sign of heart disease. In Malaysia, 31.6% of men aged 18 and above had moderate to severe erectile dysfunction in the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019. Lifestyle changes and medicines such as sildenafil or tadalafil usually help, but avoid "ubat kuat" products and coffees sold online, some of which have been found to contain hidden drugs.
What is mati pucuk (erectile dysfunction)?
Mati pucuk is the Malay term for erectile dysfunction, also called impotence. According to the NHS, erectile dysfunction is when you are either:
- unable to get an erection; or
- unable to keep an erection for long enough to have sex.
Depending on the cause, you may still get erections at other times, such as when you wake up. Sometimes there is also a low sex drive (loss of libido). The NHS says erectile dysfunction is very common, particularly in men over 40, and is usually nothing to worry about, but you should see a doctor if it keeps happening.
How common is it in Malaysia?
- An analysis of the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019, by the Ministry of Health's Institute for Public Health, found that 31.6% of 2,403 Malaysian men aged 18 and above had moderate to severe erectile dysfunction. It was more common in men aged 60 and above and in men who were physically inactive, among other factors.
- In a 2021 study of 334 men aged 40 and above with metabolic syndrome at a primary care clinic of Universiti Teknologi MARA, 79% had erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction is often surrounded by silence and stigma, but it is a common medical problem that can usually be treated.
Punca mati pucuk: what causes it?
According to the NHS, most men occasionally fail to get or keep an erection. This is usually caused by stress, tiredness or drinking too much alcohol, and is nothing to worry about. It can also be a side effect of some medicines.
If it happens often, it may be caused by a condition such as:
- high blood pressure or high cholesterol;
- diabetes;
- depression or anxiety;
- hormone problems.
Erection problems can also follow treatment for prostate cancer, such as surgery; see our guide to prostate problems.
Can mati pucuk be a sign of another health problem?
Yes. According to the NHS, erection problems can be a sign of other serious health conditions, such as diabetes or heart problems. Malaysian studies show how closely they are linked: in a study of 510 men with ischaemic heart disease at a Malaysian hospital, 90.4% reported some degree of erectile dysfunction. This is why it is worth seeing a doctor, who can check your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, rather than only treating the erection problem. See also our guide to serangan jantung.
Cara merawat mati pucuk: lifestyle changes that help
According to the NHS, healthy lifestyle changes can sometimes help with erectile dysfunction:
- lose weight if you are overweight (see our guide to losing weight safely);
- stop smoking;
- eat a healthy diet;
- exercise daily;
- try to reduce stress and anxiety;
- do not drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week;
- if you cycle for more than 3 hours a week, stop cycling for a while.
Ubat mati pucuk: what medicines are there?
According to the NHS, the main treatments are medicines that increase the blood flow to the penis, called PDE-5 inhibitors:
| Medicine | Brand example |
|---|---|
| Sildenafil | Viagra |
| Tadalafil | Cialis |
| Vardenafil | Levitra |
| Avanafil | Spedra |
These medicines are not suitable for everyone. The NHS says tadalafil is not usually prescribed together with nitrates, such as GTN for chest pain, and some heart, epilepsy, blood pressure, antibiotic, HIV and antifungal medicines may not mix well with it. Common side effects include headache, indigestion, back pain, a blocked nose and flushing. Get urgent medical help if you have chest pain, sudden problems with your hearing or eyesight, difficulty breathing, or an erection that is painful or lasts a long time.
See a doctor or pharmacist before using these medicines, and avoid buying them from unregulated websites: the NHS warns that many websites sell fake medicines whose ingredients can vary from pack to pack.
Be careful with 'ubat kuat' and coffee products
Many products sold as ubat kuat, herbal remedies or "power coffee" promise better performance. Some have been found to contain hidden prescription drugs:
- In August 2024, the Ministry of Health found tadalafil in a coffee product called Kopi Pejuang and ordered sellers, including online sellers, to stop selling it.
- The Ministry warned that using tadalafil without medical supervision can cause reduced or lost vision and hearing, a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure, and heart problems such as stroke and heart attack.
- Between 2021 and July 2024, the Ministry tested 500 coffee samples from various brands and found 7 that contained unauthorised scheduled poisons.
Hidden drugs are especially dangerous if you take medicines such as nitrates for angina. If you want treatment, get it from a doctor or pharmacist.
Other treatments
According to the NHS, other options include:
- vacuum pumps, which encourage blood to flow to the penis and work for most men, if medicines are not suitable or do not work;
- treating the cause, such as switching a medicine that is causing the problem, or treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol or hormone problems;
- counselling and therapy, if the problem is linked to emotional or mental health problems.
When should you see a doctor?
See a doctor at a klinik kesihatan or a GP if erection problems keep happening, as it might be a sign of a health condition that can be treated. According to the NHS, the doctor or nurse may:
- ask about your lifestyle, relationships and any problems you are having;
- do basic health checks, such as taking your blood pressure;
- examine your genitals to rule out an obvious physical cause;
- check your prostate if you also have symptoms such as needing to pee more often.
Doctors are used to talking about this, so try not to feel embarrassed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is mati pucuk in English?
Mati pucuk is the Malay term for erectile dysfunction, also called impotence. It means being unable to get an erection, or unable to keep one long enough to have sex. Most men occasionally have this problem, and it is usually nothing to worry about, but see a doctor if it keeps happening.
What causes mati pucuk?
Occasional problems are usually caused by stress, tiredness or drinking too much alcohol, or can be a side effect of some medicines. If it happens often, it may be caused by a condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression or anxiety, or hormone problems.
How common is erectile dysfunction in Malaysia?
According to an analysis of the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019, 31.6% of Malaysian men aged 18 and above had moderate to severe erectile dysfunction. It was more common in men aged 60 and above and in men who were physically inactive.
What is the best medicine for mati pucuk (ubat mati pucuk)?
The main medicines are PDE-5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil and tadalafil, which increase blood flow to the penis. A doctor or pharmacist can advise which suits you. They are not suitable for everyone, for example if you take nitrates for chest pain, so do not buy them from unregulated online sellers.
Are 'ubat kuat' coffees and herbal products safe?
Be careful. In 2024 the Ministry of Health found the erectile dysfunction drug tadalafil in a coffee product, Kopi Pejuang, and warned that using it without medical supervision can cause loss of vision or hearing, a dangerous drop in blood pressure, stroke and heart attack. Between 2021 and July 2024, 7 of 500 coffee samples tested contained unauthorised scheduled poisons.
Can mati pucuk be a sign of heart disease or diabetes?
Yes, it can be. According to the NHS, erection problems can be a sign of other serious health conditions, such as diabetes or heart problems. That is why it is worth seeing a doctor if it keeps happening, rather than only treating the symptom.
How can I treat mati pucuk naturally (cara merawat)?
Healthy lifestyle changes can sometimes help: lose weight if you are overweight, stop smoking, eat a healthy diet, exercise daily, reduce stress, and do not drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week. If you cycle for more than 3 hours a week, the NHS suggests stopping for a while.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor. Health supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
References
- Erectile dysfunction (impotence) — NHS
- Tadalafil — NHS
- Rezali MS, et al. Prevalence and associated factors of moderate to severe erectile dysfunction among adult men in Malaysia. Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):21483
- Kadir NANA, et al. Handgrip strength, and erectile dysfunction among men with metabolic syndrome attending an institutional primary care clinic in Malaysia. J Family Med Prim Care. 2024;13(8):2900-2911
- Koh KC. Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in men with ischemic heart disease in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. Med J Malaysia. 2013;68(4):301-4
- Erectile dysfunction drug found in coffee product (22 August 2024) — Malay Mail
