Local clinic offers potent

Inner city-based medical centre helps locals rise to the occasion

By Brendan O'Brien

SOMEONE once said that sex is practised only by Americans who appeared on television.

While this might not be the common perception, it does highlight the fact that sexual matters have always been a taboo subject in Ireland. Disappointing sales figures of miracle-drug Viagra seem to support this belief.

Early reports from the Department of Health and the various Health Boards predicted that such would be the demand for Viagra that it would cost the Health services millions of pounds. Needless to say that the expected surge failed to materialise.

Could it be that Irish men have no need to avail of medical assistance for their bedroom liaisons? As much as we would like to indulge in such utopian beliefs, this is simply not the case. The only fear to compare to it for modern man is dinner with the in-laws. Not unlike the wife’s dreaded ‘oul’ wan’, avoidance merely delays the inevitable. The sooner you get it done, the longer it will be before you have to go again.

The good news is that when it is impossible to rise to the occasion, help is at hand right here in the inner city. The Dublin Medical Centre is located on the South Circular Road. Combining "sophisticated diagnostic procedures and well-publicised advances in oral medication", the centre offers a discreet and comprehensive service.

Medical Director Dr Pearse Phelan, offers a complete diagnosis after just one appointment. By offering treatment on an individual level, the centre aims to eradicate the problem in a matter of months.

The Liberty pounded the local streets and asked the local male ‘talent’ which treatment they would use, should the need arise — or not. Stephen, (25) from The Coombe gave a preference for Viagra. "I’d definitely go for Viagra. It sounds like a lot less hassle really, doesn’t it. That treatment centre sounds expensive, and you’d have to go more than once. You’d get it over with quicker at the local doctor."

Dave from Thomas Street would only describe himself as "not yet 50". I’d have to say I’d go for the whole treatment. Taking one of those pills isn’t the same as taking an aspirin, so I’d feel safer if I knew the experts were looking after me. Not that I need it mind."

The next pedestrian brave enough to talk to us was a elderly man called Vincent. Unfortunately, Vincent could only vaguely remember hearing about Viagra, so we decided not to completely confuse him by mentioning the Dublin Medical Centre. Vincent also claimed his wife would "kill me if she knew I was even listening to such a conversation".

These three accounts tell only half the story. After an hour of harassing the public, these three were the only people who would consider giving an answer. It seems male pride/pigheadedness is alive and well in the Liberties.