Cricket legend Sir Ian Botham bravely reveals impotence treatment after having privates zapped

CRICKET legend Sir Ian Botham today bravely reveals he has been having impotence treatment — and urges other men not to suffer in silence.

Sir Ian, 60, had shockwave therapy that zapped his privates to combat any future erectile dysfunction.

He said: “Men don’t want to confront this head-on but they must. I haven’t got a problem but I don’t want a problem.”

The cricket legend had four “Test Match Special” sessions across the summer — one before each of England’s clashes against Pakistan.

Speaking after his final session of Vigore Linear Shockwave Therapy, Sir Ian said: “I’m a male and men do have problems and you have to front up to them.

“There’s no downside to this — only a big upside.

“It’s prevention rather than cure. I didn’t need the treatment but I didn’t want to be worrying about it in ten years’ time.

Sir Ian, nicknamed Beefy, was renowned for his colourful love life during his playing career.

Model Lindy Field once claimed they had such wild sex in Barbados that they broke the bed.

He is now speaking out about his own treatment in an effort to stop erectile dysfunction being such a taboo subject among embarrassed male sufferers.

The condition affects up to five million British men — but many suffer in silence.

It is believed sufferers can see the break-up of long-term relationships because of a lack of intimacy.

Reformed hell-raiser Sir Ian, who has been married to wife Kath for 40 years, said: “I’m saying to guys, ‘Men’s health is important.’

“People don’t want to confront this head-on but they should do.

“I hope this becomes a talking point and that people break the taboo.

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

“What’s more embarrassing? This or going to a chemist and popping some pills and saying to your partner, ‘I’ll be with you in 20 minutes, I’m just waiting for this to work?’

“People are starting to man up. I want to give a gentle jolt in the right direction.

“Once this comes out I am sure there are a lot of people who will have a quiet word with me and ask if it works.”

Sir Ian has had acoustic shockwave sessions in clinics around the country before stepping into the Test match commentary box.

He said: “Yes, I have had a treatment before every Test — London, Manchester, Birmingham, London.”

Sir Ian said of the sessions: “Once the ice is broken, you just get your kecks off and get on with it.

“Let’s put it this way, if you go to a dentist with toothache, he doesn’t operate on your toe, does he?

“The machine is put on you — and it’s to rejuvenate the vessels in that part of your anatomy.

“You don’t really feel anything. It makes a noise and then you’re done and dusted.

“It’s 20 minutes once a week for four weeks. You’re attached to a machine and you chat to your nurse and then you’re gone.”

Sir Ian was told about the Vigore treatment for “sexual performance rejuvenation” by a doctor as he underwent other medical checks.

It works through low intensity shockwaves sent to four areas of the groin and penis to increase blood supply.

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by physical or psychological factors — including heart problems, diabetes, obesity, anxiety, stress and even guilt.