How common is ED?

ED affects at least one in every ten men. That’s an estimated 2.3 million men in the UK alone. However, only about 10% of sufferers actually receive treatment ⁴².

Due to the patient's reluctance to present, prevalence of ED is difficult to determine. However, given the high correlation between ED and vascular disease, the frequency of ED increases dramatically with age, with up to 52 percent of men aged 40-70 being affected ¹⁴. By the time a man is 70, there is a 67 percent chance he will suffer from ED ¹⁴. It is logical therefore, that many men passing through GP surgeries and hospital clinics every day suffer in silence.

As men age, they often notice that it takes longer to get an erection; it may not get as hard as it used to; or that it takes longer to climax. These are normal changes and should not be confused with ED. In the same context, men reporting difficulty with attaining or maintaining an erection must not be dismissed without a full medical consultation to rule out ED and possibly underlying vascular disease.

Even mild ED can cause strong emotions, including a sense of loss. Some men will find it difficult to talk openly and honestly about ED, but overcoming this can help bring couples closer together and increase their chances of successful treatment.