Number of males beneath 35 in search of assist for erection issues rises 50% in 12 months
The number of young men seeking help for erectile dysfunction has risen sharply in a year, experts say.
Boots revealed 50 per cent more men aged 18 to 35 used its online treatment service for the condition last year than in 2023.
This bracket now accounts for close to a quarter of all searches for erectile dysfunction (ED) on the pharmacy’s Online Doctor website.
Experts warned the increase could be driven by stress, tiredness or even drinking too much alcohol.
It is thought more than four million men in the UK suffer from ED – when a man has difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.
Traditionally it has affected older men, with around half of those between 40 and 70 reporting suffering from erectile issues.
Dr Shikha Rachna Kumar, GP and sexual health expert at Boots Online Doctor, said: ‘ED is a common condition, particularly in men over 40, but we are seeing that it is increasingly affecting younger men too.
‘Whatever their age, most men experience failing to get or keep an erection at some point in their lives, usually caused by everyday stress, tiredness, feelings of anxiousness or drinking too much alcohol, which can reduce blood flow, alter nerve signals and cause hormonal imbalance to the penis.
It is thought more than four million men in the UK suffer from ED – when a man has difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
Sufferers of ED can, in most cases, access over-the-counter or prescription medicines to treat the issue
Boots revealed 50 per cent more men aged 18 to 35 used its online treatment service for the condition last year than in 2023
‘It is completely normal to experience ED from time to time and is generally nothing to worry about.’ But she warned erectile problems could be an early sign of conditions including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Sufferers of ED can, in most cases, access over-the-counter or prescription medicines to treat the issue.
Lifestyle changes including regular exercise, stopping smoking, drinking less alcohol and eating a healthier diet can also improve blood flow to sustain an erection.
Managing daily stress can also help to reduce the effects of ED, which can itself increase feelings of anxiety, Dr Rachna Kumar said.
She added: ‘Men who are regularly unable to get an erection, or who are unable to keep an erection for long enough to have sex, may experience feelings of low self-esteem or anxiousness, and avoid talking to their partner or even shy away from relationships altogether.
‘Talking to your partner is an important step in reducing the emotional impact of ED. Open communication can help to build trust and understanding in a relationship which can, in turn, support you to overcome ED, if there are no other underlying health conditions.’
Those who regularly struggle to get an erection, or who are unable to keep one for long enough to have sex, should speak to their GP to understand the cause and check for any underlying health conditions.
As well as its online advice and treatment service, Boots offers over-the-counter medication for the issue.
