More than two-thirds (64%) of 18 to 34-year-old men in the UK experience erectile dysfunction during sex, new research has found. 

The research, commissioned by Well Pharmacy and published today (20 August), found that more men in this age group experience erectile dysfunction (ED) than those aged over 65, 50% of whom responding to the survey said they experience ED.  

The study, which included over 1,000 men, also found that almost a quarter (24%) of all respondents who said they experienced ED were concerned it will impact their chances of conceiving. That figure rose to more than half (53%) of respondents in the younger age group.

Despite the issue being so widespread across men of all ages, 43% of men said they were too embarrassed to buy over the counter medicines to treat their erectile dysfunction.  

Ifti Khan, superintendent of Well Pharmacy said: ‘Erectile dysfunction treatment needn’t be embarrassing'. 

He added: ‘Erectile dysfunction is right at the top of the list of things that men are least likely to openly discuss, along with mental ill-health. In most cases, ED is nothing to worry about and anxiety is one of the leading causes for ED.  

‘[Patients] first port of call should always be to speak to [their] local pharmacist or GP to reassure [them] that it isn’t a symptom of a bigger health concern.’ 

Earlier this year, millions of drugs — including erectile dysfunction medication — were seized by the MHRA from thousands of fake online pharmacies.   

To find out how to run an erectile dysfunction service in your pharmacy check out our clinical ambassadors’ page.