How common is erectile dysfunction?

The reported prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in epidemiological studies varies widely, influenced by the definitions used, study methodology, sample size, and specific demographics of the study population. It is also likely that the actual prevalence of ED is higher than reported, as under-reporting is common due to reluctance in discussing such issues with healthcare professionals.

It's a prevalent sexual disorder affecting an estimated 5–20% of men globally, with significant variation in prevalence rates noted across different regions: approximately 15.77% in southern India, 15.0–49.5% in China, 56.1% in Iran, and 58.9% in south-western Nigeria. The global prevalence of ED is on the rise, projected to affect around 322 million men by 2025. Despite being a non-life-threatening condition, ED can profoundly impact both physical and psychosocial well-being, significantly affecting the quality of life for both sufferers and their partners.

Erectile dysfunction is highly prevalent in the UK, with more than half of men reporting experiencing it (58.2%). Additionally, a significant portion of men encounter it during the majority of their sexual encounters, with 27.3% experiencing it in over half of all encounters. Notably, men aged 25 to 34 are the most affected demographic, with a staggering 74.6% experiencing erectile dysfunction. Among this group, 40% struggle with it frequently, indicating a substantial impact on sexual function. Conversely, men aged 55 and above have a lower prevalence of erectile dysfunction, with fewer than half (49.9%) reporting struggles in this area.

In Greater London, over two-thirds of men (67.7%) report struggling with impotence, despite the region having a relatively low prescription rate for erectile dysfunction medications. On average, Greater London issues only 59.1 prescriptions per 10,000 people per month. However, Blackpool's Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) stands out with the highest prescription rate in the UK, prescribing erectile dysfunction drugs 112.1 times per 10,000 people per month in 2023. The North East and Yorkshire regions also have notably high prescription rates, averaging 78.5 prescriptions per 10,000 people per month, indicating a significant demand for impotence medication in these areas.