Why Erectile Dysfunction is Too Common a Taboo in Britain

 

You might not like what we’re about to say, but many men struggle to get an erection at some point in their lives. This occasionally happens because of tiredness or that extra drink at the end of the night. However, for many, this is more than a rare occurrence. 1 in 3 British men report having struggled with erectile dysfunction (ED) to a certain degree, which can make them feel isolated and stigmatised.

What’s more, erection difficulties are not limited to an older age group, and studies show that 1 in 4 of the reported cases include men under 40. While erection difficulties are treatable and common, the social stigma remains strong. But did you know that erection difficulties are as common as snoring?1 It’s true! That’s why we believe erection difficulties deserves to be treated like any other medical condition and be normalised. 

To highlight how widespread erection difficulties are, Cialis Together has researched other attributes common to 1 in 3 British men that aren’t quite as stigmatised, to show how unfair and unhealthy the taboo around the condition is.

 

What do blue eyes and erectile dysfunction have in common?

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to keep an erection hard enough for sex or to get an erection at all. It’s estimated that 8 million men in the UK experience erection difficulties, but did you know that it’s almost as common as having blue eyes?

A study has revealed that more than 1 in 3 men in the UK share this eye colour,2 an attribute that is rarely cause of shame or hidden from other people. These figures are similar for dark brown hair, which is sported by more than 1/3 of British men. While brown and brunette haircuts and hairstyles are rarely shamed, erectile dysfunction remains a taboo subject.

While hair and eye colour are not a medical condition, it’s important to understand that erectile dysfunction can almost be as common as having blue eyes or brown hair. For every man passed on the street with these attributes, it is likely a similar percentage of men have experienced ED to some degree. Such a common condition deserves understanding and not stigma.

 

Snoring and erectile dysfunction are common in UK bedrooms.

It’s interesting to note that 1 in 3 men in the UK snore,1 a medical condition that - like erection difficulties - affects the male population. And even though snoring can be a cause of annoyance, it’s hardly ever a major point of tension among couples.3

What’s more, it’s an issue that rarely needs to be a secret and can be acknowledged and dealt with easily. We can’t say the same for erectile dysfunction. Men can take years to identify their erectile difficulties and open up about the condition. According to a survey, 63% of erection difficulties sufferers wouldn’t want anybody to know they struggle to get or keep an erection.

 

The bottom line

If you’re struggling with erectile dysfunction, know that you’re not alone. This condition is almost as common as having brown hair, and likewise worthy of understanding. Opening the conversation about erection difficulties is a key step to normalising this issue, and making men feel like their erection difficulties are a common and accepted condition. While new experiences of erectile dysfunction should always be discussed with a healthcare provider as soon as possible, they don't have to define any man... or get in the way of him having a full, healthy and stress-free sex life. 

 

MAT-XU-2403427 (v1.0) October 2024

  

References:

1. https://britishsnoring.co.uk/pdf/epidem.pdf  

2. https://www.fsigenetics.com/article/S1872-4973(18)30338-7/fulltext#secsect0065

3. https://yougov.co.uk/society/articles/12964-defence-snoring

4. https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2023-united-kingdom

5. https://shop-uk.cialistogether.com/pages/about-erection-difficulties

6. https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/taboo-mens-health-erection-sex-8727966