Erectile Dysfunction affects the sexual health of many men around the world and can make it difficult to have a good sex life. Understanding what erectile dysfunction is, can be a good first step in finding treatment. Let’s have a look at some erectile dysfunction statistics and some of the most frequently asked questions about the condition.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and maintain an erection firm enough for intercourse. Men suffering from ED experience reduced blood flow to the penis, which can be caused by anything from drug side effects to stress to high blood pressure. These are the most common symptoms of erectile dysfunction:
- Difficulty getting an erection.
- Difficulty maintaining an erection
- Reduced interest in sexual activity
- Low self-esteem
When these symptoms are present, a doctor can diagnose someone with ED. A doctor may also perform a physical exam and request a full medical history. ED can be a warning sign of more serious underlying conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, so a doctor may take blood tests to check for other medical problems.
How common is erectile dysfunction?
- The global prevalence of erectile dysfunction is expected to increase to 322 million men by 2025 according to the International Journal of Impotence Research, 2000.
- Erectile dysfunction affects an estimated 30 million men in the United States as said by Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension, 2012
- It is estimated that 1 in 10 men will experience erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives according to a study by Cleveland Clinic, 2019
- In a study conducted by Current Medical Research and Opinion, 2004, the US has the highest rate of the self-reported erectile dysfunction which is 22%.
- Spain has the lowest rate of self-reported ED (10%) according to Current Medical Research and Opinion, 2004)
Erectile Dysfunction Statistics by Age
- ED affects about 10% of men. For example, 50% of 50-year-old men are affected by ED as per the University of Wisconsin Health.
- A study by The Journal of Urology found that men over 40 are three times more likely to develop full-blown ED than younger men.
- Erectile dysfunction was common in 26% of men under the age of 40 according to a study performed by the Boston University School of Medicine.
- Premature ejaculation is more common in younger men than older men.
Erectile Dysfunction Statistics by Severity
One measure of erectile dysfunction in the study conducted by The Journal of Urology, in the severity of impotence. These are the results:
- Any degree of impotence: 52% of subjects
- Minimal impotence: 17% of subjects
- Moderate impotence: 25% of subjects
- Complete impotence: 10% of subjects
Erectile dysfunction statistics by cause
- ED is medication-related in 25% of patients in outpatient clinics. Blood pressure medications are the most common culprits in drug-induced erectile dysfunction found by the Boston University School of Medicine.
- Vascular disease is the most common cause of natural ED, with 64% of erectile difficulties associated with heart attacks and 57% associated with bypass surgery.
- 35% to 75% of men with diabetes also have ED.
- Up to 40% of men with kidney failure have some degree of ED.
- 30% of men with COPD have impotence.
- Smoking cigarettes and using drugs are more common in younger patients with erectile dysfunction.
- 8 million cases of erectile dysfunction are caused by obesity and diabetes.
- The majority of men with erectile dysfunction are overweight (BMI 25 kg/m2 or higher).
Treating Erectile Dysfunction
Prescription drugs are often the first treatment option for erectile dysfunction. Here are some of the more common drugs that can increase erectile function:
However, the effectiveness of these drugs depends on the root cause of erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil and Tadalafil work, in the same way, to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to the penis. If the cause of erectile dysfunction is not a lack of blood flow to the penis, then none of the drugs will help.
A physical cause of erectile dysfunction can damage blood vessels enough to the point that ED medications won’t work. If small blood vessels are damaged due to high blood pressure, elevated LDL cholesterol, or diabetes, the vessels will not respond well to these medications and men will report no benefit.
Erectile Dysfunction Questions and Answers
At what age do men have a higher risk of erectile dysfunction?
About 45% of men between the ages of 65 and 74 develop erectile dysfunction.
How common is erectile dysfunction in your 20s?
Erectile dysfunction is not as common in younger men; it affects about a quarter (26%) of men under the age of 40. Some studies have shown that the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in men aged 20-29 is only 8%.
What is the main cause of erectile dysfunction?
Mainly as a result of a lack of blood flow to the penis, there are several causes of the condition. Heart disease, obesity, coronary artery disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, low testosterone levels, kidney disease, and prostate cancer are the most common risk factors for erectile dysfunction.
How does a man with erectile dysfunction feel?
A man with erectile dysfunction can feel many different things. The condition often leads to low self-esteem, feelings of unwantedness, unattractiveness, shame, or worthlessness. Sometimes talking to a mental health professional or being honest with your sexual partner can help eliminate these feelings.
Does Erectile Dysfunction Ever Stop?
Does erectile dysfunction last forever? ED is treatable and even reversible. A 2014 study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found a 29% remission rate in men with ED. Ask a health specialist or urologist about medications like Cenforce 200mg, Vidalista 40mg and lifestyle changes that can improve sexual function.
