The Stats on Erectile Dysfunction

November 19, 2020

4 mins

Talking about erectile dysfunction (ED) was mostly taboo until about 30 years ago. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to reach or maintain an erection during sexual intimacy. While there are more medications available to treat it today, it can still be a sensitive topic for a lot of men to talk about openly.

There are many effective ED medications that can be prescribed by a healthcare provider. However, before 1998 there was only one ED medication on the market.

When looking at statistics of the effectiveness of ED medication and prevalence of ED, finding willing participants can be challenging. The following statistics are limited, but provide a comprehensive overview on ED and methods of treatment.

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What Was the First ED Medication?

Viagra®(sildenafil) was the first PDE5 inhibitor to hit the market. PDE5 inhibitors control the enzyme responsible for muscle engagement in the penis. These type of medications also affect blood flow to the penis to improve erectile function.

Initially, Viagra was created by health experts to treat certain vascular diseases and blood pressure complications. To their surprise, it had some unexpected effects on erectile function as well. Since the success of Viagra, other ED medications soon became available. Levitra®(vardenafil) and Cialis®(tadalafil) were developed around five years after Viagra.

What Health Conditions May Cause ED?

As you get older, lower testosterone levels may disrupt normal erectile function. You may also develop other health conditions that increase your risk of ED. Men with diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease, and health conditions are more likely to seek treatment for ED.

Other health conditions that may cause ED include:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

• Kidney disease

• Bladder cancer

• Peyronie's disease

Some medications may also lead to erectile dysfunction. Medications for high blood pressure may interfere with increased blood flow to the penis.

Statistics About Age and ED

Age has a big impact on the likelihood of developing ED. This health condition affects more than 50% of men over the age of 40. In the U.S., men of all ages are 18% more likely to experience ED. In one of the first studies on ED, the prevalence of severe ED was 10% higher for men between the ages of 40 and 70 years.

While the bulk of research point to higher rates of ED among older men, young men are affected too. Among doctors and sex experts, there's increasing concern that more young men are being affected by ED than ever before. In another study, 45% of men between 18 and 59 reported trouble maintaining or achieving an erection.

One study found that one in four patients inquiring about ED medications were under the age of 40. However, the study also included other factors ike drug use and smoking tobacco. Smoking and drinking alcohol excessively can both increase your risk of ED.

How Was ED Studied in the Past?

In earlier studies, healthcare providers categorized ED as mild, moderate, or severe based on a scoring system from a questionnaire called the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The IIEF was created around 1997 and transformed into the SHIM (Sexual Health Inventory for Men). Versions of the SHIM is a questionnaire is still commonly used today.

One of the larger studies on ED rates in the U.S. asked1,700 men between the ages of 40 to 70. The study concluded that 52% of men experienced varying levels of ED.

Statistics from the national health and social life survey

Beginning in 1992, the National Health and Social Life Survey (NHSLS) in the U.S. took another broader look at sexual pleasure for men and women.

The National Health and Social Life Survey (NHSLS) took a sample of 1749 women and 1410 men between the ages of18 to 59. The study looked at more than just ED. It evaluated other health conditions like premature ejaculation and lubrication for women.

Statistics from the national health and nutrition examination survey

From 2001-2002, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) evaluated ED in thousands of men in the U.S.

Importantly, this evaluation included a much younger group of men than other studies. Health experts found that ED affected 18.4% of men. Among participants, 15% of men between the ages of 40 to 59 experienced ED and 44% of men 60 to 69 years old. A staggering 70% of men over 70 reported erectile dysfunction.

What Are International ED Statistics?

One study observed men ages 40 to 70 in Brazil, Italy, Japan and Malaysia. In each country, a random sample of 600 men were interviewed about whether or not they experience any issues with erectile function. The study found that men in Japan were the most likely to experience ED. However, more research is needed to verify these findings.

Additional studies have been conducted around the world. Globally, getting men to speak out about their experience is a limitation for research.

Statistical research in the U.K.

In the United Kingdom, another study looked at the number of ED diagnoses in the United Kingdom (which has a universal healthcare system) in the years before and then after the approval of Viagra.

They compared 10,371 cases from before and after the introduction of Viagra (sildenafil). Researchers found that ED diagnoses doubled over time. However, the reason for this increase is not clear. Some researchers suspect it's because of an increase in men coming to their healthcare provider with questions more often.

How Rex MD Can Help

Have questions about your own erectile problems or ED symptoms? Rex MD can help. We offer affordable ED medication options like generic sildenafil and tadalafil.

Get started today on improving your health and getting the help you need.