Survey finds rising erectile dysfunction reports among men under 40
Chemist4U poll of more than 2,000 men found two-thirds of 25–34-year-olds and over half of 18–24s have experienced erection problems as online searches for Viagra surge
A new survey by online pharmacy Chemist4U indicates a sharp increase in reports of erectile dysfunction (ED) among younger men, with two-thirds of men aged 25 to 34 and more than half of 18- to 24-year-olds saying they have experienced difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.
The poll, conducted among more than 2,000 men, found that ED — a condition more commonly associated with older age groups — is increasingly being reported by younger cohorts. Chemist4U said the survey followed a large rise in online questions about Viagra, the brand name for sildenafil, a medication commonly prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction.
Chemist4U said searches and queries about Viagra have spiked in recent months, driven by questions such as “does Viagra work for everyone” and “how long before sex should you take Viagra.” The company reported that related searches rose more than 5,000% over the past 90 days.
Erectile dysfunction, sometimes called impotence, is defined by the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual activity. While the likelihood of ED increases with age, medical professionals note that a range of physical and psychological factors — including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, medication side effects, anxiety and stress — can contribute to symptoms at younger ages.
Chemist4U described the findings as a signal of growing concern among men about sexual health. A prescribing pharmacist at the company said the survey results and the surge in online interest have prompted clinicians and pharmacists to field more questions and requests related to ED and its treatments.
Health specialists not involved in the poll have previously urged that men experiencing erection problems seek medical evaluation to identify underlying causes and appropriate treatments. Sildenafil and other phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are effective for many patients but are not suitable for everyone and can interact with certain medications, particularly nitrates used for heart conditions.
Public-health experts have emphasized that documenting trends in sexual health and improving access to confidential medical advice can help men receive timely diagnosis and care. The Chemist4U survey does not establish the underlying reasons for the reported rise, and the company did not release detailed demographic breakdowns or clinical validation of respondents’ symptoms.
Further research by independent clinical teams would be required to determine whether the increase reflects a true rise in incidence, greater willingness among younger men to report symptoms, increased awareness and online searching, or a combination of factors. In the meantime, clinicians say men with concerns about erectile function should consult a health professional for evaluation and appropriate management.