Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. This common men's health condition affects over 4.3 million men in the UK, with approximately 41.5% of British men experiencing some degree of erectile dysfunction. ED becomes more frequent with age, affecting roughly 29.3% of men aged 18-39 and 45.6% of men aged 40 and over.

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by multiple factors, often involving a combination of physical, psychological, and lifestyle elements. Physical causes include cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and hormonal imbalances. Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems can significantly impact sexual performance. Lifestyle choices including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and poor diet are also major contributing factors. Research shows that 90% of men with ED have underlying physical causes.

Yes, erectile dysfunction is extremely common in the UK. Current statistics show that 41.5% to 50-55% of British men aged 40-70 experience some degree of erectile dysfunction. Nearly half of all UK men (48%) report experiencing difficulty getting or keeping an erection, whether always, sometimes, or occasionally. The condition affects approximately 16.5 million men across the UK, making it one of the most prevalent men's health conditions.

Absolutely - erectile dysfunction is highly treatable, with most men responding well to appropriate treatment. Oral PDE-5 inhibitors show success rates of 70-86% in clinical trials. Lifestyle modifications can reduce ED severity by up to 70% long-term for many men. Treatment options range from oral medications and lifestyle changes to vacuum devices, injections, and surgical implants for persistent cases. At Prescribedit, our UK-registered pharmacists provide personalized treatment plans to ensure safe and effective care.

The first-line treatments recommended by UK guidelines are oral PDE-5 inhibitors. These include sildenafil (Viagra and generic versions), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Spedra). PDE5 inhibitors are used by 30 million men worldwide for erectile dysfunction treatment. The NHS prescribed almost 3.5 million ED prescriptions in England between September 2023 and August 2024. All these medications are available through Prescribedit following consultation with our experienced pharmacists

Most oral ED medications typically start working within 30 to 60 minutes of taking them. Avanafil (Spedra) has the fastest onset of action, working in as little as 15-30 minutes. Sildenafil and vardenafil generally take 30-60 minutes to become effective. Tadalafil can take 30 minutes to 2 hours but provides longer-lasting effects of up to 36 hours. Individual response times may vary based on factors like food intake, alcohol consumption, and individual metabolism.

ED treatments are generally safe for most men when prescribed and monitored by qualified healthcare professionals. However, they may not be suitable if you have certain cardiovascular conditions or take specific medications such as nitrates. This is why consultation with a registered prescriber is essential before starting any ED treatment. At Prescribedit, all prescriptions are reviewed by UK-registered pharmacists to ensure treatment safety and suitability for your individual health profile.

Yes, lifestyle modifications can significantly improve erectile function and may reduce ED severity by up to 70%. Key lifestyle changes include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing stress effectively. Weight loss is particularly beneficial, as 79% of men seeking ED treatment are overweight. Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health and blood flow, which are essential for normal erectile function.

Sometimes, erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of underlying cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or other health conditions. ED often shares risk factors with heart disease, making it potentially the first symptom of cardiovascular problems. If you experience persistent erectile dysfunction, it's crucial to speak with a healthcare provider for comprehensive health assessment. This evaluation can help identify and address any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to your ED.

Absolutely - confidential consultations are available for erectile dysfunction treatment. At Prescribedit, our experienced UK-registered pharmacists and prescribers offer completely confidential consultations and ongoing support. We provide discreet online consultations and discrete packaging for all ED medications delivered across the UK. Our pharmacy is fully regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), ensuring professional, confidential, and safe treatment. You can access expert advice and proven treatments in a supportive, judgment-free environment.