Two thirds of men under 40 now struggle with erectile dysfunction, alarming new research reveals
The number of young men experiencing erectile dysfunction problems is on the rise in what some experts have called ‘a silent epidemic’, new data suggests.
Sexual health experts at Chemist4U revealed that two in three men aged 25-34 years-old have experienced difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.
Also called impotency, or shortened to ED, erectile dysfunction is a condition where men can’t get or keep an erection and is classically more common in older groups.
But according to the latest figures, it is becoming increasingly common in young men, with more than half of 18-24 year olds admitting to experiencing the issue.
Chemist4U conducted a survey of over 2,000 men to assess the prevalence of ED, after noticing a huge surge in questions about Viagra—a brand name for a common medication called sildenafil which is used to treat the condition—circling online.
Over the past 90 days alone, questions like ‘does Viagra work for everyone’ and ‘how long before sex should you take Viagra’ have skyrocketed online, driving searches by over 5,000 per cent.
Ian Budd, a prescribing pharmacist with Chemist4U, said: ‘With our survey showing that over half of UK men are reporting erection difficulties, we’ve highlighted just how common the condition is.
‘Recent Google Trends data shows a surge in questions about Viagra and erectile dysfunction suggesting many men are looking for reliable answers about causes and treatment.’
Ian Budd, a a prescribing pharmacist with Chemist4U, said there had been a 5000 per cent increase inseraches for questions about Viagra
Mr Budd said the spike in younger men experiencing the problem could be linked to a number of physical, psychological and lifestyle factors—including alcohol consumption, stress, lack of exercise and heart health—that older generations are not as frequently exposed to.
But, he added: ‘Early assessment can allow for targeted treatment to improve symptoms.
‘It’s important these conversations happen in the right places, with accurate information and professional guidance, as erectile dysfunction can sometimes signal underlying health issues.’
Whilst most cases are isolated and nothing to worry about, repeated or sustained impotency should be checked out by a GP.
This is not only because it can usually be treated through medications like Viagra, easing bedroom anxieties, but because ED can also be a potential indicator of serious health problems.
These include issues like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, hormone imbalances and mental health issues like depression and performance anxiety.
Mr Budd urges anyone experiencing erection difficulties not only to contact their GP, but also to track their symptoms to help build a clearer picture of potential causes, as well as focusing on lifestyle changes to support better sexual health.
‘You don’t have to deal with ED alone or in silence,’ he said. ‘There are effective ED treatments available, and often small lifestyle changes can make a real difference.
Sildenafil, sold under the brand name Viagra, is commonly used to treat ED and usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes to work. But, according to the NHS, taking the medication alone will not cause an erection – you need to be sexually excited for it to work
Talking to your partner is also an important step in reducing the emotional impact of ED, Mr Budd said.
‘What matters most is taking that first step as soon as you can, even if it feels like a small one.’
Interestingly, Southern cities topped UK rankings for erection difficulties, with over 70 per cent of men living in Brighton saying they’ve experienced the common problem, followed by Bath.
The survey, carried out in July 2025, also revealed which cities sit below the national average of around 57 per cent, with just 49 per cent of men living in Bristol admitting to having experienced ED.
According to the research, younger generations prefer to navigate the problem online, with only one in three men saying they’d seek advice from a medical professional in the first instance.
More than one in ten said that they wouldn’t seek help at all.
Despite this turn towards online healthcare and phone call consultations, in-person GP appointments remain the preferred option for future support, with over 43 per cent of men opting for this method.
As well as its online advice and treatment service, Chemist4U offers over-the-counter medication for the issue.
Experts say that worries about body image and sexual performance are at the heart of bedroom anxieties
It comes as doctors have warned that watching pornography could be driving the surge in ED problems in young men.
Experts say that while occasional porography viewing is harmless, frequent or marathon sessions could re-train men’s brains and prevent them becoming aroused normally.
It is thought that porn could also be giving men unrealistic perceptions about their manhood, or how long they should last in bed, driving up performance anxiety-related bedroom issues.
And, with access to a seemingly never-ending catalogue of adult content just a few taps away on their phones, doctors warn accessing porn has never been easier—resulting in some men becoming addicted.
