The number of young men experiencing erection problems is rising, in what some experts have called "a silent epidemic," new data suggests.
Sexual health experts at Chemist4U found that two out of three men aged 25–34 have experienced difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
The condition, also known as impotence, or ED for short, is most common in older age groups. But according to recent figures, it is becoming increasingly prevalent among younger men, with more than half of men aged 18–24 admitting to having experienced the problem.
Chemist4U conducted a survey of over 2,000 men to assess the prevalence of ED, after noticing a huge increase in online inquiries about Viagra—the trade name for a drug called sildenafil that is used to treat the condition.
In the last 90 days alone, questions like "does Viagra work for everyone" and "how long before sex should you take Viagra" have increased by over 5,000 percent in online searches.
Ian Budd, prescribing pharmacist at Chemist4U, said: “With our survey showing that over half of men in the UK report difficulties with erections, we have highlighted just how common this condition is. Recent Google Trends data shows a rise in queries about Viagra and erectile dysfunction, suggesting that many men are looking for reliable answers about the causes and treatment.”
Mr. Budd said the rise in problems in young men could be linked to a range of physical, psychological and lifestyle factors—including alcohol consumption, stress, lack of physical activity and heart health.
But he added: "Early assessment allows for targeted treatment to improve symptoms. It is important that these conversations take place in the right places, with accurate information and professional guidance, as ED can sometimes signal hidden health problems."
While most cases are isolated and not worrisome, recurrent or persistent impotence should be checked by your family doctor.
This is not only because it can usually be treated with medications like Viagra, easing anxiety during intercourse, but also because ED can be an indicator of serious health problems.
These include high blood pressure or high cholesterol, hormonal imbalances, and mental health issues like depression and performance anxiety.
Mr. Budd urges men experiencing erection difficulties to not only contact their doctor, but also to track their symptoms to create a clearer picture of possible causes, as well as focus on lifestyle changes for better sexual health.
“You don’t have to deal with ED alone or in silence,” he said. “There are effective treatments for ED and often small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Talking to your partner is also an important step in reducing the emotional impact of ED,” he added.
"What matters most is taking the first step as soon as possible, even if it seems small."
Interestingly, southern cities topped the UK rankings for erectile difficulties, with over 70 per cent of men living in Brighton admitting to experiencing this common problem, followed by Bath.
The survey, conducted in July 2025, also revealed which cities fall below the national average of around 57 per cent, with just 49 per cent of men in Bristol admitting to experiencing ED.
According to the study, younger generations prefer to deal with the problem online, with only one in three men saying they would seek advice from a medical professional first.
More than one in ten said they would not seek help at all.
Although online services and telephone consultations are on the rise, in-person doctor appointments remain the preferred option for future support, with over 43 percent of men choosing this method.
In addition to online advice and treatments, Chemist4U also offers over-the-counter medications for this problem.
Meanwhile, doctors have warned that watching pornography may be fueling the rise in ED problems in young men.
Experts say that while occasional viewing of pornography is harmless, frequent or long sessions can "train" men's brains and prevent them from feeling arousal normally.
It is thought that pornography can also give men unrealistic perceptions of their genitals or how long they should last in bed, fueling performance anxiety.
And, with almost unlimited access to adult content just a few clicks away on your phone, doctors warn that accessing pornography has never been easier—resulting in some men becoming addicted. /GazetaExpress/
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