Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that can affect men of all ages, although it becomes more frequent with age and underlying health issues. Many men experience temporary erection difficulties at some point in life, but when the problem persists, it can affect confidence, relationships and overall wellbeing.
ED is now recognised not only as a sexual health concern but often as an early warning sign of broader physical health problems. Batley Pharmacy offers a confidential pathway for men seeking guidance, diagnosis and access to safe erectile dysfunction medicines in the UK. Understanding what causes erectile dysfunction in men and how it is treated is the first important step toward restoring sexual function and improving long-term health.
What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the consistent or recurrent inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. While occasional difficulty is common, the diagnosis of ED is typically considered when the problem persists for at least three months and affects sexual activity or quality of life.
In the UK population, ED is remarkably common. A 2022 survey involving 12,490 adult men found that erectile dysfunction affected 41.5 percent of participants, with 7.5 percent experiencing severe symptoms. ED is often under-reported, yet it may serve as an indicator of broader health issues.
Erectile Dysfunction UK: Causes and Prevalence
Causes of erectile dysfunction include:
Physical and medical causes
- Cardiovascular disease: The penile arteries are narrower than many other vessels, so early vascular disease may manifest as ED.
- Hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol: These metabolic and vascular conditions impair blood flow and endothelial function, both essential for erection. A UK study found men with ED more often had hypertension (31.8% vs 16.3%), hyperlipidaemia (27.6% vs 14.0%) and diabetes (15.9% vs 6.1%) compared with those without ED.
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle: In the same UK survey, 64.9% of men with ED were overweight or obese vs 54.6% without ED.
- Smoking, heavy alcohol use: Modifiable behaviours that impact vascular health and erectile function.
- Neurological disease or injury: Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injury or prostate surgery may impair nerve signalling.
- Hormonal causes: Low testosterone, thyroid disorders and hyperprolactinaemia may contribute.
- Medication and drug side-effects: Some blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, anti-androgens and recreational drugs may cause or worsen ED.
- Ageing: While age itself is not a cause, the prevalence of contributing comorbidities rises with age.
Psychological and lifestyle causes
While physical causes dominate, psychological and lifestyle factors are also key:
- Anxiety, depression and stress can interfere with both sexual desire and erectile function.
- Relationship issues, performance anxiety and past sexual trauma also play roles.
- Lifestyle factors such as lack of physical activity, poor diet, poor sleep and excessive alcohol or tobacco usage impact both mental health and vascular health.
In practice, many men experience a combination of physical and psychological factors.
Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis
At Batley Pharmacy we aim to support referral and discussion with your GP where appropriate, and help you understand how ED is diagnosed. The diagnostic process usually involves:
- Medical history: Assessment of sexual function, erection quality, duration of symptoms, associated factors (e.g. medication, alcohol, tobacco, comorbidities), and psychosocial factors.
- Physical examination: Checking for signs of cardiovascular disease, endocrine disorders, genital abnormalities (e.g. Peyronie’s disease) or neurological problems.
- Laboratory tests: They may include fasting glucose/HbA1c, lipid profile, testosterone, thyroid function, liver and kidney function tests.
- Assessment of psychological and lifestyle factors: Screening for depression, anxiety, alcohol use and relationship issues.
A key takeaway is that ED is rarely a purely isolated symptom, and the diagnosis phase offers an opportunity to identify and manage broader health risks.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
ED treatment options UK involves a tiered approach: Lifestyle modification, addressing underlying medical causes, psychological support, and pharmacological or device-based therapies. Batley Pharmacy supports access to treatments, provides advice and liaise with prescribers where necessary.
Lifestyle and medical optimisation
Before or alongside other treatments, these steps are crucial:
- Stop smoking and moderate alcohol consumption.
- Increase physical activity (e.g. 30 minutes brisk walking most days).
- Adopt a heart-healthy diet (rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins).
- Maintain healthy weight and control blood pressure, lipids and blood sugar.
- Address psychological factors: therapy or counselling for anxiety, depression or performance worries.
Selecting the best treatment for erectile dysfunction
Choosing the right treatment depends on:
- Severity of ED, underlying causes and comorbidities.
- Patient preference (on-demand vs daily therapy).
- Potential drug interactions (nitrate therapy contraindicates PDE5i).
- Tolerance of side-effects.
- Practical issues (cost, convenience, pharmacy access in the UK).
We can assist in discussing the options and helping you access treatment in line with UK guidelines and your personal circumstances.
FAQs
When to see a doctor for ED?
If you regularly cannot achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for intercourse (over several months), or if there are other symptoms (e.g. chest pain, shortness of breath, major mood changes), you should see a doctor.
What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?
ED is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual activity, occurring frequently and over time rather than occasionally.
What are the most common causes of erectile dysfunction?
Common causes include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smoking, medication side-effects, hormonal deficiency and psychological stress.
How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves medical history, physical exam, laboratory tests (glucose, lipids, hormones). Specialist tests such as penile doppler ultrasound may also be required.
What are the treatment options for erectile dysfunction?
Treatment options include lifestyle changes, addressing underlying medical issues, PDE5 inhibitors, topical treatments, vacuum devices, injections, penile implants and psychological therapies.
Can erectile dysfunction be cured naturally?
In mild cases, ED may improve with lifestyle modification (weight loss, exercise, smoking cessation) and treating underlying conditions.
Is erectile dysfunction a sign of another health problem?
Yes. ED can signal cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, hormonal imbalance or psychological conditions. Identifying underlying causes is key.
What lifestyle changes can help with erectile dysfunction?
Key changes include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, achieving a healthy weight, increasing physical activity, eating a balanced diet and managing stress.
Are there safe medications for ED in the UK?
Yes. Batley Pharmacy offers PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil that are licensed in the UK and prescribed by our healthcare professional. As with all medication, safety depends on individual health status and contraindications.
Can stress or anxiety cause erectile dysfunction?
Yes. Psychological factors such as performance anxiety, stress, depression or relationship issues can contribute to or worsen ED. These may act alone or in combination with physical causes.