Sharp increase in men suffering erectile dysfunction blamed on the coronavirus lockdown 

A recent sharp increase in men suffering from erectile dysfunction has been blamed on increased stress and alcohol consumption during the coronavirus lockdown. 

Erectile dysfunction — commonly called ‘impotence’ — can be triggered by transient factors such as tiredness, stress, anxiety or alcohol use.

However, the condition can also be a sign of underlying medical conditions including high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or even hormonal issues.

UK Digital health service Superdrug Online Doctor has reported a 13 per cent increase in demand for erectile dysfunction services since May.

Furthermore, Google Trends data suggests that online searches for information on the sexual issue are at their highest for the last 12 months.

In response, Superdrug has launched ‘the UK’s most extensive erectile dysfunction portfolio’ to combat the impact of COVID-19 on bedrooms across the country.

‘Erectile problems are common, and are usually caused by stress, tiredness, anxiety or drinking too much alcohol,’ said Superdrug ambassador and GP Zoe Williams.

These, she explained, are ‘all risk factors which have been exacerbated, in many cases, by the recent COVID-19 lockdown.’

‘Superdrug now stocks the UK’s most extensive erectile dysfunction portfolio, allowing customers to trial a range of products, to work out what best suits them.’

‘In most cases erectile dysfunction is nothing to worry about,’ Dr Williams continued.

‘But if it persists, then it may be caused by physical or psychological problems and you should speak to your GP or a Superdrug online doctor about it.’

Among the firm’s new offerings are an erectile dysfunction cream — containing a vasodilator to improve blood flow to the penis — and two trial packs each containing three different drugs that relax blood vessels and also act as a vasodilator.

The trial kits, the firm explained, allow one to ‘try each of [the pills] to see which works best for you’ and area aimed at first-time users who might be unsure ‘which one to choose.’ 

‘Superdrug Online Doctor offers patients the opportunity to participate in a telephone consultation with one of their doctors to discuss erectile dysfunction and the first steps to treatment,’ the company said.

‘Superdrug believes that it’s always better to look into the underlying cause of an erectile dysfunction condition than simply providing a treatment for the symptoms as psychological factors are responsible for about 10–20 oer cent of all cases.’

As part of its erectile dysfunction portfolio, the firm also sells medically-approved pumps — devices which employ the formation of a vacuum to draw blood into the penis and can be used either in tandem with, or independent of, medication.

‘Accessibility and discretion are important to patients seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction,’ said Superdrug healthcare director Michael Henry.

‘These factors have driven the decision to extend our online erectile dysfunction portfolio and provide further choice and increased availability to medication that will support people’s sexual health.’