Stressed-out British guys struggling in the bedroom
British men say they are too stressed, overworked and drink too much to get an erection, according to a shock new survey. Half (50%) of British guys in their thirties admit they are struggling in the bedroom – but many say they would rather split from their other half than discuss their problems.
Published 16 May 2018
At Your Coop Pharmacy we undertook some research and look what you told us. The results were fronted by the reputable Dr Hilary Jones.
Nearly half (43%) of men aged 18-60 across the UK are suffering impotence, with four in ten men blaming stress, followed by tiredness (36%), anxiety (29%) and boozing too heavily (26%)*.
These shocking statistics moved us to create our #Whatdoyoucallit social media campaign – in a bid to stamp out the stigma of impotence. Click here to view campaign advert.
The research has revealed that:
- The largest affected age group of men with erectile dysfunction is men in their thirties, with half (50%) reporting that they have experienced difficulties getting or maintaining an erection. This compares to 42% in their 40s, 41% in their 50s, and 35% of under 30s.
- 49% of men in their thirties think stress from work and their personal life is the most likely cause of their problem, with 24% blaming drinking too much alcohol as a main cause.
- 31% have felt a strain on their relationship, 31% have broken up with a partner due to the issue, a quarter have lost confidence when dating (25%) and 21% have suffered mental health problems as a result.
- 31% of men affected in their 30s have obtained Viagra from a doctor, compared to 17% in their 40s. But 62% of men in their 30s would rather send their partner to the GP to get medication on their behalf.
The survey of 2,000 men was carried out by Your Coop Pharmacy as Britain becomes the first country in the world to sell Viagra over the counter without a prescription.
A third (33%) of men aged 18-60 surveyed say they have not told anyone about their erectile dysfunction.
Only 28% have gone to their GP and just nine percent have discussed it with another man in the family.
Forty-three percent of those affected by impotence say they could not discuss the issue with friends and 23% would feel uncomfortable discussing it with a GP.
An incredible 27% of men say they would rather break up with their partner than talk to their GP about being unable to get an erection.
A quarter (24%) of men said they felt unable to talk to their partners about erectile dysfunction and 22% said it has led to a breakup.
And nearly half (49%) of men said they would rather send their partner to collect Viagra on their behalf.
In addition, 19% of men affected in their 30s have bought Viagra obtained it from a source other than their GP or registered online service, in comparison to 10% of men in their 40s.
Forty-three percent of those affected by impotence say they could not discuss the issue with friends and 23% would feel uncomfortable discussing it with a GP.
Your Coop Pharmacy is launching its #Whatdoyoucallit campaign – to highlight the fact that whatever word men choose to use to refer to their penis, there should not be any shame about it, they should feel good about it.
Dr Hilary Jones said: “The results of the survey clearly show that erectile dysfunction is something that’s having a huge impact on almost half of the male population in the UK.
“It’s with this in mind that we want to de-stigmatise any negative misconceptions and start talking about impotence and normalising it, to help men feel good, know they’re not alone and know they’re not being judged.
“We don’t want men to resort to splitting up with their partners, especially now Viagra Connect is available over the counter in pharmacies and online too, so men can access this product themselves, easily, conveniently and, if they’re concerned, discreetly.
“As a society, we need to start talking about issues, especially those having such an impact on almost half the male population in the UK, and men shouldn’t feel shame, guilt, embarrassment, insecure, or depressed because of a medical condition. Especially one that can be easily rectified with Viagra connect.”
Half (50%) of all men questioned said they felt stressed at least once a week, with 52% of those blaming stress on work.
60% of men who say they feel stressed most days have erectile difficulties, compared to 23% that rarely feel stressed and just 19% who never feel stressed.
Staying late at the office also affects men’s performance in bed, with 57% of those who work late most days having problems compared to 32% that never have to work late.
65% of men who drink too much alcohol (six or more units in a single session) more than three times a week experience difficulties, but just 33% that never drink too much have problems.
The survey showed nearly three in ten (29%) of men aged between 30-39 felt depressed after suffering impotence.
Three quarters (75%) of men aged 18-60 questioned who feel pressurised to start a family or have more kids said they experienced erectile dysfunction.
Adrian added: “Our findings demonstrate that factors such as stress, anxiety and even drinking too much can be linked to impotence but it’s also important to note that erectile disfunction could also be a symptom of other medical conditions such as early onset of vascular disease or diabetes so we’d urge anyone with concerns to book an appointment with their GP and just start talking.”
Get involved with the conversation and start talking about the issue by following www.facebook.com/cooppharmacycoop and let us know what you call yours!
*Please note: Impotence may also be linked to early onset vascular disease or other medical conditions. Anyone concerned should consult their GP.
Viagra Connect (4 Tablets 50mg) £5.00 per tablet
£19.99
Viagra Connect (8 Tablets 50mg) - £4.38 per tablet
£34.99










