Erectile dysfunction (ED) 

ED can be defined as an inability to attain and/or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. It is a common condition, with 42.6% of men (aged ≥18 years) in the United Kingdom and approximately 53.9 million men across the European Union self-reporting difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection during a six-month period.¹

Impacts of ED  

ED can have a profound impact on the quality of life of men, negatively affecting their emotional and psychological wellbeing and self-esteem, as well as their relationships.² The sexual and emotional lives of partners are also negatively impacted by ED, leading to significant relationship difficulties and distress.^3,4

Causes of ED  

ED can be a sign of an underlying condition such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes or depression.⁵ Health checks can identify these conditions in a timely manner, so that they can be managed appropriately. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol and drug use can also be linked to ED.^5,6 When customers ask about support for ED, it may provide an opportunity to give lifestyle advice and offer other services such as smoking cessation.

Treatment for ED  

ED treatments are available OTC, including tadalafil, which has now become available as the P medicine Cialis Together 10mg tablets. Tadalafil and sildenafil are both members of the same class of drug (Phosphodiesterase type 5 or PDE5 inhibitors), which work by temporarily increasing blood flow to the penis, enabling an erection to be achieved and maintained. Sexual stimulation is required for them to work.

Effective treatment for ED significantly improves sexual satisfaction for men and their partners ^7-11 and increases sexual self-confidence,¹² resulting in better relationships^10,13 and a greatly enhanced quality of life.^14,15