Erectile dysfunction statistics continue to rise in the United States of America, and around the globe. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain (or both) an erection. There are various causes of and levels of severity when it comes to penile dysfunction.
Here are the current statistics, plus forecasted outlook, for penis owners in regard to erectile dysfunction. This information has been compiled from the resources listed below and is only for informational purposes.
The Commonality of Erectile Dysfunction
- The worldwide prevalence of erectile dysfunction is expected to increase to 322 million men by 2025. (International Journal of Impotence Research, 2000)
- ED affects about 30 million men in the United States. (Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension, 2012)
- 1 in 10 men is estimated to have ED at some point in his lifetime. (Cleveland Clinic, 2019)
- In one study of eight countries, the U.S. has the highest rate of self-reported ED (22%). (Current Medical Research and Opinion, 2004)
- Spain has the lowest rate of self-reported ED (10%). (Current Medical Research and Opinion, 2004)
Erectile Dysfunction Statistics by Age
- ED affects about 10% of men per decade of life. For example, 50% of men in their 50s are affected by ED. (University of Wisconsin Health, 2019)
- Men older than 40 are three times as likely to experience complete ED than younger men. (The Journal of Urology, 1994)
- ED is less common but increasing in young men. It was previously believed that only 5% to 10% of men younger than 40 experienced ED. But a more recent study showed that ED was prevalent in 26% of men younger than 40. (Boston University School of Medicine, 2002) (The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2018)
- Premature ejaculation is more common in younger men than older men. (The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2013) Absent ejaculation is more common in older men than younger men. (The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2018)
Erectile Dysfunction Issues by Cause
- ED is medication-related in 25% of patients in outpatient clinics. Blood pressure medications are the most common culprit in medication-induced ED. (Boston University School of Medicine, 2002)
- Vascular disease is the most common cause of natural ED, with 64% of erectile difficulties associated with heart attacks and 57% associated with bypass surgery. (Boston University School of Medicine, 2002)
- Cancer and cancer treatment make up 30% of ED patients over age 45. (Nature Reviews Urology, 2018)
- 35% to 75% of men who have diabetes will also experience ED. (Boston University School of Medicine, 2002)
- Up to 40% of men with renal failure have some degree of ED. (Boston University School of Medicine, 2002)
- 30% of men with COPD have impotence. (Boston University School of Medicine, 2002)
- Smoking cigarettes and using illicit drugs were more common in younger ED patients. (The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2013)
- Obesity and diabetes are responsible for 8 million cases of ED. (Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski, 2014)
- The majority (79%) of men with ED are overweight (BMI of 25kg/m2 or higher). (Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski, 2014)
Common Erectile Dysfunction Complications
Sexual function can affect a person’s overall health and quality of life. Many men with ED may experience depression or low self-esteem at some point in time and ED can put stress on relationships. Many men with ED will complain that their sex lives are less than satisfactory, which is often the main reason they seek medical treatment.
- Men with ED experience twice as many heart attacks and strokes (6.3%) in comparison to men who don’t have ED (2.6%). (American Heart Association, 2018)
- People with depression have a 39% higher chance of developing ED than those without depression. (The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2018)
- Having ED also increases the risk of depression by 192%. (The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2018)
- People with ED are nearly three times more likely to experience depression than those without ED. (The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2018)
- Sexual dysfunction is present for 20% to 25% of infertile couples. (Reproductive Partners Medical Group, 2020)
- 1 in 6 infertile men is affected by ED or premature ejaculation. (Nature Reviews Urology, 2018)
Overall Cost of Erectile Dysfunction
Alternative treatments include injections, vacuum devices, and penile implants.
- Only a quarter of men with ED receive treatment. (The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2014)
- 1 in 4 men who seek ED treatment is younger than 40. (The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2013)
- Spending for the three most popular ED drugs (Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis) is over $1 billion worldwide every year. (Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2011)
- While PDE5-Is only make up 37% of the total annual costs of all ED related services. Additional costs include doctor’s appointments, diagnostic procedures, hormone therapy, etc. (Journal of Urology, 2005)
- ED pills like Viagra (PDE-5 inhibitors) had the lowest annual cost per patient. Each patient with ED spent about $120 per year in 2001 on treatment. (Journal of Urology, 2005)
- If ED medications fail, penile prosthesis surgery is the most cost-effective treatment for ED in the long-term. Although they can cost upward of $20,000, insurance and Medicare generally cover penile implants. (Coloplast) (The Journal of Urology, 2018)
- 1 in 3 men seek out holistic therapies like penis pump therapy. (Journal of Urology, 2020) Some of the cost of this method could be covered by medical insurance and averages between $80-200 per year in 2020.
Latest Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
Doctors and researchers are always looking for new ways to treat erectile dysfunction. Here are some of the latest treatments options for ED that may work for some men:
- Shockwave therapy may help treat ED caused by vascular disease. Low-intensity shock waves pass through erectile tissue to help encourage blood flow and blood vessel growth.
- Stem cell therapy is the injection of stem cells into the penis. Some minor studies have been done on this, but more research is needed before the treatment becomes mainstream.
- Platelet-rich plasma can help grow new blood vessels and heal wounds, and platelet-rich plasma treatment may help treat ED because of the healing ability of platelets.
- Penis Pump Therapy helps to naturally restore lost penile function. Low-intensity pressure helps to pull blood into the shaft of the penis and a penile support ring then helps to hold, or trap, the blood inside the shaft, thusly creating an erection. Repeated therapy can have long lasting effects and function. Lubrication is a must with this therapy!
- Prostate Massage Therapy is done to express built up toxins in the prostate if it is present, and works to reduce scar tissue, pain, and nerve damage in the area where the prostate was if the person had a prostatectomy. Prostate massage also has the potential to trigger an erection and incite pleasure. Lubrication is a must with this therapy!
- Masturbation has always been a tried-and-true therapy for those who put in the time. This type of self-discovery not only helps with restoring the natural function of the penis, but also works to calm mental strain, releases “the good” brain chemicals and hormones, and helps one get to know their bodies again.
If you or someone you know is struggling with erectile dysfunction, do not hesitate to seek out help from a medical professional to find the best method of treatment to get you back on track!
Resources Used:
SingleCare.com (https://www.singlecare.com/blog/news/erectile-dysfunction-statistics/)
CDC (cdc.gov)
Kinsey Institute
NIH