Let’s get hard. Or rather, let’s talk about the times we’re not.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the phrase that makes most men clench. And not in the good way. But before you exit this article like it’s an ex texting “we need to talk,” let’s get real. Because if you’re a man, you’ve probably faced this issue, or will, or are about to text your mate about it using only emojis 🍆❌💔😩
I’m no doctor unless you count the time I diagnosed myself with consumption after a dodgy takeaway. But thanks to LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, we now have the receipts. Turns out, 50% of British men admit to experiencing ED at some point. The other 50% are either in denial, or liars, probably both.
What’s wild is that 49% think low testosterone is the main cause, when in reality, your brain might just be having a mini panic attack every time things get intimate. Stress, anxiety, pressure to perform, it’s less “Netflix and chill” and more “Netflix and existential dread.”
As someone who has genuinely cancelled a date because I wasn’t feeling… inspired (or “fortified,” if you will), I get it. You feel like your body is betraying you. It’s a very personal kind of betrayal, right up there with skinny jeans and group chats without you in them.
Mental Health Has Entered the Chat
Dr. Bhavini Shah explains it best: “Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can make it harder to get and keep an erection.” Basically, your brain is busy filing away your trauma while your body’s just trying to rise to the occasion.
Add in the summer pressures, crop tops, shirtless beach days, everyone suddenly looking like an Abercrombie ad, and it’s no wonder younger guys are struggling. 82% of men aged 18–24 feel pressured to look a certain way in summer. At that age, I felt pressured to own a gym membership. (Still don’t.)
The Summer Struggle
Body image plays a big role too. Nearly 50% of men say they feel less confident about their appearance in summer. 41% avoid going shirtless.
And in relationships? 25% of men say they feel pressure to maintain a good body. 29% have avoided sex because they didn’t like how they looked. That’s nearly a third of us going: “Sorry, babe, I’m just not in the mood. Also, do I look bloated?”
What’s the Solution?
We have to stop acting like ED is something shameful. It’s not weakness, it’s biology, emotion, and sometimes, a dodgy week at work. The key? Talk about it. See a doctor. Laugh about it (like we’re doing here). Because nothing heals like honesty… and maybe some zinc supplements.
Also, don’t self diagnose like I once did after one limp night and a bottle of rosé. Speak to someone qualified, like your GP, or a registered mental health professional. Or, you know, head to LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor and get expert advice without having to mumble through it in a waiting room.
So, are you hard?
Sometimes.
Sometimes not.
But always real.
For more information:
https://onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com/uk/lifestyle-advice/health-trends-calendar
https://onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com/uk/erectile-dysfunction