Understanding erection problems:
A guide for men and their partners
Erection problems, known medically as erectile dysfunction (ED), are among the most common health concerns affecting men in the UK. An estimated 15 million men¹ report difficulty getting or keeping an erection, yet many do not seek help. This page brings together the key information in one place, whether you are looking for yourself or trying to support a partner.
What are erection problems?
Erection problems happen when you cannot get an erection or cannot keep one hard enough to have sex. This can happen occasionally or regularly. It can happen at any age.
Both terms, erection problems and erectile dysfunction, mean the same thing. Your doctor may use the medical term. Either is correct.
Around 40% of men in their 40s experience erection problems at some point². The condition becomes more common with age, but age alone is not a cause. Erection problems are usually the result of a physical health condition, a psychological factor or a combination of both.
What causes erection problems?
Getting an erection depends on healthy blood flow, functioning nerves and right hormonal balance. Physical health conditions that affect blood flow are the most common cause. These include heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Lifestyle factors, including smoking, drinking heavily and being physically inactive, increase the risk.
Psychological causes, such as stress, anxiety and depression, can also play a role. Medication is a less widely known cause. Some antidepressants, beta-blockers and other common prescriptions can affect erections as a side effect.
Who does this affect?
Erection problems affect men of every age, background and relationship status. They are not a sign of low masculinity. They are not a measure of how attracted you are to your partner.
If you are a partner reading this, your feelings matter too. Many partners feel confused, worried or hurt when erection problems go unexplained. Almost two-thirds³ of men experiencing erection problems want to talk to their partner about it. They simply do not know how to start.
Can erection problems be treated?
Yes, erectile dysfunction treatment is effective for the majority of men. Lifestyle change can also make a significant difference. Stopping smoking, reducing alcohol, losing weight and exercising regularly have all been shown to improve erections.
Viagra Connect® tablets, Viagra Connect® Melts and Avarante® are available to purchase online or in a UK pharmacy without a prescription. These treatments work by supporting the blood flow needed for an erection when you are sexually aroused. None of them will cause an erection on their own. Sexual arousal is needed for them to work.
Which of our treatments is right for you?
All three treatments are used to treat erection problems. They work in the same way but have different active ingredients, durations and suit varying occasions.
1 Based on 45% of UK men self-identifying as having an erection problem (Toluna, Viagra Connect research UK, July 2025; n=3000), applied to UK male population (~33.1 million; ONS)
2Ferrini MG, Gonzalez-Cadavid NF, Rajfer J. Aging related erectile dysfunction—potential mechanism to halt or delay its onset. Translational Andrology and Urology. 2017;6(1):20–27
3Edelman DXI, Viagra Connect – Men & Partners Research Results. February 2022
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