New Viatris survey reveals pressure to sexually perform impacts the 1 in 3 men in Ireland who suffer from erectile dysfunction
* According to a new survey[i]commissioned by healthcare company Viatris, the majority of men in Ireland feel pressure to perform sexually
* 88% of men polled for the survey feel expected to perform in bed, a sentiment that is also shared by 79% of partners
* While 93% of men and 85% of their partners agree that achieving an erection is an important criteria to fulfil sexual activity3, approximately 94% of men and their partners agree that erectile dysfunction (ED) can happen to anyone
ED is a common condition that can affect men of any age. Indeed, 77% of men and 80% of their partners agree that ED is a normal part of life for a man.
The study of 509 adults was carried out by Edelman DXI on behalf of Viatris as part of its Talk E.D campaign. The campaign aims to get men and their partners to talk about erectile dysfunction in an open and frank manner and to encourage men not to put up with the symptoms of ED; instead talk to a healthcare professional.
According to the Viatris survey, many men still feel responsible for erectile dysfunction and feel pressures from several areas of their life to perform. A significant 85% feel expected to provide financial support, 85% feel they should be in control of their feelings, and 88% think it is expected of them to perform sexually.
Despite erectile dysfunction being common, expectations about sexual performance have a major impact on the lives of those it affects. Over half (51%) who have experienced ED symptoms have felt disappointed. This combined with the fact that 1 in 3 men struggle to discuss ED, has a series impact on wellbeing. 32% of men feel their mental health has been impacted by erectile dysfunction and leads to a feeling of guilt, and 76% of men feel responsible for difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection.
Raising awareness and destigmatising erectile dysfunction
The Viatris survey highlights a large gap between people thinking ED is commonplace and men feeling comfortable to speak openly about it. Only 1 in 3 men agree it’s something they feel comfortable doing1 and 79% of men turn to their partner to discuss solutions. This desire for help and more information about the condition is also shared by men’s partners, 70% want to actively look for solutions to their partner’s erection problems.
But before some men will seek help, more change is needed. Erectile dysfunction deserves more widespread awareness. Only through more education will men be able to address their feelings of shame, disappointment and embarrassment about ED18. This is a belief shared by 90% + of men and their partners.
By engaging in further discussion, men will learn that solutions exist. However, there is still a long way to go as 35% of men and 34% of partners think that ED is complicated to treat.
Could the way we think about sex be a part of the solution?
Conversations about sex have evolved. Sex has become about intimacy, fun, and finding ways to connect with partners. While there is a strong link between a fulfilling sex life and achieving or maintaining an erection, for 94% of men and 95% of their partners, sharing a moment of intimacy is one of the most important criteria for a fulfilling sex life. Furthermore, when asked to define sexual activity, 98% of men and 92% of partners agree that there are many ways to have sex.
Now is the time to take pressure off performance and encourage a more inclusive vision of sex and normalise conversation about erectile dysfunction. There are treatment options available and in 2021, Viatris launched Viagra Connect (sildenafil) in Ireland, which is now available without prescription following a brief consultation with a pharmacist. The consultation process is discreet and can be done in a private consultation room in the pharmacy or online from selected pharmacy groups.
Viagra Connect 50mg Film Coated Tablets. Contains: Sildenafil. For men age 18 years and over with erectile dysfunction*. Always read the label. Maximum dosage frequency is one 50mg tablet per day. *Subject to suitability
Men & Partners Research carried out in Ireland by Edelman DXI on Erectile Dysfunction in February 2022
