Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction: A Pharmacist Answers the Questions You’re Afraid to Ask

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is far more common than most people realise – yet many men still find it difficult to talk about.

The good news is that, in many cases, ED is treatable. It can even act as an early warning sign for other health issues, giving you a chance to tackle them sooner.

This straightforward, judgement-free guide explains ED from a pharmacy perspective and shows you where to get safe help.

What Exactly Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction means you regularly:

• struggle to get an erection

• find it hard to keep an erection firm enough for sex

• or experience a mix of both problems

It’s completely normal for things not to work perfectly every single time. ED usually refers to a persistent issue, not the occasional off-day after a stressful week or a heavy night out.

Common Causes of ED

ED rarely has just one cause. Often, several factors are involved.

Physical causes may include:

• heart and circulation problems

• high blood pressure

• diabetes

• hormone issues such as low testosterone

• side effects of some medicines

Psychological causes can also play a part, for example:

• stress at work or home

• depression or anxiety

• relationship difficulties

Lifestyle factors often contribute too, such as:

• smoking

• high alcohol intake

• recreational drug use

• lack of exercise or poor sleep

Because ED is closely linked to cardiovascular health, you should not ignore it – especially if you are older or have other risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.

When You Should See a GP

Sometimes ED can signal something more serious.

Contact a GP or clinician urgently if:

• ED appears suddenly and feels severe

• you also have chest pain, breathlessness or leg pain

• you have had an injury to your genital area or pelvic region

Book a routine GP review if:

• ED has been happening for more than a few weeks

• you live with a long-term condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease

• you take regular medicines and worry they might be contributing

During the appointment, your GP may check your blood pressure, organise blood tests and review your current medicines to see whether any changes are needed.

How Pharmacies Can Help

Pharmacists are medicine experts and can offer confidential support. They can:

• review your current medicines and highlight anything that may worsen ED

• suggest lifestyle changes that improve blood flow, energy levels and overall health

• explain how licensed treatments work and what side effects to look out for

• advise you when it is important to see your GP or a specialist

In addition, some regulated online services provide private consultations for ED. These follow UK guidelines and only offer prescription treatments when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Lifestyle Changes That Make a Difference

You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Instead, focus on small, consistent changes. Over time, they can make a real difference to ED and your general health.

Helpful steps include:

• stopping smoking or cutting down, with support from stop-smoking services

• reducing alcohol, especially before sex

• building more physical activity into your week – even regular brisk walking helps

• trying stress-management techniques such as breathing exercises, mindfulness or counselling

• protecting your sleep by having a regular bedtime and enough rest

These changes support your heart and circulation. Better cardiovascular health often leads to improvements in erectile function as well.

Talking to Your Partner

ED affects you physically, but it can also affect both you and your partner emotionally. Keeping everything inside usually makes the situation worse.

Try to:

• be open about what’s happening – it is very unlikely to be “their fault”

• focus on intimacy and closeness, not just penetration

• explore other ways of being sexual together while you seek help

• consider couples’ support or counselling if ED is putting a strain on your relationship

Honest conversations can reduce pressure in the bedroom and help you feel more like a team.

The Bottom Line

ED is common, treatable and nothing to be ashamed of. When you view ED as a health symptom rather than a personal failure, it becomes easier to ask for help.

Your pharmacist and GP are there to support you, check for any underlying health issues and guide you towards safe, evidence-based treatment options.

How Newgen Can Help

Newgen Pharmacy offers confidential, judgement-free support for men experiencing erectile dysfunction. Our clinicians carefully review your symptoms, medical history and current medicines, and can help identify when ED may be linked to wider health issues such as cardiovascular risk.

Where appropriate and safe, we can discuss evidence-based treatment options alongside lifestyle changes, and advise when you should see your GP for further tests or a face-to-face review.

Compliance note: We never promote prescription-only medicines for erectile dysfunction publicly. Any potential treatment options are discussed privately with a clinician after an assessment, only if appropriate and safe.

Author & Content Writer: Dr Naeem Aslam