A lot of men are apparently still brushing off certain changes in the bedroom as no big deal.
Maybe it gets blamed on stress, being shattered, drinking, or simply getting older — but because it is not exactly the kind of thing most people are desperate to bring up over dinner, it’s often left to drag on in silence.
The problem, according to doctors, is that these quieter signs can start showing up long before a more obvious issue comes up.
That means a dip in libido, changes in sensitivity, or a noticeable shift in what used to feel normal might not be something to just shrug off, and hope disappears by itself.
Advert
That condition experts are talking about is one many at least know of: erectile dysfunction, and they say plenty of men are missing the warning signs until it becomes a much bigger problem.
One 2013 study available in the National Library of Medicine revealed that one in four men under 40 experiences erectile dysfunction regularly, while the British Association of Urological Surgeons says around half of men aged between 40 and 70 will deal with it at some point.
While many people still see it as purely a sex-life issue, BAUS also warns that erectile dysfunction can sometimes be a sign of other illnesses, including heart disease or diabetes.
Dr Donald Grant, a Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, said (as reported by Daily Mail): "Erectile dysfunction doesn't happen overnight.”
"In many cases, there are plenty of early warning signs that can indicate a potential issue with achieving or maintaining an erection."
One of the biggest signs doctors say men tend to overlook is fewer morning erections.
Dr Grant explained: "When they become weaker or less frequent, it can often be a sign that circulation isn't working as efficiently as it should"
"Erections rely on strong and consistent blood flow, so a reduction in morning erections could be an early indication of the body's vascular changes…Occasional changes are completely normal and can be influenced by stress, poor sleep, or alcohol."
Another red flag is reduced sex drive, especially if it starts to become a pattern rather than an odd off-day.
Grant also said: "ED can cause reduced libido because sexual desire and sexual performance are closely linked. When a man begins to experience difficulty with erections, it can lead to anxiety around intimacy, lowered confidence, and a fear of repeated problems, reducing sexual interest over time."
Experts also say taking much longer to get an erection again after sex, noticing reduced sensitivity, or experiencing inconsistent erections more often could all point to the early stages of a wider issue.
Dr Grant concluded: "Occasional erectile difficulty is completely normal and can happen to any man. However, if issues begin occurring more frequently, even if not every time, this inconsistency can signal the early stages of ED.”
"Due to stigma or fear of embarrassment, men often wait until the problem becomes constant before seeking help, but recurring issues are usually the body's way of highlighting an underlying issue that shouldn't be ignored."
BAUS says improvements to diet, exercise, weight, alcohol intake, and smoking can all help, but ff the changes keep happening over weeks or months, it is worth speaking to a GP.
Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships
Ben Williams