Work causes erection problems in 1 in 10

New research suggests that 1 in 10 men experience erectile dysfunction (ED) and as many as 1 in 5 men suffer a loss of libido, as a result of work-related stress.

The survey was carried out for Bayer Schering Pharma, one of the main manufacturers of ED drugs and has been publicised by them to encourage men to seek prompt treatment.

Their figures suggests that only about half of men realise that stress from work could be the cause of their ED. However, stress, whether caused at work or home, is a known cause of ED and prolonged stress is associated with low testosterone levels. Between the age of 40 and 70, more than 50% of men will experience some form of ED.

Dr David Edwards, an Oxfordshire GP said: 'Work-place stress clearly has a strong impact on the incidence of ED in men. Men should think about the underlying cause of their ED, including how to combat their stress levels; not staying too late at work, a balanced and healthy diet, and regular exercise.

'We know that oral treatments usually work well for men with ED, but 1 in 3 men with ED are not able to have satisfactory sex the first time they take a tablet and consequently a third of them do not return to their doctor. These men could still be successfully treated by simply switching to a different tablet or increasing the dose, and should be encouraged to return to their GP.'

• More information on ED drugs here.