For years, the conversation around health in the media has focused heavily on issues that, while important, often overlook a major demographic — men. Despite facing significant health risks, men are still far less likely to speak openly about their well-being, particularly when it comes to personal or sensitive issues.
One area where this silence is particularly noticeable is in sexual health. Topics such as erectile dysfunction treatment are rarely discussed in mainstream media, and when they are, the tone is often unhelpful — cloaked in humour, stigma, or outdated stereotypes. The result? Millions of men feel isolated, embarrassed, or uncertain about how and when to seek help.
It’s time to change that.
The Reality Behind the Silence
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common than many people realise. Research suggests that around one in five men in the UK will experience it at some point in their lives. Yet, it remains one of the least talked-about health concerns — not just among men themselves, but in wider public discourse.
This lack of visibility creates a damaging feedback loop. Men feel uncomfortable speaking up because it’s not seen as “normal”, and because no one talks about it, the sense of isolation deepens. But the truth is, ED is not just a natural part of ageing, nor is it a reflection of masculinity or performance. It is often a symptom of broader health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, stress, or mental health conditions.
When the media fails to discuss erectile dysfunction treatment in a straightforward and informative way, men are left without the knowledge or confidence they need to address it.
Why the Media’s Role Matters
The media plays a powerful role in shaping how society views health. It influences how we talk about it, how we understand it, and how we respond to it. Over the years, we’ve seen this in campaigns surrounding breast cancer, mental health, and more recently, menopause — all of which have benefitted from increased media exposure and public education.
By contrast, coverage of men’s health often remains narrow, reactive, or overly simplistic. Stories are too often tied to sport, fitness, or surface-level wellness trends. Issues such as prostate health, low testosterone, male depression, and erectile dysfunction are frequently left out of the conversation.
More thoughtful and open coverage of these topics would go a long way in normalising them.
The Stigma Surrounding Erectile Dysfunction
One of the major reasons ED isn’t discussed more openly is the stigma attached to it. Cultural expectations around masculinity and sexual performance make it difficult for men to admit when something is wrong. In many cases, this stigma is internalised, leading to feelings of shame, anxiety, or denial.
Unfortunately, this can cause men to delay seeking treatment for months or even years, which not only affects their relationships and self-esteem but can also allow underlying health conditions to worsen.
A Growing Shift — But Not Fast Enough
To be fair, progress is happening. Some media outlets and campaigns are beginning to take men’s health more seriously. We’ve seen high-profile figures speak publicly about prostate cancer, suicide prevention, and even sexual health. Platforms focusing on men’s wellness — from podcasts to online clinics — have also gained momentum, helping to bring once-taboo topics into the open.
Online healthcare services have made a noticeable difference in how men access treatment, particularly for sensitive issues like ED.
But for lasting change, the conversation needs to go further. Mainstream media must play its part in normalising discussions around men’s health in a more regular and responsible way.
Healthier Men, Healthier Society
The stakes are high. Men in the UK still have a shorter life expectancy than women, are more likely to die from preventable illnesses, and are far less likely to engage with health services. When the media fails to engage with these realities, we miss opportunities to improve outcomes — not just for individual men, but for society as a whole.
When men are healthy — physically, mentally, and emotionally — the impact ripples outwards. It affects relationships, families, workplaces, and communities. Addressing issues like erectile dysfunction is part of a broader push towards treating men’s health with the seriousness it deserves.
What Needs to Happen Next?
To start shifting the narrative, a few things need to happen:
- Open conversation — Media outlets should regularly feature stories and health advice that include men’s sexual and reproductive health as part of the norm, not the exception.
- Responsible reporting — ED and other men’s health issues should be handled with the same seriousness and respect as any other medical concern, avoiding humour or shame-based language.
- Inclusion of expert voices — Doctors, mental health professionals and real men with lived experiences should be part of the dialogue, offering insight and reducing the fear around seeking help.
- Greater representation — Campaigns should include diverse voices across age, background and lifestyle, showing that ED is not confined to any one type of man.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Is Health Care
It’s worth repeating: erectile dysfunction is a health issue. It can be treated. And like any other health condition, the earlier it’s addressed, the better the outcomes.
Modern erectile dysfunction treatment options are varied, effective, and increasingly accessible. From lifestyle support to medical treatment and therapy, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution — but there are solutions. The key is encouraging men to take that first step.
That starts with creating a culture where talking about it feels normal, not taboo.
Men’s health has been overlooked for too long, especially when it comes to sensitive but common issues like erectile dysfunction. The media plays a crucial role in either reinforcing silence or encouraging open, honest dialogue. It’s time for more of the latter.
The more we speak about erectile dysfunction without shame or judgment, the more men will seek the care they need — and the healthier, happier, and more confident they will be because of it.