Searches by those struggling with erectile dysfunction are on the up, as the pressure to perform mounts ahead of Valentine’s Day this month.
Google Trends data found that:
- Google searches for “erectile dysfunction” reach their highest during the run up to Valentine’s weekend (between 7th – 13th Feb last year) – view chart (12 months) / view chart (last 90 days)
- Searches for “erectile dysfunction” have increased by 270% compared to January (highest search result in Jan vs highest search result in Feb so far)
- Over the last seven days, the most common search times include 4am on 31st January and 2am on 1st Feb – view chart
- Spikes in search happen more frequently on Fridays and Sundays
- Searches for “erectile dysfunction pills” also saw a huge search spike this week on Monday 2nd Feb at 2am and 4am
In light of the data, Dr John Connell, expert researcher in sexual health at MAC Clinical Research, has released comments on why Brits may be feeling the pressure to perform this Valentine’s Day, and what may be causing their conditions.
Dr John Connell comments on why Brits are increasingly searching for advice on erectile dysfunction in the run-up to Valentine’s Day
Commenting on the search data, Dr John Connell, expert researcher in sexual health at MAC Clinical Research, said:
“Erectile dysfunction remains one of the most serious conditions affecting males of all ages in mental health and this search data is testament to how widespread the problem is in the UK.
“Significant times in the year such as Valentine’s Day, are often the trigger for celebration and intimacy. The pressure to perform may trigger problems and the notable increase in searches leading up to Valentine’s weekend.
“The discovery that most Google searches are conducted through the middle of the night is very telling in this regard. Men with ED have serious concerns about how it is affecting them, their partners and their ability to maintain a satisfactory relationship and this can lead to loss of sleep. It is therefore hardly surprising that when sleep is eluding the individual and concerns are running through their mind that they turn to the internet for information and help.
“It’s important to understand that there can be a number of triggers for the condition such as obesity, alcohol-consumption or secondary to other medical conditions such as diabetes, working on a few simple lifestyle changes could help improve the situation, as could open and frank discussions with their partner on how together they can reduce performance stress. In addition to these approaches, a range of medical treatment can be obtained that can help patients either maintain or initiate an erection which are available through local chemists.
“These treatments work well for large numbers of people and can make a significant difference to men’s sexual performance. However, they do not work adequately in around 40% of men, particularly where the ED is secondary to other medical conditions such as neuropathy or diabetes, so there is a need for further work and research.
“At MAC Clinical Research, we’re trialling two separate treatments that have been developed to target different types of ED. These novel treatments act both centrally (on the brain) and in the periphery (muscles and veins) and it is believed this dual approach will both help with the initiation of an erection as well as maintaining it for a longer period of time. The development of these new treatments has only been possible by the dedicated support of men with issues around ED volunteering to help assess the new treatments at MAC’s clinical research centres across the north of England. Through this work, it is hoped that further treatment for ED will be developed and regulated for use in the UK.”
Leading clinical trials firm, MAC Clinical Research, is currently spearheading two clinical trials to develop new treatments for erectile dysfunction, and erectile dysfunction linked to depression.
Doctors at MAC are currently testing a new medication that works by helping the dopamine signalling pathway in the brain that is involved with getting an erection. With its unique mechanism of action, it is hopeful that the study drug could initiate an erectile response whereas other current marketed drugs only boost a natural erectile response.
Another study is researching into a new compound, which works in a different way to current treatments by enhancing the effects of substances in the body such as serotonin and dopamine to help stimulate an erection, providing a novel combination not available in any marketed drug.
