Health5 min(s) read
Published 09:37 17 Apr 2026 GMT
An alarming new study has highlighted the early warning signs of a "silent" sexual health issue that many men continue to overlook.
Researchers found that one in four men under 40 regularly experiences erectile dysfunction, adding to figures from the British Association of Urological Surgeons, which suggest that half of men aged 40 to 70 will face the condition at some point.
Despite this, experts warn that many are still dismissing the initial symptoms as stress, fatigue, or simply "getting older" - potentially ignoring signs that could point to more serious long-term health risks.
"Erectile dysfunction doesn't happen overnight," Dr Donald Grant, a GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, said, per Daily Mail. "In many cases, there are plenty of early warning signs that can indicate a potential issue with achieving or maintaining an erection."
"Recognising the warning signs early and seeking advice can make a significant difference, not just for sexual health, but for overall wellbeing," he added.
.jpg_7NUXxs?tr=f-webp,q-90)
Doctors say five key early indicators could signal erectile dysfunction before it becomes a chronic problem.
One of the most telling signs is a reduction in morning erections, medically known as nocturnal penile tumescence.
Studies show most men experience multiple erections during sleep, often without realising.
"When they become weaker or less frequent, it can often be a sign that circulation isn't working as efficiently as it should," Dr Grant explained. "Occasional changes are completely normal and can be influenced by stress, poor sleep, or alcohol."
"However, if someone notices a persistent decline over weeks or months, it's important to seek medical advice from your GP," he added.
Another major red flag is a drop in sex drive. While many assume libido naturally declines with age, research suggests it actually peaks in a man’s early 40s before slowly decreasing.
"With so many potential contributing factors, men often ignore or dismiss them as stress, ageing, low testosterone, or temporary lifestyle changes such as increased alcohol consumption," Dr Grant 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," he added.
Experts also warn that changes in performance after sex could be an early clue. Even though recovery time naturally increases with age, a sudden change should not be overlooked.
"It's completely natural for recovery time after orgasm to increase gradually with age,” Dr Grant explained.
"However, a sudden or significant change in the amount of time it takes to achieve an erection after having sex can sometimes indicate hormonal shifts, reduced blood flow, or underlying health concerns.
"Many men put this sign down to age, but this sign should never be ignored," he continued. "If recovery time has increased alongside other symptoms such as reduced firmness or lower libido, it may be an early sign of erectile dysfunction and is worth discussing with a GP."
Difficulty maintaining an erection during intercourse or failing to respond to a partner’s touch may also signal that erectile dysfunction could develop into a longer-term health issue.
"Finally, it can be normal for men experiencing ED to notice reduced sensitivity," Dr Grant said. "This may mean that stimulation feels less intense than it once did, making it more difficult to achieve or maintain a firm erection."
"Changes in sensitivity can be attributed to many different potential factors, including reduced blood flow, heightened stress, or lifestyle habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. Like all of these signs, it's important to monitor this symptom closely," he added.
Inconsistent erections are another warning sign that many men ignore. "Occasional erectile difficulty is completely normal and can happen to any man," Dr Grant concluded. "However, if issues begin occurring more frequently, even if not every time, this inconsistency can signal the early stages of ED."
He added that because of stigma and "embarrassment", many men delay seeking help until the issue becomes persistent, even though recurring problems are often the body’s way of signalling an underlying condition that shouldn’t be ignored.
Research has also shown that men with ED face higher health risks.
One study discovered a 70 per cent increased risk of early death from any cause. At the same time, another revealed men with the condition were up to 250 per cent more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
Doctors have explained that this is because erections rely heavily on healthy blood flow, meaning these issues can serve as an early warning sign of problems in the body’s vascular system.
.webp_ke6C2y?tr=cr-169.8.1505.1344,f-webp,q-90,w-100)