We Need to Talk About Erectile Dysfunction: 38% of Canadian Men Don’t Know You Need a Prescription for ED Medication

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For Men’s Health Week (June 9 to 15), Phoenix, Canada’s leading digital health clinic for men, is raising awareness to break the stigma around erectile dysfunction (ED), a medical condition that affects almost half (49.4%) of Canadian men aged 40 to 88.

Thirty-eight per cent of men are unsure or don’t think they need a prescription to purchase medication, such as Viagra, for ED.

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ED is a medical condition that prevents the ability to get and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse, with a range of potential causes that could each contribute to the condition, including age, medications, injury, and lifestyle. Despite its prevalence, Phoenix’s survey of more than 1,500 Canadians found that there is a significant lack of awareness around ED and its treatment, likely contributing to stigma surrounding the condition.

CANADIANS UNDERESTIMATE THE REACH OF ED

Despite nearly half of Canadian men over 40 being affected, ED's prevalence is underestimated, driving undue stigma. In fact, almost half of Canadians (45%) think that ED affects less than 40 per cent of men 40+. Twenty-seven per cent of Canadians think it affects less than 30 per cent of men 40+.

While Canadians underestimate the prevalence of ED in middle-aged and older men, many are also unaware that the condition can also impact younger men. The survey found that 64 per cent of Canadians don’t know that men aged 35 and younger can experience ED. That percentage grows as you look at younger men, with 71% of Canadians unaware that men aged 18 to 25 can be affected. This common misconception can contribute to the stigma around experiencing ED as a younger man, making it more difficult for those struggling to seek care.

“ED is a medical condition that men of all ages can experience. There shouldn't be anything awkward about it, but there is. We're trying to change that," says Kevin Bache, co-founder and co-CEO of Phoenix. "While it may feel uncomfortable, men need to understand what the condition entails, and not shy away from being proactive in discussing it with a doctor. The sooner you get started, the better your chances are at finding mental and physical relief."

WIDESPREAD MISUNDERSTANDING OF ED MEDICATION

Treatment for ED and its underlying cause can vary greatly depending on a patient’s prognosis, however, medication is a common and effective treatment. Despite this fact, Phoenix’s survey found 18 per cent of men are unsure if ED is treatable with medication, revealing a lack of awareness that may leave many suffering needlessly.

The data also highlighted a concerning gap in awareness that ED medication requires a prescription. Thirty-eight per cent of men are unsure or don’t think they need a prescription to purchase medication, such as Viagra, for ED. However, the lack of awareness is most significant among younger Canadians. About three in five Gen Z (59%) don’t know that you need a prescription for ED medication: 32 per cent are unsure, and 27 per cent don’t think you need a prescription at all.

It is important that Canadians know that ED medication requires a prescription from a medical professional, as they may otherwise be vulnerable to purchasing unauthorized sexual enhancement products sold over the counter, which Health Canada warns could pose serious health risks.

“It’s no surprise that people aren’t aware of the prevalence of ED – it just doesn’t get talked about enough. But the good news is, there are treatment options, and with more openness and awareness, more people can seek support immediately,” says Gavin Thompson, co-founder and co-CEO of Phoenix. “We built Phoenix to change that. Our mission is simple: make expert care easy to access – fast, discreet, and doctor-led. We’re building a future where men take charge of their health with confidence.”

WHAT CANADIANS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ED

• ED can affect men at any age, but it becomes more common as you get older.
• ED is more common than you may think, affecting almost half of Canadian men aged 40 to 88.
• Many factors can cause ED, including: low levels of testosterone, nervous dysfunction, blood flow complications, medications, medical conditions, lifestyle factors, obesity, diet, drug abuse, smoking, and emotional or psychological complications.
• ED is highly treatable, but the first step is consulting a medical professional. Treatment for erectile dysfunction and its underlying cause can vary greatly, making it important to consult a medical professional to receive a diagnosis and devise an effective treatment strategy.
• ED medication requires a prescription from a medical professional.

Phoenix is currently available in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland. To learn more about Phoenix’s ED support, visit https://www.phoenix.ca/treatments/erectile-dysfunction.

ABOUT PHOENIX

Phoenix is Canada’s leading digital health clinic for men, specializing in three areas of treatment – erectile dysfunction, weight loss, and hair loss. The telehealth platform facilitates access to licensed Canadian physicians, treatment options, and free, discreet shipping of prescription medication from coast to coast. Visit Phoenix.ca to learn more.

SURVEY METHODOLOGY

These findings are from a survey conducted by Phoenix from May 20th to May 22nd, 2025, among a representative sample of 1509 online Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-2.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.