#Why erectile dysfunction is on the rise during coronavirus lockdown

Impotence has risen sharply during the coronavirus lockdown, a tele-health company has found. Since May, Superdrug Online Doctor has reported a 13% uptick in demand for erectile-dysfunction services, the Daily Mail reports.

The heightened need for Superdrug’s ED help in the form of pills, medical penis pumps and vasodilator creams is likely a response to the coronavirus lockdown: While impotence can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions, quarantine has exacerbated many of the common conditions linked to it.

“Erectile problems are common, and are usually caused by stress, tiredness, anxiety or drinking too much alcohol,” UK-based Superdrug general practitioner Dr. Zoe Williams tells the Mail. “In most cases, erectile dysfunction is nothing to worry about, but if it persists, then it may be caused by physical or psychological problems, and you should speak to your [doctor] or a Superdrug online doctor about it.”

Google Trends corroborates Superdrug’s finding: The search engine reports that impotence inquiries have been reaching record numbers in the past 12 months.

In addition to being linked to ED, excessive drinking has also been found to weaken the immune system, and possibly heighten the risk of contracting the coronavirus. For some, quarantine has helped them quit not only drinking but also smoking, as well as inspiring them to get more fit in general. For many others, though, the stress of the pandemic has led them deeper into the bottle as a coping mechanism.

For those looking to remedy their ED in the name of sex, now isn’t the worst time to be suffering from the condition: Public health officials have been clear about the fact that, for the moment, “you are your safest sex partner.”