Erectile dysfunction is no longer just an issue affecting older men — there has been a significant increase in younger people seeking help for ED, with numbers climbing globally. In 1995, an estimated 152 million men worldwide experienced ED, and projections suggest that by 2025, this number will skyrocket to approximately 322 million, with the most significant increases expected in developing regions like Africa, Asia and South America.
In the U.S. and U.K. alone, ED affects millions. Its growing prevalence among younger people is largely driven by factors such as psychological stress, body image, sleep disorders, vascular disease and lifestyle diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. Additionally, prostate cancer treatments, such as surgery, often result in some level of ED, which many patients aren’t prepared for. Disability, mobility issues and the psychological impacts of chronic disease further complicate the issue, leading to an increasing number of men seeking solutions.
Erectile dysfunction is no longer just an issue affecting older men.
A Narrow Focus That Neglects Pleasure
Seeking professional medical help is important, but can lead patients to view their bodies through a purely clinical lens. The medical community’s response is often focused solely on functionality rather than overall well-being. After prostate surgery, for instance, patients are typically offered pills, injections or pumps to address inability to achieve erection, but the deeper issue of sexual frustration — especially inability to ejaculate — is rarely discussed. For many men, achieving erection is framed as the only marker of sexual health, leaving out conversations around pleasure, intimacy and self-acceptance.
This can leave clients right back where they started. That’s why it is essential to flip the script and approach the issue holistically. The focus of these conversations needs to expand from just erection-producing interventions to include an exploration of overall sexual satisfaction and health.
Options That Empower
When addressing erectile dysfunction, exploring pleasure is a key part of the journey — and pleasure is about more than just the physical act of sex. It is about intimacy, touch and self-exploration. Fortunately, embracing the power of sextech and other tools outside of clinical interventions allows men to reconnect with their bodies in a way that is empowering, stress-free and that provides opportunities to be collaborative with a partner.
From innovative vibrators to remote-controlled toys, there is a whole range of devices designed to stimulate pleasure in ways that bypass performance pressure and encourage exploration, helping men feel more in control of their sexual experience. These include products that accommodate experiencing pleasure in a flaccid state, such as Bathmate’s water-powered pumps or Hot Octopuss’ PulsePlate technology. These types of products can help bring about a deeper understanding and experience of sexual wellness, incorporating fulfillment beyond erections.
Additionally, the incorporation of sextech provides an opportunity to be more explorative with a partner, enabling couples to engage in sexual activities that don’t solely rely on penetration. Vibrating devices, remote-controlled toys and even wearable tech can create an environment for shared intimacy, focusing on sensation, touch and connection. This shift toward nonpenetrative pleasure encourages both partners to explore new ways of experiencing satisfaction and building closeness without the pressure of maintaining an erection. By expanding the sexual toolkit, sextech not only supports men with ED but also empowers couples to redefine their intimacy on their terms.
Changing the Conversation
Sex toy brands are in a unique position to expand the conversation around ED, and a shift toward more inclusive educational campaigns can help dismantle the stigma and frustration surrounding it. By focusing on the emotional and psychological impact of ED, alongside the physical challenges, brands can provide holistic support to customers who need it most.
The shame that many men feel is compounded by society’s focus on penetrative sex, but by shifting the narrative to one of overall pleasure and intimacy, we can create more inclusive spaces for discussions around ED. Additionally, collaborations between sexual wellness brands, health care providers and educators are crucial in reframing ED in a way that encourages men to seek help early and without embarrassment.
We need to normalize the idea that sex looks and feels different for everyone, and does not always fit the traditional molds that society promotes. Sexual pleasure isn’t just about performance — it’s about connection, creativity and exploration. By embracing a more holistic view of sexual well-being, we create an environment where everyone can experience pleasure on their terms, free from societal pressures or expectations.
Julia Margo is the co-founder and COO of sex toy company Hot Octopuss, which in 2013 created the world’s first “Guybrator.”
