Approx. Half of Japanese Men May Have ED: SS Pharmaceutical Releases 'ED White Paper'
A survey by SS Pharmaceutical reveals that while approximately 50% of Japanese men may have ED, many are unaware of it or discouraged from seeking treatment due to psychological barriers.
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- 📰 Published: June 10, 2026 at 11:00
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SS Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has released the 'ED White Paper: Deciphering the Reality and Psychology of ED in Japan through International Comparison' following a comprehensive survey on ED (erectile dysfunction) and sexual well-being.
The study reveals that while approximately one in two Japanese men may have ED, a significant portion remains in an 'unaware' category, not recognizing their condition.
Only about 20% of men have experience discussing ED with others, highlighting the high psychological hurdles to seeking advice. Notably, 35.4% of men in their 20s reported having been teased about ED, suggesting that the environment in Japan is not conducive to open discussion for those aware of their condition.
Furthermore, Japanese men tend to rely on lifestyle improvements such as 'exercising' or 'drinking energy drinks' rather than medical approaches like consulting healthcare providers or taking prescribed medication, a trend lower than in other countries.
Key Survey Findings:
- 66.9% of Japanese men are aware of ED, but only 60.9% correctly understand its medical definition.
- Approx. 1 in 2 men may have ED (including EHS grade 3 or lower).
- Only about 20% have experience discussing ED.
- 35.4% of men in their 20s reported having been teased about ED.
- Most rely on energy drinks or exercise; medical approaches are less common.
ED is defined as a persistent or recurrent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. While the awareness rate in Japan is 66.9%, the accuracy of that understanding is limited.
Based on the Erection Hardness Score (EHS), only 45.3% of respondents were 'Grade 4 (completely hard),' suggesting that nearly half might be experiencing ED. Many men with lower EHS scores do not consider themselves to have ED, indicating a gap between self-perception and reality.
Psychological barriers, such as the fear of being teased, discourage men from seeking help, with only 20% taking action. Additionally, a lack of dialogue between partners contributes to delays in treatment.
The study reveals that while approximately one in two Japanese men may have ED, a significant portion remains in an 'unaware' category, not recognizing their condition.
Only about 20% of men have experience discussing ED with others, highlighting the high psychological hurdles to seeking advice. Notably, 35.4% of men in their 20s reported having been teased about ED, suggesting that the environment in Japan is not conducive to open discussion for those aware of their condition.
Furthermore, Japanese men tend to rely on lifestyle improvements such as 'exercising' or 'drinking energy drinks' rather than medical approaches like consulting healthcare providers or taking prescribed medication, a trend lower than in other countries.
Key Survey Findings:
- 66.9% of Japanese men are aware of ED, but only 60.9% correctly understand its medical definition.
- Approx. 1 in 2 men may have ED (including EHS grade 3 or lower).
- Only about 20% have experience discussing ED.
- 35.4% of men in their 20s reported having been teased about ED.
- Most rely on energy drinks or exercise; medical approaches are less common.
ED is defined as a persistent or recurrent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. While the awareness rate in Japan is 66.9%, the accuracy of that understanding is limited.
Based on the Erection Hardness Score (EHS), only 45.3% of respondents were 'Grade 4 (completely hard),' suggesting that nearly half might be experiencing ED. Many men with lower EHS scores do not consider themselves to have ED, indicating a gap between self-perception and reality.
Psychological barriers, such as the fear of being teased, discourage men from seeking help, with only 20% taking action. Additionally, a lack of dialogue between partners contributes to delays in treatment.
FAQ
日本人男性の何％がEDの可能性がありますか？
自己診断スケール（EHS）に基づくと、日本人男性の約2人に1人がEDの可能性があるとされています。
日本人男性のEDに関する認識にはどのような課題がありますか？
EDを認知している人のうち医学的定義を正しく理解しているのは60.9％にとどまり、また「完全に勃起しない状態のみがED」という誤認や、「加齢によるもの」とする理解不足が見られます。
ED自覚者はどのような対処を行っていますか？
「運動をした」（20.8％）や「ドリンク剤を飲んだ」（21.4％）といった生活習慣改善が中心で、医療機関への相談（15.7％）や医薬品の服用（19.3％）は他国と比較して低い傾向にあります。
EDの相談が抑制される主な要因は何ですか？
「知られたくない」「自尊心を損なう」といった心理的抵抗感や、「相談しても解決しない」「茶化されるかもしれない」という懸念が相談行動を抑制しています。
パートナーとの対話はED治療に影響しますか？
調査ではEDがパートナーとの関係性に影響を及ぼす傾向があり、日本はカップル間で性に関する悩みを話さない傾向が強く、対話不足が治療の遅れを招いている可能性があります。