In the 2019 review by Kessler et al., 43.4% of the people studied in Belgium had erectile dysfunction - #3 of 13 countries shown here.
In the 2004 Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors (Nicolosi et al.), Belgium was part of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, where 8% of men and women aged 40-80 reported ED.
The two numbers come from different methods and age groups, so the gap is not a trend.
Same 2004 region: United Kingdom, Italy, Egypt, Turkey, Germany, France, Algeria, Spain, Morocco, Sweden, Israel, Austria.
The most common reasons
An erection is blood flow. Narrowed or stiff arteries (atherosclerosis) reduce it - and because the arteries of the penis are small, the problem often shows there years before it shows in the heart.
Over time it damages the lining of the blood vessels, and some blood-pressure medicines can affect erections too - never stop one without your doctor.
High blood sugar harms both blood vessels and nerves. Men with diabetes get ED more often and earlier.
Fatty deposits narrow the arteries that carry blood to the penis.
A large waist, high blood sugar, high blood pressure and abnormal blood fats together raise the risk.
Nicotine and smoke damage blood vessels and restrict blood flow.
// SEE A DOCTOR
ED is common and treatable - and it can be an early warning sign of heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure. If it lasts more than a few weeks, see a doctor. Seek urgent help for chest pain or an erection lasting more than 4 hours. Never take someone else's prescription medicine.
Sources
- World Population Review - Erectile Dysfunction Rates by Country
- Kessler A. et al. (2019) The global prevalence of erectile dysfunction: a review. BJU International
- Nicolosi A. et al. (2004) Sexual behavior and sexual dysfunctions after age 40: the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors. Urology