91.5% of Men Support OTC Availability of ED Medication, While 57.0% of Women Express Highest Approval

91.5% of Men Support OTC Availability of ED Medication, While 57.0% of Women Express Highest Approval

In anticipation of the partial launch of the ED medication 'Cialis' at select pharmacies and drugstores starting July 31, 2026, Fit Clinic (located in Shibuya, Tokyo; Clinic Director: Keita Hattori) conducted an awareness survey targeting 200 men and 200 women aged 20 and above.

The survey uncovered genuine opinions from both genders—not only on approval of OTC availability, but also on psychological barriers to purchasing at pharmacies and whether partners should be informed of usage.

Survey Summary

· 91.5% of men support the OTC availability of ED medication

· Among women, 57% are in favor—the highest proportion—while 23.0% selected “neither agree nor disagree”

· 57% of men expressed interest in purchasing OTC ED medication

· 51% of men feel uncomfortable discussing ED with pharmacists at pharmacies

· 46.3% of men aged 40 and above feel uncomfortable being assisted by female pharmacists

· 76.5% of women want their partners to inform them if using ED medication

ED Medication OTC Availability: 91.5% of Men in Favor, 57.0% of Women Show Highest Support

[Men] Support for OTC Availability of 'Cialis'

When asked whether they support the OTC availability of the ED medication 'Cialis,' 26.0% of men answered “agree” and 65.5% “somewhat agree,” totaling 91.5% in favor.

[Women] Support for OTC Availability of 'Cialis'

Among women, 14.0% answered “agree” and 43.0% “somewhat agree,” resulting in 57.0% in favor—the highest proportion.

Meanwhile, 15.0% answered “somewhat disagree” and 5.0% “disagree,” indicating a more cautious stance compared to men.

※ The option “neither agree nor disagree” was included only in the women’s survey.

Top Reason for Support: “Can Purchase Without Visiting a Hospital” for Both Genders

[By Gender] Reasons for Support

The top reason for supporting OTC availability was “because I can purchase without visiting a hospital” at 73.2% among men, and “because I think it’s convenient to purchase without visiting a hospital” at 61.4% among women.

Both genders appear to highly value reduced barriers to medical access and easier availability when needed.

[By Gender] Reasons for Opposition

The top reason for opposition among men was “concerned about side effects” at 58.8%, while among women it was “fear that more people will self-diagnose and use it” at 55.0%.

This suggests men are primarily concerned about personal safety as users, while women express stronger concerns about potential misuse from a partner’s or third-party perspective.

57.0% of Men Express Intent to Purchase OTC ED Medication

Proportion of Men Wanting to Purchase OTC Cialis

When asked whether they would purchase OTC ED medication, 12.0% of men answered “want to purchase” and 45.0% “somewhat want to purchase,” totaling 57.0% expressing purchase intent.

Meanwhile, 6.5% answered “somewhat do not want to purchase” and 5.0% “do not want to purchase,” with 11.5% expressing hesitation. Including the 31.5% who answered “neither,” actual purchase decisions appear uncertain.

Pharmacist Consultation Is “Necessary,” But 47.0% Feel “Embarrassment or Resistance”

Awareness of the Need for Pharmacist Consultation

Regarding the necessity of pharmacist consultation at the time of purchase, 50.0% of men answered “I think it’s a necessary check,” while 47.0% answered “I feel embarrassment or resistance.”

While the need for pharmacist consultation is understood, psychological barriers remain due to the sensitive nature of ED.

The Top Barrier to Pharmacy Purchase Is “Discussing ED with a Pharmacist” at 51.0%

Points of Resistance When Purchasing at a Pharmacy

When asked about resistance when purchasing at a pharmacy, 51.0% of men cited “discussing ED with a pharmacist” as the top concern, followed by “others might overhear” at 46.5% and “being assisted by a female pharmacist” at 38.5%.

While OTC availability makes purchasing easier, many are concerned about discussing ED at the counter or being seen by others.

46.3% of Men Aged 40+ Feel Uncomfortable Being Assisted by Female Pharmacists

[By Age Group] Proportion Feeling Uncomfortable with Female Pharmacists

By age group, the proportion of men feeling uncomfortable being assisted by female pharmacists during pharmacy purchases was 29.3% among those aged 20–30 and 46.3% among those aged 40 and above.

Given the difference in discomfort levels by age, creating an environment where both buyers and pharmacists can consult comfortably is a challenge.

30.5% of Men Can Purchase at a Nearby Pharmacy

Purchasing at Local Pharmacies and Drugstores

When asked whether they could purchase at a nearby pharmacy or drugstore, 30.5% of men answered “can purchase even at a nearby pharmacy,” while 45.5% answered “can purchase at a pharmacy where the chance of meeting someone I know is low.”

Even after OTC availability, concerns about being seen by acquaintances or others may influence purchasing location choices.

The Most Considered Price Range for OTC Purchase Is “500–1,000 JPY per Tablet”

Preferred Price Range per Tablet for OTC Purchase

When asked about their preferred price range for OTC purchase, 33.5% of men selected “500–1,000 JPY,” the highest proportion, followed by “under 500 JPY” at 26.0% and “1,000–1,500 JPY” at 20.0%.

While there is anticipation for OTC availability, the preferred price range appears centered below 1,000 JPY per tablet.

51.5% of Men Say They Would “Inform” Their Partner, While 76.5% of Women Want to Be “Informed”

[Men] Disclosure to Partner When Taking ED Medication

When asked whether they would inform their partner when using ED medication, 16.5% of men answered “definitely inform” and 35.0% “prefer to inform,” totaling 51.5% expressing intent to disclose.

[Women] Desire for Disclosure When Partner Takes ED Medication

Among women, 24.5% answered “definitely want to be informed” and 52.0% “prefer to be informed,” totaling 76.5% who want to be informed.

“Do not want to know” received 0.0%, indicating the majority of women prefer to be informed.

58.2% of Women Want to Be Informed Because “I’d Rather Be Consulted Than Kept in the Dark”

Reasons Women Want to Be Informed About ED Medication Use

When women who answered “want to be informed” were asked why, 58.2% said “I’d rather be consulted than kept in the dark,” followed by “concerned about health condition or side effects” at 52.3%.

Women’s reasons appear centered on caring for their partner—such as “wanting to be consulted,” “concerned about health,” and “wanting to discuss together”—rather than mere curiosity.

51.5% of Women Feel “Reassured” If Partner Consults a Doctor or Pharmacist

How Women Feel If Partner Uses ED Medication

When asked how they would feel if their partner used ED medication, 51.5% of women answered “I would feel reassured if they consulted a doctor or pharmacist,” and 50.0% said “I think it’s positive that they’re proactively trying to improve.”

Meanwhile, “do not want them to use it”