{
  "id": 15962930,
  "title": "Japan makes ED drugs easier to buy as men face sex-related fears",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/japan-makes-ed-drugs-easier-to-buy-as-men-face-sex-related-fears",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-21T22:00:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20261021/p2a/00m/0li/026000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In late August, drugstores in Japan began selling an over-the-counter erectile dysfunction (ED) medication, making it more accessible for men who have been hesitant to seek medical treatment. Keita, a 41-year-old Tokyo resident, has been struggling with ED for a decade. He met his former partner through a dating app and credits part of his difficulty to stress and aging. In Japan, about 14 million men have ED, and a survey by the pharmaceutical company SSP Co. estimates that one in two men may have the condition, including mild symptoms. The availability of ED medication over the counter, specifically Cialis (tadalafil), has led to a surge in sales. Dr. Koichi Nakajima, a urologist, emphasizes that the medication widens blood vessels and improves circulation but does not act as an aphrodisiac or stimulant. It requires a pharmacist's approval after a health and medication check, ensuring safety. Nakajima encourages those struggling with ED to try the treatment first.",
  "summary": "TOKYO -- Drugstores across Japan began selling an over-the-counter erectile dysfunction (ED) medication in late August, making treatment easier to obt",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}