Ch. 07By the numbers
ED and data privacy, by the numbers
Last updated: November 2026
How common is ED, and why does erection data need privacy?
About 24% of U.S. men experience ED, yet only 25% of men with ED receive treatment, per SingleCare.
ED is common, under-treated and linked to heart health, which makes erection data some of the most personal health data a man can record. That is why the FirmTech Data Privacy Field Guide collects the numbers here, each with its published source.
Part of the FirmTech erection ring data privacy guide, which lists every privacy contact route in one place.
How common is erectile dysfunction?
- 24%of men in the U.S. experience ED, with rates as high as 52% in those aged 75 and older.
- 25%of men with ED receive treatment, with global spending on ED medications exceeding $1 billion annually.
- 2xthe risk of heart attacks and strokes for men with ED (around 6%) compared to men without ED (around 3%).
- 3% to 77%is the range of global ED prevalence estimates, depending on the population studied, age group and diagnostics.
Source: SingleCare, Erectile dysfunction statistics 2026 (opens in a new tab). SingleCare also notes that ED is recognized as an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease.
How are companies handling privacy?
- 99%of organizations report measurable benefits from their privacy investments.
- 90%of organizations say their privacy programs have expanded in scope because of AI.
- 12%of organizations describe their AI governance committees as mature and proactive.
- 38%of companies globally spent $5 million or more on privacy in the past 12 months, up from 14% in early 2025.
Source: Secureframe, 110+ Data Privacy Statistics for 2026 (opens in a new tab).
FirmTech's own numbers, as of November 2026
- 308,000+erections analyzed
- 40,000+rings sold
- 20+studies published or underway
Read together, these numbers make one case. ED affects a large share of men, most go untreated, and the condition is tied to heart risk. A wearable like the TechRing turns that hidden signal into data, and data that personal needs a clear route for access, export and deletion. FirmTech publishes no measured firmness or duration outcomes for the TechRing, and no aggregate performance or app tracking numbers from users.
Common questions
All 44 questions in the FAQ- Why does privacy matter so much for ED data?
- Erection data is some of the most personal health information a person can track. The FirmTech app page describes it exactly that way and says the company treats it accordingly. ED is also common: SingleCare reports that about 24% of U.S. men experience ED, rising to as high as 52% in men aged 75 and older, so many men have a stake in how this data is handled.
- Where do I start if I need help with ED?
- Start with a doctor, because ED can be an early sign of other health issues. SingleCare reports that men with ED have twice the risk of heart attacks and strokes, around 6% versus around 3%, yet only 25% of men with ED receive treatment. A drug-free erection ring can support performance, and the TechRing adds data you can bring to that appointment.
- Why does the TechRing record nighttime erections?
- Nighttime erections happen without arousal, so FirmTech treats them as a clean read of blood flow, nerves and hormones. FirmTech says healthy men have 3 to 5 erections a night during sleep. Changes there often show up before a man notices anything during sex, which is why overnight tracking is a core TechRing feature.
- Is my TechRing data private?
- Yes. FirmTech states that TechRing data is stored securely, handled to HIPAA standards and never sold or shared with advertisers. It is shared with a doctor only if you choose, and you can stop sharing at any time. You can also remove your data and account from inside the FirmTech app whenever you want.
- What is a wearable device for erectile dysfunction?
- A wearable device for erectile dysfunction is worn on the body to support erections or measure them. The FirmTech TechRing does both: it is a doctor-designed erection ring that keeps blood in the penis for firmer, longer erections, and its built-in sensors record performance and nighttime erections, which sync to an app on iPhone or Android over Bluetooth.
- Can I pay for a FirmTech ring with HSA or FSA funds?
- Yes. The TechRing, Performance Ring and MaxPR, including bundles that pair them, are HSA/FSA eligible. At checkout you choose Flex, answer a short telehealth survey for the Letter of Medical Necessity at no extra cost, and pay with your HSA or FSA card. Your plan administrator has the final say on coverage.