Can Younger Men Experience ED?
Can Younger Men Experience Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often an issue associated with older men. Typically, it’s a condition when a man cannot get and maintain a firm erection for sexual intercourse. And while the condition becomes more prevalent in men as they age, it can affect young men as well. In fact, a recent study uncovered that at least 50% of men in their 30s have struggled with erectile dysfunction.
In young men, ED can be an early warning sign of underlying health issues. By consulting your healthcare provider, you can find out the root cause and the best way to fix it. In the meantime, this article explores the various causes of ED and potential remedies.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction in Men
While researchers haven’t identified the specific cause of rising erectile dysfunction in young men, studies have pointed to several possible reasons. The most prominent causes include cardiovascular health issues and psychological factors.
- Psychological Causes
The process of arousal that ultimately leads to an erection starts in the brain. Therefore, psychological issues can be a hindrance to the process.
Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and the various medications used to remedy them can lead to erectile dysfunction. According to scientific studies, psychological issues contribute about 10% to 20% of total erectile dysfunction issues.
- Hypertension
Normal erections depend on a healthy blood flow in your body. Therefore, people with hypertension are at a higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction. The risk stems from the eminent damage that prolonged high blood pressure has on blood vessels.
While the damage can affect blood vessels in the entire body, it can specifically make it difficult for enough blood to flow through the soft tissues in your penis to sustain an erection. On the other hand, studies have indicated that hypertension can reduce the body’s ability to produce testosterone –a critical sex hormone.
Typically, testosterone is a vital hormone that controls sex drive. According to research, a high level of bioavailable testosterone in the body is linked to a strong sex drive and optimum erectile function.
- Alcohol
Surprisingly, overindulgence in alcohol can jeopardize your erectile health. And while taking a drink or two may not ruin your sexual performance, too much alcohol can have short-term and long-term effects on your erections. According to research, high rates of erectile dysfunction were prevalent in men struggling with alcohol dependence syndrome. At least 72% of men who participated in the study had one or more forms of erectile dysfunction.
In another study, researchers found that men who regularly consumed three or more drinks per week reported a form of erectile dysfunction. In a nutshell, if you are a heavy drinker, the chances are that your drinking habit may contribute to erectile dysfunction.
- Overweight and Obesity
While researchers are still learning new information about the causes of erectile dysfunction in young men, they’ve identified a direct link between erectile dysfunction and obesity. For instance, the condition is prevalent in people suffering from cardiovascular diseases –a health issue with most obese and overweight individuals.
Scientific evidence shows that losing weight boosts your overall sexual performance and can lead to the long-term elimination of erectile dysfunction. The study shows that men who lost about 33lbs over 24 months experienced improved erectile function. Just like hypertension, obesity is directly linked to low levels of testosterone in the body.
Treating Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men
When the cause of erectile dysfunction is psychological, it is best to treat it with counseling and therapy instead of medications. According to studies, pelvic floor exercises can lead to significant improvements in erectile function.
There are multiple FDA-approved medications to remedy ED. And while they may be effective and fast-acting, it is essential to get a prescription before using any of them.
Most importantly, making profound changes in your lifestyle and habits to improve your health can remedy ED and improve your overall sexual performance. For example, if you are overweight, start working on losing weight and attaining a healthy body mass index. To manage anxiety and stress, you can try treatment options like counseling and anxiety therapy. If you are a heavy drinker, it’s high time you started regulating how much alcohol you drink in one sitting.
Final Words
Mostly, erectile dysfunction becomes more prevalent with age, but it’s now a common condition in younger men as well. Dealing with erectile dysfunction can be quite stressful for younger men, especially when it complicates your relationships.
While there are other underlying causes, factors like stress and anxiety tend to be the top reasons for ED in young men. Nevertheless, health issues like high blood pressure and obesity can also lead to erectile dysfunction.
Making healthy lifestyle changes is an effective way of reversing ED in young men, especially when the causes are not related to chronic health issues. Nevertheless, it is important to have a genuine conversation with your healthcare provider and determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.