Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often assumed to be an issue that affects men in middle age and beyond, but the reality is that it affects men in their 20s and 30s as well. This can be a source of distress, affecting relationships and self-esteem. The good news is that there are strategies to successfully address ED.
The first line of ED treatment is usually Viagra (available to buy online in the UK as sildenafil). However, it’s important to explore the potential underlying causes of ED before embarking on medical treatment, because it may be one symptom of a wider health issue.
Why does ED happen in younger men?
There are several reasons why younger men might experience ED. While it’s a problem that affects almost all men from time to time, if the issue persists for three months or more, it requires some further investigation into the potential reasons. Here’s a look at some of the most common causes of ED for men in their 20s and 30s.
Psychological and emotional factors
Mental health is often the reason that younger men have sexual difficulties. This may be in the form of performance anxiety, which can often happen with a new partner. It could also be due to worries about body image, or triggered by a memory of a previous negative sexual encounter, or a lack of sexual experience.
Stress is another common cause of ED in younger men. The 20s and 30s bring a lot of challenges and major life changes, as men establish careers, save up for a deposit on a home, and maybe consider marriage or starting a family. These pressures can mount up until the body has elevated levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.
This leads to a permanent state of ‘fight or flight’ mode, and it can lower the levels of testosterone in the body. This in turn decreases the sex drive and causes problems with sexual function.
Over use of porn is also being increasingly recognised as a cause of ED in younger men because it can lead to desensitisation and make it more difficult for them to become aroused with a real partner.
Poor diet
A well balanced diet is key to the overall healthy functioning of the body. A diet that is high in saturated fat, sugar and ultra-processed foods increases the risk of conditions that can be a risk factor for ED such as weight gain and obesity. They can also be silent symptoms such as high blood pressure, inflammation, elevated blood sugar levels and high cholesterol.
A sedentary lifestyle
Not getting enough exercise can lead to poor circulation, which makes it more difficult to get an erection that is strong enough for a satisfactory sexual experience. It can also contribute to weight gain and raise the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol, which can be contributory factors to ED.
Drinking too much
A couple of drinks can help people to relax and feel more confident in social and sexual situations, but much more than this will depress the central nervous system. This decreases circulation and makes it more difficult to respond to sexual stimuli, leading to ED.
Medication side effects
Certain medications, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, can have side effects that impact sexual function.
Managing ED in your 20s and 30s
Often, ED at this age can be reversed with some lifestyle changes. Managing stress and anxiety through meditation, mindfulness, or talking therapies can be beneficial, particularly for men who find it difficult to open up their partner or friends about what’s bothering them. Take a break from porn consumption if you rely on this a lot.
Regular exercise boosts testosterone levels, improves mood, and helps to manage weight, which can all significantly lower the risk factors for ED. Include a mixture of strength training and cardio, for sessions of at least 30 minutes three or four times a week.
Limit alcohol consumption to the recommended 14 units per week, spread over three to four days rather than taken as a binge (more than six units per sitting). This can also help to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality, which are beneficial for overall as well as sexual health.
If you are concerned about the side effects of any medication you are taking, always speak to a doctor first before making any changes. Don’t hesitate to talk about ED, even if you feel uncomfortable, as your doctor will only want to help.
Recent Comments