Erectile Dysfunction In Young Men: Everything You Need To Know

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on July 24, 2022

Erectile dysfunction is usually a health issue associated with older men. Still, according to recent studies, it affects a surprising amount of healthy, younger men in their 20s and 30s — and even teenagers.

Although many men use Canada Viagra pills, it's no wonder why the problem is not discussed more amongst them. Erectile dysfunction can be an awkward, shame-inducing conversation that most young men would rather avoid.

No need to worry, though; we've got your back. In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about erectile dysfunction in young men, including:

Let's dive in.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction and Why Does It Happen to Young Men?

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to maintain or get an erection long enough to have sex.

Although it's usually associated with men over the age of 40, it still affects a large number of young men as well. In fact, about 40% of all men will experience some form of ED by the time they hit 40.

Erectile Dysfunction typically happens when insufficient blood flows into the penile arteries.

Having trouble getting or maintaining an erection from time to time isn't a big deal. Still, it can be stressful and lead to depression, self-confidence, and relationship issues if it becomes an ongoing problem. It can also be a sign of underlying health issues if it happens repeatedly.

How To Know If You Have Erectile Dysfunction

Men have different levels of ED, with some not being able to maintain an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse, while others are unable to get an erection at all.

Common ED symptoms include:

1. Unsatisfactory intercourse
2. Loss of erection after penetration
3. Having erections that are not hard enough for penetration
4. Difficulty getting an erection, or not getting one at all
5. Difficulty maintaining an erection long enough for sexual intercourse

Again, it's normal for men to experience these issues occasionally. But if it becomes an ongoing problem happening more than half the time, it may be time to see a doctor.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men

The process of men becoming sexually aroused is a complicated system that involves many different factors. It includes body parts like the nerves, brain, hormones, muscles, and blood vessels. Because of this, it can be a bit complex trying to discover the root cause of ED issues.

It often occurs because of a wide variety of issues.

Here are some examples of organic or physical causes of ED:

1. Drug use
2. Heavy tobacco use
3. Alcoholism
4. Diabetes
5. Low testosterone
6. Obesity
7. Heart disease
8. High blood pressure
9. High cholesterol
10. Aging
11. Sleeping disorders
12. Multiple sclerosis
13. Parkinson's disease
14. Peyronie's disease
15. Hyperthyroidism
16. Treatment for enlarged prostate or prostate cancer

Emotions also play a significant role in maintaining an erection. These are also known as psychogenic erections, which are influenced by emotions and erotic stimuli. Because of this, negative emotions or depression can hinder your ability to get an erection. Some issues that fall under this umbrella include:

1. Stress
2. Depression or anxiety
3. Family or social pressures
4. Psychological trauma
5. Mental health problems like schizophrenia
6. Performance anxiety
7. Relationship issues

Any combination of these factors can lead to further mental health problems, like embarrassment and anxiety. This vicious cycle can lead to relationship issues, an unsatisfactory sex life, and an inability to impregnate your partner.

The good news is that several solutions exist to help treat ED.

Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

The good thing about a widespread health issue is that several ED treatment options are available to fix it. However, before undergoing any new treatment, you need to speak to a doctor to find what's right for you.

As we mentioned earlier, several different root causes cause ED, so one treatment might be better for you than another. There are various ED solutions, including prescription medications, natural supplements, mechanical devices, and even surgery.

However, your doctor will most likely focus on more natural lifestyle changes for younger men. With that said, let's look at some of the different solutions.

Oral Medications

There are many prescription medications with the highest success rates available to treat ED. These pills require a doctor's prescription and are sold under generic and brand-name tablets. They are FDA-approved and are widely popular across the world.

Lifestyle Changes

Making positive and healthy lifestyle changes could be the best option to improve your situation.

These simple changes can help improve the quality of your erections and overall health. Some things you can do include:

1.  Exercising more (enhancing your libido, mood, and stamina)
2. Losing weight
3.  Making dietary changes
4. Switching from medications that may contribute to ED, like antidepressants or beta-blockers
5. Avoiding overconsumption of alcohol
6.  Quitting smoking
7.  Avoiding recreational drugs
8. Getting plenty of sleep

If you suffer from any social or psychological issues like stress, depression, anxiety, psychological trauma, or relationship problems, counselling or therapy is also a solution that can help your issues related to ED.

Different types of therapy include:

1.  Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
2.  Mindfulness-based therapy (MBT)
3. Sex therapy

These can take place both in groups or in one-on-one settings.

Natural Remedies

Several natural remedies claim to improve erections. However, be aware that these solutions have very little substantive research to prove their effectiveness; only some clinical trials say they are helpful for men's sexual health.

These products are also not FDA-approved, so be cautious when trying any new treatment.

Some natural remedies that claim to be beneficial include:

1. Ginseng root
2. Pycnogenol
3. Puncture vine
4. Prelox
5. CBD oil
6. Garlic
7. Ashwagandha
8. Rose oil
9. Ginger oil
10. Lavender oil
11. Basil oil
12. Cinnamon oil
13. Juices for ED

It is unclear how these remedies treat ED but might stimulate nitric oxide production in the body.

Other Alternative Treatments for ED

There are several other alternative treatments for ED, but it is highly recommended to exercise caution, especially with products that aren't FDA-approved. That said, some other options include:

1. Vacuum erection devices (penis pumps)
2. Alprostadil, direct injection into the penis
3. ED rings
4. Surgical penile implants
5. Natural supplements like essential oils

Make sure to speak with a doctor or primary healthcare professional before trying a new ED treatment.

When To See a Doctor About ED

As mentioned earlier, it is common for men to occasionally have trouble getting or maintaining an erection from time to time. Normal life events such as stress, lifestyle changes, and changes to your diet can lead to ED issues, even in younger men.

However, if you keep experiencing the same issues for more than a few weeks or more than half the time you try to have intercourse, it may be time to see a doctor and find out if an underlying issue is causing it.

Your doctor can run different tests to rule out contributing factors and answer any questions you may have. Then, they can give you a diagnosis for ED and suggest the best solution to tackle it.

Although it may seem nerve-wracking and embarrassing to speak to someone about these issues, it's the best way to get more clarity and peace of mind. Some services allow you to reach out to doctors online without having to go in person.

Read more:

1. Erectile Dysfunction Myths & Facts
2. Erectile Dysfunction And Affairs: How To Improve Your Sex Life