Erectile dysfunction, or ED, can affect a 75-year-old male as well as a man who is 25. People typically expect a senior to have this issue, it is actually much more common than you think. But why? Erectile dysfunction in younger men: a guide.
How Common Is Common?
You might be surprised to learn that according to the NIH, erectile dysfunction affects 8% of males who are between 20 and 29, and 11% aged 30 to 39. Even a percentage of teens are affected. The CDC tells us that 30 million men in the US have ED. That calculates to 1 in 5 men who have some form of ED. Since younger men are more reluctant to acknowledge this issue, it could be higher.
Erectile dysfunction is defined as trouble getting and maintaining an erection firm enough or lasts long enough for sexual intercourse.
Be advised that regardless of your age, erectile dysfunction is treatable. Treatment can start by talking to urologist R. Clay Williams, D.O. and finding out the cause of your ED. It could be as simple as substituting one medication you take for another one.
Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction In Young Men
There are many things at work in order for a man to have an erection. They include the brain, hormones, nerves, muscles, circulatory system, and emotions. If there is a problem with even one of these, you can find yourself experiencing ED.
Physical causes leading to ED in young men include diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, low testosterone, epilepsy, MS, and spinal cord trauma.
Vascular issues include Peyronie’s disease, peripheral artery disease, and early coronary artery disease.
Certain medications/drugs like antidepressants, antipsychotics, opioids, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines can cause ED.
A young man’s emotions and psychological makeup can increase their risk of developing ED. Factors can include emotional stress, negative moods and emotions, depression, family and social pressures, low self-esteem, certain mental health conditions like schizophrenia, relationship problems, performance anxiety, and psychological trauma.
With this younger age group, the two key factors for ED are smoking and taking illegal drugs.
Where To Start
Once you are open to a discussion, Dr. Williams will perform a number of tests.
One of the most important pieces of information will be whether your ED came about abruptly or over a period of time. We will rule out any underlying conditions and make any changes to your medications.
A combination of lifestyle changes as well as starting certain medications may help to improve the symptoms.
Once the appropriate treatment is begun, limiting processed foods, performing regular exercise, managing your weight, and getting plenty of sleep will all be recommended.
Now that you know how common ED is in younger men, talk to Dr. Williams in Tyler, TX.
