You’re Not Broken: Everything You Should Know About ED in Young Men and How to Reverse It
In North America, anywhere from 20.7 to 57.8% of men suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). As you can imagine, this can be very detrimental to your sex life, and even cause you to have relationship issues.
While you may think this is something that only older men get, it’s possible for males of all ages to get ED from time to time.
ED in young men can definitely happen, so don’t worry too much if it’s happened to you. Read on to find out why this occurs and what you can do to reverse it.
What Is ED?
You may have some idea of what ED is, but it may not be completely accurate.
Yes, ED is indeed when you can’t get an erection. But did you know it’s also when you get one, but can’t keep the erection? This is also why it’s sometimes referred to as “impotence.”
You can also get ED if you have a reduced interest in sex. This can result from several things which we’ll explore later on.
As we’ve said above, it’s normal to get ED once in a while. You might be going through a tough time, either physically or mentally. But if you get ED regularly, then there may be an underlying issue you need to address.
ED also regularly occurs with other sexual disorders, such as delayed or premature ejaculation. So if you have one of these conditions, then it’s likely you have another one of these disorders.
Why Does ED in Young Men Happen?
In general, ED usually happens to older men because it’s a side effect of either their health issues and/or medications. Because younger men tend to be healthier, you’d expect the occurrence of ED to be less in younger men.
While this is true, young men still do get ED. Here are the reasons why.
Physical Issues
Any number of health problems can lead to you having ED. This is because to get and maintain an erection, your cardiovascular system needs to be in working order. If it isn’t, then it may cause you to have difficulties with sexual activity.
Here are a few health issues young men may have that can bring on ED:
- Atherosclerosis (clogged arteries)
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Low testosterone
- High amounts of prolactin
- Low or high thyroid hormone levels
- Steroid use
- Drug abuse
- Alcohol addiction
If any of these apply to you, or you suspect you have any of these health issues, then it’s worth a discussion and exam with your doctor. Don’t feel embarrassed, as they’re there to help you, not judge you.
Psychological Issues
It may come as a surprise to some, but ED can happen as a result of psychological issues as well. While everything may physically be in working order, sometimes your mind overpowers your body.
For example, you may suffer from depression or anxiety. If you’re going through a particularly difficult time, you probably don’t want to have sex. But to please your partner, you give it a try, only to find things aren’t going accordingly.
Stress can also cause you to suffer from ED, especially if you’re having relationship issues. If you’re feeling pressured by or are fighting with your partner, it may result in decreased erections.
What You Can Do to Reverse ED
Thankfully, ED isn’t a permanent affliction. There are several things you can do to reverse ED. The method that’s right for you will depend on what caused your ED in the first place. Read on to find out the different solutions available.
Physical Issues
If you’ve visited the doctor and found out you have any of those physical issues we listed above, then you’ll probably have to make some lifestyle changes.
For example, your doctor may recommend you get more exercise, eat a healthier diet, and quit smoking and drinking. You’ll become fitter and will lose weight, which can alleviate many health issues. As a result, your ED will most likely go away.
You can also take phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which is a type of prescription drug for ED. You may know it better by the name of Viagra.
If you can’t afford the brand name, then you’ll be glad to know there’s discount Viagra available. That way, you can get the medication you need at affordable prices.
Other options include intracavernosal injections, intraurethral suppositories, testosterone therapy, vacuum constriction devices, and as a last resort, implantation of a penile prosthesis (this requires surgery) or vascular surgery.
Psychological Issues
If the cause of your ED is psychological and not physical, then the most important thing you can do to reverse it is to see a therapist or psychologist. When your mental health issues are so bad they affect your sex life, this means you don’t have the appropriate tools to manage them.
Therapy is always a good idea, even if you feel like you have a good grasp of your mental health issues. Professionals can talk you through them and give you effective tools to cope should they get bad. That way, your sex life won’t suffer as much.
If you can tackle your psychological issues and get them under control, then you may see your ED reverse.
Take Back Control Over Your Sex Life
While ED in young men can be devastating and embarrassing, it’s not a life sentence.
As you can see from this article, there are many underlying causes for ED. If you can pinpoint and address your root cause, then you’ll have a fantastic chance of reversing ED and taking back control over your sex life.
In any case, make sure you schedule an appointment with your doctor. Not only can you double-check that the cause of your ED isn’t a physiological one, but you can also discuss what lifestyle changes you can make to get over ED.For more interesting reads, be sure to check out our other blog articles.
