Causes of Erectile Dysfunction in 20s: Early Triggers Not To Ignore

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a common health concern for men with progressive age and underlying factors such as stress. From mental health to relationships, it affects everything. Although ED is more common among older men (above 40 years), it has recently become more prevalent in young men in their 20s.

Being a sign of gradually degrading health in young men, if Erectile Dysfunction is not treated properly with an accurate diagnosis, it can have serious future complications. So, it is important to know what causes ED in young men to approach this health issue systematically.

Read on to know the causes of Erectile Dysfunction in 20s and its further complications while exploring the treatment options to secure your intimate health. 

Primary Causes of Erectile Dysfunction in 20s

Erectile Dysfunction in men is usually a result of various factors affecting the sexual health of young men. The following are some major causes of Erectile Dysfunction in the 20s.

Excessive Weight

Higher body weight has been linked with more incidences of Erectile Dysfunction in men. Research found that obese patients have an increased risk of vascular impairment and Erectile Dysfunction compared to non-obese patients. So, it is important to maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risks of ED.

Diabetes

Higher rates of ED were seen in patients diagnosed with Diabetes. Diabetes-induced Erectile Dysfunction included reasons like elevated oxygen-free radicals in the blood, less nitric oxide synthesis, and neuropathic damage. Higher levels of physical activities like exercises were found to be protective against this problem.

Alcohol

Studies have shown that alcohol drinkers are more likely to experience ED and overall dissatisfaction when compared with non-drinkers. If alcohol is taken regularly, it can cause vascular damage, so moderation and abstinence are crucial.

Drugs

Drugs account for more than 25% of all ED cases, and it is usually reversed by stopping use of the ED-causing drugs, and switching to better alternatives. Psychotherapeutic drugs, Antihypertensives such as Thiazide Diuretics, and Antidepressants are some drugs that can cause Erectile Dysfunction in men.

Mental Health

Mental health is a dominant issue associated with Erectile Dysfunction in men. Stress and high Cortisol levels associated with stress are correlated with ED in men, and its management seems to be the key to a biopsychosocial approach to ED.

Medical disorders

Multiple Sclerosis and Epilepsy are linked to sexual dysfunction, causing a lower sexual frequency and Erectile Dysfunction in men. Moreover, research suggests bicycle-induced perineal compression (neurovascular tissue compression in the pelvic region due to bicycle riding) causes Erectile Dysfunction. Peyronie’s disease is another major medical condition that causes Erectile Dysfunction in men.

Condom use

Condom‐Associated Erection Problems (CAEP) are erection difficulties caused by improper condom use. A study published in 2015 demonstrated that incorrect use of condoms can cause erectile problems in men.

Relationship problems

Relationship problems are the primary emotional cause of ED. Conflicts with your partner can result in poor erectile function or worsen it. Lack of intimacy and arousal due to the tension in the relationship can also be contributing factors. 

How common is Erectile Dysfunction in your 20s

It is estimated that by the year 2025, there will be about 322 million active cases of Erectile Dysfunction worldwide. However, out of all the cases, there are mixed reports on the prevalence of ED among young people. According to one study, the percentage of men below the age of 40 who were diagnosed with ED was only 2%.

Complications

Erectile Dysfunction is a complicated problem in men and affects their psychological well-being. It affects interpersonal relationships and hampers the quality of life for men. When ED affects young males, it reduces their self-esteem and confidence, forcing them to take oral Erectile Dysfunction Medications (EDMs) for better outcomes.

However, when young people take EDMs for recreational purposes, it affects their confidence and leads to further sexual dysfunction or lack of interest in intimacy. Thus, when there is no proper medical treatment for ED in young men, it can cause the issue to escalate further.

Treatments

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in your 20s can cause difficulty achieving and maintaining erections during sexual activity. Consulting your doctor should be your priority when dealing with ED. They may suggest one of the following treatments:

Pills

Some medicines containing Sildenafil like Kamagra Oral Jelly, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, and Avanafil can help. They make it easier for blood to flow into your penis and achieve a long-lasting erection. 

Hormone Therapy

If your Testosterone levels are low, they might be the underlying cause of Erectile Dysfunction. In such cases, your doctor might give you hormone replacement therapy such as Testosterone therapy. However, it is only useful in mild ED conditions and not severe ED.

Devices and Surgery

Devices can also help in case of erection problems. One such option is Vacuum Erectile Device (VED), which is a pump that improves blood flow into your penile region to create an erection. 

There are also injections and suppositories (medicine you put in your penis) like Alprostadil to achieve desired erections for satisfactory sexual performance. In serious cases, a surgical implant can be considered to get and sustain an erection.

Lifestyle Changes

Avoiding risk factors of ED, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and obesity, can help improve erectile function. These changes, along with a healthy diet, can also help with other health problems that might be causing your ED, like high blood pressure or Diabetes.

Conclusion

Erectile Dysfunction is a major cause of lack of sexual confidence in young men. Diabetes, alcohol consumption, drugs, mental health issues, medical disorders like Peyronie’s Disease, and incorrect condom use are the primary causes of ED in young men.

Despite the growing ED prevalence in youngsters, it can be successfully treated by taking pills, undergoing Testosterone therapy, surgical intervention, using medical devices like pumps, and making lifestyle changes. It is advised to seek medical help before undergoing any medical treatment for Erectile Dysfunction to avoid adverse side effects. With the right treatment and guidance, it is possible to regain the lost self-confidence and enjoy a pleasurable sexual life. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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