This condition occurs when a man cannot obtain and maintain an erection. This health condition is called Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Several psychological and physical factors may cause ED. Moreover, this health condition may also occur due to some health problems with age. That’s why older males are more likely to experience ED symptoms. This fact does not mean that males in their 20s cannot have this erectile problem. In this article, we will discuss erectile problems in the 20s.
Erectile Dysfunction in the 20s
However, it is normal to experience erectile dysfunction in the 20s. Many people think that erectile problems may occur in older adults only. According to a study, 8% of males aged 20 to 29 experience ED. The same study also showed that 11% of males experience ED between 30 and 39 years old.
Erectile Dysfunction Causes
There are many causes of erectile dysfunction in the 20s. For example physical factors such as heart problems, psychological factors such as anxiety, stress, or over-consumption of pornography. Check below common causes of erectile dysfunction in young males:
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
One of the leading causes of ED is hypertension, which is not common among young men. In any case, this condition may occur in young males due to genetic factors or risk factors including alcohol, poor diet, lack of exercise, and others. An erection requires a healthy blood flow to the penis and high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in your penis. Therefore, this health problem restricts blood flow to the penis tissues and it becomes difficult to get and maintain an erection.
Obesity
This condition is closely connected with erectile dysfunction. Men in their 20s with a high body mass index (BMI) are at higher risk of developing an ED. Furthermore, high body mass may also provoke heart disease, which may lead to blood circulation problems. As we know for an erection a healthy blood flow is needed.
Diabetes
There are two types of diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 and it is a major cause of erectile dysfunction. However, Type 2 Diabetes negatively affects 5% of Americans between 18 and 44 years old. It means that men in their 20s are less likely to develop an ED.
On the other hand, Type 1 Diabetes can damage your blood vessels and the blood flow to the penis may be restricted. This condition may also damage the nerves in the penis, which negatively impact the sexual stimulation needed for erections.
Alcohol Use
Abuse of alcoholic beverages may lead to several health problems, including sexual health such as Erectile Dysfunction. The Indian Journal of Psychiatry studies 100 men with alcohol dependence. Thus, 71 of them had a high rate of sexual dysfunction. Additionally, if you are drinking frequent alcoholic beverages, you are more likely to develop ED, no matter how old are you.
Smoking
This bad habit can negatively affect the lungs as well as sexual function. People who smoke are more likely to develop ED, according to research. Nicotine that contains cigarettes can narrow the arteries, restricting blood flow to the penis, which is required for an erection.
Sexual Performance Anxiety
This is a psychological problem that may cause ED in young males. When you feel insecure or anxious about your appearance or sexual performance during sex, it occurs. This condition induces stress and prevents arousal required for erections. Therefore, this is a common psychological ED cause among males in their 20s. In any case, several psychological factors can provoke ED such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and others. Consult a healthcare provider for more details.
Over-consumption of Pornography
A syndrome known as porn-induced ED may occur due to the over-consumption of porn. In any case, research on this topic is limited and it may be a probable cause of ED in young males. Pornography affects how your brain responds to sexual stimulation and porn addiction can cause ill effects, including ED. In addition, the consumption of porn may provoke unrealistic expectations and insecurity, which leads to decreased libido or desire to perform sexual activity with your partner.
Condom-associated erection problems
This is a birth control method as well as protection from sexually transmitted diseases. In any case, some males may experience Condom-Associated Erection Problems (CAEP). Condoms may negatively affect the sensation in the penis, which may prevent stimulation, and getting an erection becomes difficult. This condition may disappear if you are using condoms of the correct size.
Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Younger Men
Many psychological and physical factors may cause ED in the 20s. However, several methods of treatment are available. One of them is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and adopt healthy habits. Examples include a well-balanced diet, quitting smoking, drinking, and excessive pornographic usage.
Another method to treat erectile problems is medicines such as Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate), Levitra (Vardenafil), or Cialis (Tadalafil). These drugs help to improve blood flow to the penis. However, you should not use any ED medicine without a doctor’s approval because it may lead to unpleasant results such as severe side effects.
Healthcare providers may also prescribe a surgery or vacuum device if you are experiencing severe ED.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to treat erectile problems in your 20s?
Keeping a healthy lifestyle and diet can help you to prevent ED in your 20s. Moreover, quit smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. In addition, regular exercise and stress management can also improve your erectile function.
Can a 30-year-old man have erectile dysfunction?
It is possible to get erectile dysfunction in your 30s because it is not affecting older males only. Approximately 8% of males between 20 and 29 years old experience erectile problems.
Is it normal to experience erectile problems in your 20s?
In case you have a poor lifestyle and diet, and certain psychological and physical problems, it is normal for a man to experience ED in the 20s. Therefore, consult a doctor to assess your situation such as the severity of the condition, and for suitable treatment.
