Causes and Treatments For Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men

24 March, 2023  |  Jane Thomas - Marketing

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition characterised by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. While ED is often associated with older men, it can affect younger men too.

In this guide, we're going to take a closer look at the leading causes of ED (or impotence) in young males. We'll cover how each of these factors can influence ED and what to do to address them, as well as running through the various treatment options available and how they work.

If you want to learn the basics of ED and how it can affect young men - as well as how it can be treated - you've come to the right place. Find out everything you need to know right here!

Relationship Issues

Relationship problems, such as communication issues, conflicts or infidelity, can also contribute to ED in young men. A lack of emotional intimacy, feeling disconnected or not being able to communicate openly about sexual desires and preferences can all lead to difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.

Depression and other mental health conditions 

Depression can cause a lack of interest in sexual activity and can lead to difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection. Other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also contribute to ED.

Lifestyle factors

Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse and a sedentary lifestyle can all increase the risk of ED. Establishing a healthy diet and incorporating regular exercise into each week are a crucial part of treating ED, particularly in younger men.

Substance abuse

Substance abuse, such as excessive alcohol consumption or drug use, can often contribute to ED in young men. Alcohol and drugs can interfere with the body's hormonal and chemical balance, which can affect sexual arousal and erectile function.

Medical factors

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease can increase the likelihood of a man experiencing ED at a young age.

Certain medications such as antidepressants and blood pressure medications can cause ED too. Here are a few common examples…

• Blood pressure medications: Some blood pressure medications, such as diuretics, beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors can cause ED by affecting blood flow and reducing the body's ability to produce nitric oxide, a chemical that helps relax blood vessels in the penis.
• Antidepressants: Many antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can cause ED by reducing sexual desire and affecting nerve signals that control blood flow to the penis.
• Antihistamines: Some antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, can cause ED by reducing blood flow to the penis.
• Hormonal medications: Hormonal medications, such as testosterone replacement therapy, can cause ED by disrupting the body's natural hormone balance.
• Prostate medications: Medications used to treat an enlarged prostate, such as finasteride and dutasteride, can cause ED by reducing the body's production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that plays a role in sexual function.

Effective ways to treat erectile dysfunction in young males 

We've covered the leading causes of ED, but what about the most popular treatments? Read on to find out all you need to know.

Lifestyle changes

Making improvements to your lifestyle can be enough to keep ED at bay and prevent it from returning. Here are a few tweaks you can make.

• Healthy eating: Eating a poor diet that is high in saturated and trans fats, processed foods and sugar can lead to health problems such as obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which can contribute to ED.
• Regular exercise: Physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to poor circulation, which can affect blood flow to the penis and make it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.
• Removing bad habits: Smoking can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the penis, making it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection. Smoking can also cause other health problems that contribute to ED, such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause damage to the liver and nervous system, which can lead to ED. Alcohol can also reduce testosterone levels and affect sexual function.
• Cutting illicit drug use: Illicit drug use can have a range of negative effects on the body, including affecting the nervous system and blood vessels, which can contribute to ED.
• Improving sleep hygiene: A lack of sleep can affect hormone levels, including testosterone, which can affect sexual function.