Erectile Dysfunction in Younger men

Yes, it is true that older men are more likely than younger men to experience erection problems. Older men are more likely to suffer from medical conditions for which they take medicine that could interfere with normal erectile function. In recent years however, a different picture has started to emerge. 

Why younger men ?

Research shows that even men in their early twenties and thirties suffer from erectile dysfunction, but not because of other conditions, their medication or their age. The main cause is thought to be their stressfull lifestyle.

Men in their twenties and thirties have to deal with the stresses of finding a job and making enough money to support themselves and their families, not always an easy road. Yet, they have to try and balance family and worklife and they may have to deal with relationship issues that may place additional pressure on them.

Performance anxiety in a new relationship or the thought of not being able to satisfy their partner sexually also causes this condition in younger men. Also, sexually abused men or men who have had a negative sexual encounter may find that they cannot maintain or achieve an erection.

Experts agree that the main cause of erectile dysfunction in younger men is psychological and not, as in older men, a physical condition. The pattern becomes a vicious cycle: stress and anxiety lead to erectile dysfunction, which leads to further stress and anxiety.....

Treatment for erectile dysfunction focuses on a holistic approach. Even if the cause is physical, care is taken not to overlook the possibility of an underlying psychological component to the problem. Depression, burn-out, anger or guilt, for example may contribute to erectile dysfunction.

What causes erectile dysfunction ? 

      Erectile dysfunction has six main causes:

1. Psychological reasons: Stress, depression, low self esteem, performance anxiety or relationship problems could cause erectile dysfunction.
   
   
2. Vascular problems: For a man to achieve an erection, blood must be able to flow through the arteries into the penis and stay there. Conditions that damage the arteries would increase the chance of erectile dysfunction. Hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure and Peyronie's disease reduce blood flow to the penis. Diabetes is a main cause in men who suffer from this chronic illness.
   
   
3. Neurological reasons: A man's neurological system needs to be in good working condition in order for him to be able to achieve an erection. Men who suffer from multiple sclerosis or whose peripheral nerves have been damaged as a result of diabetes may suffer from erectile dysfunction. Other causes include stroke, spinal cord injuries and pelvic surgery.
   
   
4. Medication: Certain types of medication such as anti-histamines, anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, tranquilisers, anti-cancer medication, stomach ulcer medication,  muscle relaxants and, especialy anti-hypertensives (blood pressure medication) may cause erectile dysfunction.
   
   
5. Unhealth lifestyle: The nicotene in tabaco smoke causes spasms in small penile arteries. Nicotene also leads to atheroscleroses, a degeneration of the arteries. Both of these conditions may cause erectile dysfunction. Alcohol is another major cause as it effects blood flow and acts on brain centers that impede the ability to hold an erection. In addition, alcohol effects the male hormone system and thus the male sex drive.
   
   
6. Hormonal imbalances: Insufficient testosterone or an imbalance in the thyroid hormones could explain why some men cannot get or maintain an erection. Stress, testicular problems, kidney and liver diseases are normally the causes.