ED is ordinary in men, but do you know that the prevalence of ED is growing in young men, too? According to NIH, erectile dysfunction affects 8% of males aged between 20-29 and 11% aged 30-39. The erectile problem is increasing with time.
So, if you are wondering what causes ED in young men, you have come to the right place. There might be various reasons behind the cause of erectile dysfunction in men.
This article will help you understand the five common causes that lead to ed in young men.
5 Causes of ED in Young Men
1) Mental Health Condition
Mental health issues are the most common causes of ed in young men. These factors directly impact emotions and make it difficult to get an erection during sexual activity. When men experience erection problems due to mental health issues, it is called psychogenic ED.
Psychological factors that cause ED include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Relationship problems
- Performance anxiety
A study was conducted in 2009 to examine the connection between mental health and ED in young men. Researchers found that depression causes ED at a high level at a young age. It is essential to take follow-ups and mental health screenings for dealing with ED.
When you suffer from anxiety or depression, it is difficult for the brain to release sex hormones. Hormones that play a vital role in achieving an erection.
2) Smoking
Smoking is harmful to the body, as it affects the blood circulation of the body. In young men, the chances of ED increases when they smoke consistently. Tobacco decreases the blood flow in the pelvic area, leading to erectile dysfunction. As the blood flow decreases, it becomes hard to develop an erection during sex.
A study was conducted to explore the link between smoking and erectile dysfunction. Researchers took 860 men aged 18-44. They found that the percentage of young smokers is much higher than the national average rate. It was concluded that young smokers need to get the proper education about the adverse effects of smoking.
Men at a young age start smoking, which leads to various health problems like heart disease, lung problems, etc. Smoking damages the blood vessels and arteries of the pelvic area. It causes ed in young men, even at 20 years of age.
3) Obesity
According to the statistics, 40% of men are obese aged 20-39. Being overweight leads to various health-related issues, including erectile dysfunction. A study shows that obesity is directly linked to erectile dysfunction in men aged between 20-45. It shows that obesity increases the risk of erectile dysfunction by three times.
Another study concluded that obesity leads to erectile dysfunction to a greater extent than aging does. Men who are obese attract other physical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, which contribute to ed in young men.
The extra weight in your body turns the testosterone into estrogen, which decreases the testosterone level in the body. Testosterone is a sex hormone that plays a role in sex drive.
4) Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance can cause ed in young men. There is constant change in the hormones with the growing age. This change sometimes leads to hormonal imbalance, even at a young age. Many times, this condition goes without notice.
In a network with the pituitary gland, the endocrine system plays a crucial role in producing, storing, and secreting hormones. These hormones are valuable to maintain a healthy erectile health and sex drive. They are responsible for various roles in men’s health, including weight, moos, fertility, etc.
The imbalance in hormones like testosterone creates problems and makes it difficult to get an erection during sex. However, the chances of hormonal imbalance are low in young men, but the undiagnosed can lead to erectile dysfunction.
5) Physical Condition
Multiple studies have supported that physical conditions, like heart problems or high cholesterol, are a risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Men with cardiovascular disease have a high chance of ED at a young age. Consult a healthcare provider to diagnose the issue.
This condition disrupts the blood circulation by narrowing down the blood flow in the penis. The arteries, connected with the heart, go into the pelvic area. The damage in them creates problems in erectile health.
Exercise is the best way to prevent physical health conditions. It helps to strengthen the body and prevent ED before any sign of it. You can start with brisk walking, swimming, or kegel exercise.
Conclusion
Erectile dysfunction is a distressing problem. Experiencing it at a young age leads to so much anxiety and depression. Talk to a doctor before elevating its effects on the body. Your doctor will know how to treat ED with relative cause.
From various causes of ED in young men, whether it is mental health or hormonal imbalance, exercise and intake of healthy food can bring positive results.
