Troubles achieving and maintaining an erection are often attributed to older men. In reality, they also affect young men. According to some estimates, erectile dysfunction affects up to 8% of men in the age group of 20–30 years and up to 11% of men in the age category of 30–39 years.
There can be a variety of causes of erectile dysfunction, from physical (cardiovascular problems, diabetes) to psychological (performance pressure, stress, depression) to habitual (pornography overuse).
Let's take a closer look at the most common ones. Below, you'll also learn how to deal with them.
Physical Causes:
- Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes
- Obesity
Being overweight is associated with risks of developing cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and low testosterone levels. Obesity can also be a cause of relationship issues and low self-esteem.
- Medications (antidepressants, high blood pressure medications)
If you suspect that the medications you are taking may be related to the inability to achieve or maintain an erection, consult your doctor. Never discontinue medication without their knowledge!
- Alcohol, smoking, drugs
- Fatigue, lack of sleep, or poor sleep quality
Sleep deprivation leads to decreased testosterone production.
- Lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle
- Weak immunity
- Peyronie's disease
- States after surgery or injuries
Psychological Causes:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress, overwork
- Performance anxiety
- Fear of partner's pregnancy
- Guilt (moral inhibitions, infidelity)
- Insecurity, inexperience
- Hidden homosexuality
- Low self-esteem
- Problems associated with condom use
Habitual Causes:
- Long-term habit of exclusive masturbation
Men who have not yet had sexual intercourse (virgins) or have not had intercourse for a very long time (for example, single men without inclinations towards casual sexual encounters) may have trouble achieving an erection or orgasm during conventional sexual intercourse. Compared to their accustomed method of masturbation, physical contact does not provide them with sufficient stimulation.
- Excessive consumption of pornography
Consuming pornography itself may not cause a problem. The problem arises when a man prefers watching pornography over engaging in real relationships. Ever-changing bodies, often physically different from the average population and engaging in acrobatic performances, create a false notion of sexual behaviour in the real world.
At the same time, for the consumer of pornography, sexual stimuli become available without the need to develop relationship and loving skills and build a relationship with one person. This leads to disappointment with real bodies and real behaviour of live partners. Ultimately, it can result in a decreased ability for normal sexual intercourse and reduced satisfaction from it.
Correction of Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men 20+
In young age, difficulties associated with achieving and maintaining an erection are more often caused by psychological rather than physical factors (though getting checked by a doctor is always a good choice). Most of the above-mentioned physical causes can be eliminated by lifestyle changes:
Quit smoking, reduce alcohol consumption to a minimum or completely avoid alcohol, change dietary habits, incorporate more exercise, and improve sleep hygiene.
Psychological causes vary in severity and also in methods of elimination.
Depression and anxiety
The solution lies in the hands of an experienced psychotherapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
Stress, overwork
Try to identify the source of stress and then remove or at least mitigate its effects (take a rest, clear your mind, change your job, environment).
Performance anxiety, insecurity, inexperience
No one is born learned, and practice makes perfect. Even the best lovers once had their "first time". Lovemaking is not a race or a test of adulthood. Sometimes it doesn't work out the first time, or even the second, or third. You're not the first to experience a slow start. Try cuddling (non-coital activities), oral sex, mutual masturbation. Read also: The Effect of Erectile Dysfunction on the Partner
Tip: One (!) small glass of alcohol can help you relax, two might be too much. A quiet place without the risk of interruption, soft music, candles, gentle massage... and take your time!
Fear of partner's pregnancy
There are plenty of types of contraception. The cheapest solution, which also protects against a variety of sexually transmitted diseases, is the old good condom. A properly chosen condom can also provide pleasant stimulation for the woman and easily slow down a man who is too quick.
Problems associated with condom use
There is an endless variety of condoms in different sizes and thicknesses on the market. The condom should not be too tight to avoid choking or too loose to avoid slipping off.
Thicker condoms can help slow down gentlemen prone to premature ejaculation, while extra-thin ones provide a nearly natural sensation.
For people allergic to latex, there are latex-free condoms, for enthusiasts, there are coloured and flavoured condoms. You won't spoil anything with "dry" training. Hard in training, easy in battle!
Feelings of guilt (moral inhibitions, infidelity)
Whether a person goes against their faith, parents' will, or universally recognized moral rules, it's primarily a matter of one's own conscience.
Hidden homosexuality
The best solution is to live where we feel safe. If possible, surrounded by people who accept us as we are. And live to feel free and ourselves.
Low self-esteem
Low self-esteem in the sexual sphere usually stems from perceived imperfections in one's own body (height, proportions, size and shape of genitals, or lack of hair growth). Sex appeal is not directly proportional to facial symmetry or penis length.
Everyone has something in them that can attract the right partner. It's just a matter of finding it.
Long-term habit of exclusive masturbation
Learning to achieve satisfaction differently than we've been used to for years is a long-term process. It requires patience from both partners. It's definitely recommended to limit masturbation to a minimum, try other types of self-stimulation, or at least not masturbate before a love encounter.
Excessive consumption of pornography
If a similar approach as when breaking the learned masturbation method doesn't work (see above), it's advisable to seek help from a sexologist or psychotherapist.
Erection-related problems are usually well treatable at a young age. It's worth searching and trying to find the best way to a firm erection and the joy associated with lovemaking. Then there won't be a need to ask: "What to do when I can't get it up?"
You might also be interested in: Treatment and Correction of Erectile Disorders
Author: Jason Smith
Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316215#ed-and-younger-people
https://healthengine.com.au/info/obesity-and-sexuality
https://www.forhims.com/blog/erectile-dysfunction-20s-causes
https://www.forhims.com/blog/porn-induced-erectile-dysfunction
https://www.forhims.com/blog/sexual-performance-anxiety-and-ed
