Causes of Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men

Commonly referred to as impotence, erectile dysfunction (ED) has largely been associated with men over 40 years. Indeed, diagnosis of ED and related premature ejaculation has largely been diagnosed in that age group. The situation may however be different. According to a study analysis published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, the number of younger men diagnosed with the condition may be higher than that of men over 40 years. It may be that the number of young men with the condition is misrepresented or incorrect diagnosis.

Just like with men over 40 years, young men who are sexually active and diagnosed with the condition develop inability to attain full penile erection necessary for satisfactory sexual performance. For men who manage to attain harder erection, such is usually weak, which makes penetration difficult. Although some men diagnosed with ED do attain full erection, they suffer premature ejaculation, which is release of semen before attaining climax during sexual performance. Studies by physician-scientists at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital indeed reveal that of men diagnosed with ED, 65% do fail to achieve orgasm with 35% experiencing premature ejaculation.

Treat Erectile Dysfunction

While causes of erectile dysfunction in older men relate to aging process, causes of the same in young men are varied. Most are actually not causes but risk factors associated with the occurrence of the condition.

Unhealthy Diet

Diet plays a very important role in the development of the whole body. It is through a healthy diet that the body receives vital nutrients. Young men who fail to receive a healthy diet particularly during childhood and in their teenage years do experience a number of health problems including erectile dysfunction. This occurs due to the fact that lack of particular nutrients hinders proper development of nervous system, which affects the nerves that supply the penis with blood.

Unhealthy Lifestyle

Unhealthy lifestyle common with most youth is a high risk in development of erectile dysfunction and the associated premature ejaculation. Heavy smoking, illicit drug use and excessive alcohol intake impact negatively on vital body processes. Smoking in particular introduces into the body dangerous chemicals including nicotine that impact negatively on a man’s reproductive system. Young men diagnosed with the condition also exhibit low body index and increased levels of testosterone in their blood.

Dangerous Activities

There are play and sport activities that are dangerous without appropriate clothing. Teens who engage in such activities without wearing appropriate clothing that protect the groin area end up damaging nerves in the area, increasing the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Cause of ED and associated premature ejaculation is not restricted to above indicated causes/risks. The condition can also be inherited although such cases are very minimal. Cases where young men are diagnosed with ED is already causing a lot of concern in many countries. It is indeed causing worries because research at Australian National University and results published in PLOS Medicine show that occurrence of ED at a young age increases the risk of heart disease and premature death even among those who have never been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.

Prevention of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction refers to a problem that affects men who are sexually mature. It makes it impossible for such men to engage in satisfactory performance when it comes to sex. Although the problem manifests itself in form of lack of penile erection or weak penile erection, majority of those affected experience premature ejaculation, which is a condition associated with release of sperm soon after penetration. According to available statistics, cases of erectile dysfunction are on the rise worldwide, which can be attributed to several factors including poor lifestyle habits, long-term use of certain medications/surgery and increased occurrence of specific diseases/health conditions among many other causes.

Although ED as is it often referred to is largely associated with men above 65 years, it now affects men in their 20s. Even though the condition can successfully be treated by use of oral medications and surgery in extreme cases, men seriously need to prevent the occurrence of the condition. It must however be appreciated that premature ejaculation can be caused by other factors beyond one’s control including genetics. Men can prevent the occurrence of erectile dysfunction and the associated premature ejaculation in different ways.

Healthy Balanced Diet

A regular healthy and balanced diet plays a major role in developing and maintaining a healthy body by preventing specific risky diseases or health conditions. In particular, a healthy diet is very effective in preventing heart attack that is associated with restricted arteries. In the same way, consumption of healthy balanced diet is very important in maintaining healthy arteries that supply blood to the penis, allowing for hard erection that a man can sustain for a reasonable time. Indeed certain healthy diets such as Mediterranean diet have been linked by scientists to improved sexual performance.

Weight Watch

Obesity or excess body weight has scientifically been linked to occurrence of many health problems including heart attack due to high blood cholesterol that clog arteries, type-2 diabetes that cause nerve damage in the whole body and high blood pressure. All these health conditions have also been linked to occurrence of erectile dysfunction. Men therefore seriously need to watch their weight on a regular basis.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Such poor lifestyle habits as chronic heavy drinking and cigarette smoking among others have a negative impact on the body including on the nerves and arteries that serve the penis. Men who engage in these habits stand a high risk of suffering erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

Exercise

Men who fail to exercise stand the risk of suffering from many health problems including ED. Performance of exercises relieves the body of toxic waste through sweat, builds and tones body muscles. However, not all exercises are good at preventing erectile dysfunction and associated premature ejaculation. Some exercises can actually cause the problem. While such exercises as swimming, running and aerobic exercise are very effective in preventing the problem, such other exercises as riding “nosed” bikes and kegel exercises exert a lot of pressure between the scrotum and anus, which encourages occurrence of ED.

Even though erectile dysfunction is caused by many factors, majority of cases are largely caused by factors that can easily be prevented.