Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man cannot achieve or maintain an erect penis enough to have sex. While ED mainly affects men between 40 and 60, it can also affect younger men.
A study published in 2013 by the Journal of Sexual Medicine revealed that ED is more common in younger males previously known.
According to the researchers, ED affects 26 per cent of adult males under 40.
The researchers also noted that younger men with ED are more likely to excessively drink alcohol, smoke, and abuse substance than older men with ED. These factors, coupled with stress and anxiety, are said to be one of the leading causes of erectile dysfunction in younger men.
There are also other causes of ED asides from the ones mentioned above.
These causes can be grouped into categories; they include:
Regular erectile dysfunction – The shortage of nerve supply causes this ED, lack of blood flow to the penis, and hormonal changes.
Erectile dysfunction as a result of medical conditions.
Some of these medical conditions include;
- heart disease
- prostate cancer
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- diabetes
- obesity
- thyroid conditions
- Parkinson’s disease
Medications for illnesses and health conditions can also cause erectile dysfunction. There are also psychological causes of erectile dysfunction. They include depression, guilt, anxiety, and fear of intimacy.
Treatment of ED in young males
Treating the cause of ED in young men is usually the first treatment option. This can take the form of;
- medications
- counselling
- other treatments
Lifestyle modifications also relieve ED symptoms.
They include;
Exercising
One way to manage or treat erectile dysfunction is to engage in exercises that can help you get better. A great option is an aerobic exercise. Although they are great for your general health and well-being, they can help improve blood flow around your body. This can help with erectile dysfunction. Aerobic exercises are swimming, cycling, and running. Do any of these for 30 minutes five days a week.
Yoga
Yoga helps to relax your body and mind. It also helps reduce anxiety and ease the stress that might cause you to struggle with getting and maintaining an erection.
Eating right
Foods for erectile dysfunction improve your blood flow and enhance the health of your blood vessels; a healthy diet should be a priority. This is because there are food types that can help you stay fit and improve blood circulation. There are also some foods that you should limit in your daily eating routine.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Reduce your consumption of red meats, full-fat dairy such as yoghurt, and foods packed with sugar
- Increase fruit and vegetable consumption. Take more watermelon and banana
- Cut down on excessive alcohol consumption.
- Eat more whole-grain foods such as oat, wheat, millet, brown rice, and whole-grain bread