Key Takeaways
- ED in your 20s and 30s is more common than many people think.
- Younger-onset ED is often linked to stress, performance pressure, hormones, or lifestyle habits.
- ED is manageable, with treatment options available through a licensed medical professional.
Growing up, getting an erection in public feels like one of the most embarrassing things that can happen to you. Ironically, not getting one in private as an adult can feel even worse. And the younger and hornier you are, the more unexpected.
C’mon, we’ve all been there. An able and willing bottom is on the bed, lube on hand, except suddenly you’re looking down, shocked that getting hard is the hard part. A problem that seemed light years into the future is abruptly all you can think about, making the situation even more daunting.
You might’ve assured the anxious bottom that the problem was not them. But if you’re concerned it might be erectile dysfunction (ED), MISTR called upon the internet’s gay urologist Dr. Joshua Gonzalez for advice.
Why Younger Men May Experience ED
Like most sexual ailments, Dr. Gonzalez reaffirms ED is more common than you think, but the problem seems to be growing in young men, or better said, the lack thereof.
The nation’s oldest college daily newspaper reported a 31 times increase of young men with erectile dysfunction in the past decade. The grim part is not the problem, but the fact that Dr. Gonzalez says no correlation has been made yet by studies, despite only acknowledging it’s a trend.
“There are indications that male sexual and reproductive health has been on the decline globally,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “When you talk about average testosterone levels, semen parameters, sperm counts, and other markers of sexual and reproductive health, those have generally been declining for the last 40 years.”
OK, don’t freak out; a limp dick or statistics have never been the end of the world for anyone. And gay culture is all about leading a healthy lifestyle (sans weekends), taking preventative measures, and trusting the professionals.
Taking preventative action with your health, always embracing harm reduction measures with nightlife activities, and leading an overall healthy lifestyle is the best way to reduce your chances of getting any illness.
Can Erectile Dysfunction Be Cured?
Whether ED can be cured depends on its root cause, which may be psychological or physical. But Dr. Gonzalez says that ED treatment for the symptom itself is readily available with a prescription and is safe for most men.
Plus, a rise in cases in young men doesn’t mean you have ED, unless confirmed by a licensed medical professional. However, you’d be far from a lone star, and anxiety about it is typically the worst part- well, if you don’t include the missed opportunities for sexy time.
ED carries the same textbook definition no matter your age, says Dr. Gonzalez, which is the inability to either achieve or maintain an erection long enough to complete sexual activity. Not once but persistently, and it doesn’t have to be all the time, either, just enough that it feels like a problem.
For any young man particularly struggling to talk about it or worried about not being taken seriously, Dr. Gonzalez suggests finding a urologist like him, though perhaps not as fun, who has these conversations daily and will ensure you receive a full health screening to determine the best path forward.
The Most Common Causes of ED in Young Men
The definition of ED can encompass a wide range of sexual scenarios, but they all ultimately lead to sexual dissatisfaction. Like so much in health, if you think there’s a chance of a problem, you should consult a doctor.
ED falls under two umbrellas: psychogenic, meaning issues related to mental health or performance anxiety, or organic, where physical medical disorders are to blame. And the older you get, the more likely it’s a ménage à trois of things.
After all, the experiences of ED happen as colorful as the causes:
- Stress and anxiety
- Career and relationship pressures
- Hormonal factors like fluctuating testosterone
- Slow blood circulation
- Lifestyle habits like alcohol use, smoking, or recreational drug use
- Porn or masturbation dependency
The central theme is a dick that can’t deliver.
Are There Long-Term Risks of Penis Enhancers Like Viagra?
For younger men with a more permanent form of ED, it can feel overwhelming to think you might need to use a penis enhancer forever. But cheer up, kiddo: Dr. Gonzalez says there are 30 years of data on drugs like Viagra, with no major long-term health consequences reported. (And doesn’t no sex forever sound scarier?!)
ED medications are generally quite safe, says Dr. Gonzalez, without significant concern regarding long-term use. Regardless, you should always consult a doctor before adding any prescription to your regimen to ensure it aligns with your overall health and that there are no contraindications.
“There’s still a lot of stigma, but I honestly think it’s slowly going down with companies like MISTR promoting being proactive about sexual health,” adds Dr. Gonzalez. “Younger men are feeling a little bit more comfortable having these conversations.” We know that’s right.
MISTR is here to support your sexual health, whether you’re looking for PrEP or answers about what’s happening below the belt. If you think you may have ED, get started with our online intake process to see if ED medication may be right for you.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a licensed healthcare provider for guidance regarding your individual health needs.