Erectile dysfunction (ED) has proven to be a common condition affecting millions of men worldwide, usually within the age range of 45 to 70. However, even younger men seem to be suffering from erectile dysfunction recently.
Living with erectile dysfunction can be frustrating, isolating, and challenging and can as well affect various aspects of life. Men with erectile dysfunction struggle to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity on a persistent basis. This can end up destroying relationships and even marriages.
Here, we will walk you through common causes of erectile dysfunction in young men.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction, formerly known as impotence, can be referred to as the inability to achieve or maintain erection sufficient for a satisfactory sexual performance.
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This dysfunction can affect men of all ages. Although the likelihood of developing the condition increases with age, it is also important to note that the occasional difficulty in achieving an erection does not necessarily indicate erectile dysfunction.
Types Of Erectile Dysfunction
There are four major types of erectile dysfunction. And they include:
1. Vascular erectile dysfunction
Vascular erectile dysfunction occurs when blood vessels responsible for erecting the penis are damaged, diseased, or compromised. This causes an inadequate supply of blood to the penis and hence difficulty achieving or maintaining erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation, decreased sexual desire, as well as premature ejaculation.
2. Neurogenic erectile dysfunction
Neurogenic erectile dysfunction occurs when there is damage in the nerve, which is responsible for initiating and maintaining an erection. This can prevent signals from traveling from your brain to your penis to create an erection.
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3. Hormonal erectile dysfunction
Hormonal erectile dysfunction occurs as a result of deficiency in the testosterone level as well as hormonal imbalances, which disrupt the body’s ability to achieve or maintain an erection during sex.
4. Psychological erectile dysfunction
Psychological erectile dysfunction occurs as a result of psychological or emotional issues such as stress, depression, e.t.c. These factors can affect the body’s ability to achieve or maintain an erection during sex.
8 Major Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction In Young Men
Common causes of erectile dysfunction in young men includes:
1. High blood pressure
High blood pressure (HBP) damages blood vessels and increases vascular stiffness, thereby reducing blood flow to the penis as well as erectile function. HBP also impairs endothelial function, reducing nitric oxide production, which is essential for erection.
2. Diabetes
High blood sugar over a long time accelerates atherosclerosis, increases inflammation, and as well damages blood vessels, which can reduce the flow of blood to the penis, thereby disrupting erectile function. Diabetes also disrupts the nerves controlling erections.
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3. Sleep disorders
Sleep deprivation can bring about poor circulation, a low level of testosterone, reduced sex drive, and libido, which can lead to erectile dysfunction. Sleep disorders disrupt hormone regulation, impair nitric oxide production, and also lead to inflammation. These can lead to erectile dysfunction.
4. Obesity
Excess weight damages blood vessels and erectile tissue, which prevents blood from flowing to the penis. Obesity-related insulin resistance impairs nitric oxide production, which is essential for erections. Obesity affects testosterone levels, which leads to decreased libido and sex drive.
5. Stress
Feeling anxious, depressed, or emotionally distressed can make it hard to attain orgasm or even have an erection. Stress can bring about imbalances in the neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and nitric oxide.
Stress also increases cortisol, thereby decreasing testosterone. Since your mental health and sexual health are closely connected, anything affecting the mental health can as well affect the sexual health.
6. Excessive alcohol consumption
Excessive alcohol affects the hormone level in the body and, as well, causes damage to the nerve responsible for making or keeping an erection. Excessive alcohol also increase estrogen, thereby decreasing the testosterone level.
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7. Prostrate issues
Severe prostrate issues can directly cause erectile dysfunction; milder issues can tamper with the nerves and blood flow, thereby causing painful ejaculation and certainly interfere with sexual pleasure.
8. High cholesterol
High cholesterol can build up plaque. This plaque narrows the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood flow to the penis. High cholesterol also reduce nitric oxide and increases blood vessel resistance . it also increase oxidative stress and impairs endothelial function in the pain.
Prevention Of Erectile Dysfunction
To prevent erectile dysfunction, you need to:
- Cut down on excess sugar in order to prevent diabetes, and if already affected with diabetes, learn to manage it.
- Monitor or control blood pressure.
- Manage lipid profiles.
- Understand normal sexual function and address any rising concerns.
- Manage conditions like heart failure, coronary artery diseases and other cardiovascular diseases.
- Get enough sleep in order to relieve stress, anxiety, and extra pressure.
- Testosterone level monitoring.
- Cut down on excessive intake of alcohol and other hard substances that can pose as a risk to erectile function.
- Maintain a healthy weight, and reduce body mass index if overweight or obese.
- Eat balance diets, fruits and vegetables.
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Conclusion
Erectile dysfunction, is a complex condition influenced by various factors. Most men around the world have refused to talk about this condition. Erectile dysfunction have proven to be a great cause to broken relationship and as well marriages.
But no matter how complex this condition is, it is not to be overlooked. By knowing the causes of Erectile dysfunction, one can be able to prevent, and as well ,manage this condition.