What causes Erectile Dysfunction in younger men? Here are the top 3 most common causes and what you can do to naturally help treat your ED as a young man.
Most people think of erectile dysfunction as something that only affects elderly men. That’s not actually the case, though.
Many young men also suffer from erectile dysfunction. In fact, it affects approximately 25 percent of men under the age of 40.
There are lots of reasons why a young man might experience erectile dysfunction.
Read on to learn more about the causes of erectile dysfunction in younger men and how to treat it.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (sometimes referred to as ED) is a condition that limits blood flow to the penis.
As a result of the penis not receiving adequate blood flow, men who suffer from ED are not able to achieve or maintain an erection. Erectile dysfunction can also cause a reduction in sexual desire.
In men with erectile dysfunction, these symptoms occur repeatedly and prevent them from having a healthy, active sex life.
Top 3 Causes of Erectile Dysfunction in Younger Men
There are a few different reasons why a young man might develop erectile dysfunction. The following three are the most common causes of ED in younger men:
Lifestyle Factors
Often, lifestyle factors can make it harder for a young man to achieve and maintain an erection. Some well-known lifestyle factors associated with erectile dysfunction include:
- Being obese
- Eating an unhealthy diet
- Not exercising
- Smoking
- Drinking to excess
High levels of stress can also contribute to erectile dysfunction. This could be relationship stress, stress related to school or work, or stress brought on by other responsibilities.
If an individual leads an unhealthy lifestyle or is very stressed out on a regular basis, their body may not function optimally.
Hormonal Imbalance
A hormonal imbalance can also contribute to erectile dysfunction and low libido in young men.
The following hormone imbalances can all cause symptoms of erectile dysfunction:
- Low testosterone (the primary male sex hormone) levels
- High prolactin (a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a role in lactation) levels
- Imbalanced thyroid hormone levels
The best way to tell if hormone levels are off is to have them tested by a licensed physician.
Your doctor will be able to let you know if your hormone levels are within the normal, healthy range or if they’re out of balance in some way.
They may also have more insight into what is causing the imbalance in the first place.
Psychological Disorders
The root cause of erectile dysfunction could also be psychological, rather than physical.
Many men find that when they’re suffering from some kind of psychological disorder, such as depression or severe anxiety, their sexual health suffers and they have trouble achieving and maintaining an erection.
Depression and anxiety in men often go unrecognized. This is because men usually do not exhibit well-known, commonly accepted symptoms of these conditions.
Men who are dealing with anxiety or depression may appear more tired than usual, or they may be more irritable or withdrawn than usual.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Options
There are quite a few issues that can contribute to erectile dysfunction in young men. Luckily, there are also a lot of treatment options to help correct this problem.
The following are some effective ED treatment options young men might want to consider trying:
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction symptoms. Lifestyle changes can also correct these symptoms, sometimes very quickly.
For example, eating a heart-healthy diet can work wonders for many men suffering from ED.
Eating foods that are good for the heart and cardiovascular system can promote healthy blood flow and make it much easier for men to achieve and maintain an erection. Examples of such foods include:
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- High-quality protein sources (meat, fish, poultry, etc.)
- Health fat sources (olive oil, avocado, etc.)
- Grains like rice, quinoa, and oatmeal
It’s best to avoid alcohol, sugar, and processed foods when you’re focusing on a heart-healthy diet, too.
Besides changing your diet, you can also reduce your ED symptoms by giving up smoking, getting adequate sleep, and exercising on a regular basis.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
When you start living a healthier lifestyle, you’ll often see an improvement in your hormone levels.
Sometimes, diet and exercise aren’t enough on their own, however.
In these cases, you might be able to benefit from hormone replacement therapy. Many men who suffer from erectile dysfunction experience relief when they begin using bioidentical hormones.
Bioidentical hormones are identical to—hence, the name—and mimic the hormones your body naturally produces.
There are many ways to use bioidentical hormones, including pellet implants, injections, oral capsules, creams, and patches.
If you’re going to use bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, it’s important to work with a licensed professional who can help you determine the proper dosage and treatment protocol.
Talk Therapy
Finally, talk therapy can be very helpful for men whose erectile dysfunction is brought on or made worse by mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Spending time working with a therapist to get to the root of these conditions often results in improved libido and a reduction in ED symptoms.
Some men find that using antidepressants to manage their condition can help to improve their symptoms, too.
It’s important to note, though, that antidepressants can also make ED worse in some cases. If you’re going to use antidepressants, it’s best to choose one that does not have ED or decreased libido as a side effect.
Start Treating Erectile Dysfunction Today
Now that you know more about what causes erectile dysfunction in younger men, it’s time to do some research and get to the root of your symptoms.
Keep this information in mind and you’ll have a much easier time finding the right treatment options to start improving your health.
If you live in or around Newbury Park, California area and are suffering from erectile dysfunction, we can help at Restoravita today.
We offer a variety of services that can correct hormone imbalances and help you start feeling your best.
Contact us today to learn more about our health and wellness services or to schedule a consultation.