WARNING: Erectile Problems In Young Men

Today’s question is from Kevin and he asks

“I’m only 28 and for whatever reason, I have impotency issues. I think I’m way too young to have erectile problems, right?… Sadly, I think it’s gotten worse over the past 6 months. I’m afraid to even have sex because it’s so embarrassing.”

Hi Kevin… yes, you are too young to be having erectile issues. And yes, it can definitely be embarrassing at ANY age, but even more so when you’re “young” and it’s not “normal”.

However, a study in the July 2013 Journal of Sexual Medicine suggests that ED is more common among younger men than previously thought. Researchers found that ED affected 26% of adult men under 40.¹

Almost half of these men suffered from severe ED. Researchers also noted that younger ED patients were more likely than older men with ED to smoke, drink alcohol, and use drugs.

So if it makes you feel any better, you’re not alone Kevin…

You Better Fix It Or It’s Only Going To Get Worse

However, we want to fix this situation because as you get older, this will only get worse — both physically and emotionally.

For “older” guys past the age of 40, typical causes of erectile dysfunction is:

• Hormonal imbalances (low testosterone)
• Health conditions (blood sugar problems, heart problems, poor blood flow, prescription medications, over-weight, etc.)

However, for “younger” guys in their 20’s and 30’s, it’s typically:

• Hormonal imbalances (low testosterone)
• Psychological causes (anxiety, worry, low self-esteem, etc.)

Psychological Causes

Feelings of sexual excitement that lead to an erection first start in your brain. But conditions such as mood problems can interfere with that process.

In fact, a major sign of depression is withdrawal from things that once brought you pleasure.

One of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction for young men is anxiety.²

This may include concerns about getting someone pregnant, not wanting to appear inexperienced, or worrying about using a condom without embarrassment or losing your erection while putting a condom on.

Stress about jobs, money and other concerns contribute to ED. Alcohol and drug use/abuse are both common causes of ED among young men.

Additionally, relationship problems and poor communication with a partner can cause sexual dysfunction.

Physical Causes

As men age, their testosterone begins to decline… starting as early as in his mid 20’s.

By age 40, you barely make half of what you used to in your 20’s and obviously, it only gets worse as you get older.

Unfortunately, due to our modern lifestyle (diet, stress, pollutants, etc.), “lowered testosterone” is affecting men at a younger and younger age.

What’s important to know is that testosterone is the PRIMARY hormone that controls sex drive, libido, and erections… BOTH physically and emotionally!

And this is because testosterone interacts with OTHER key “sex” hormones such as:

• Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
• Estrogens
• Progesterone
• Prolactin
• LH/FSH
• Nitric Oxide
• Cortisol
• Dopamine and other neurotransmitters in your brain
• Etc., etc.

The reason I bring up hormones is that if you’re under extra stress/worry, if you have anxiety, if you’re not sleeping enough, drinking alcohol, smoking (pot or cigarettes) and using drugs …

All of these “stressors” cause a DECREASE in your testosterone levels and an INCREASE in your “negative” hormones such as estrogen, cortisol, dopamine, etc…

Which will all negatively affect your libido and erections — BOTH physically and emotionally.

Summary

So what we’ve discovered today is that HORMONAL BALANCE is the “secret” to fixing low libido and erectile dysfunction.

However, in younger men under the age of 40, your MIND (anxiety, worry, low self-esteem) … also plays an important factor.

What you need to do is not focus on the “problem” … which will only cause you more worry, stress, anxiety, and so forth.

But focus on the “solution” … which is an improved lifestyle and better hormones.