Sex isn’t just the urge to reproduce through intercourse. It’s also an essential component of our overall well-being. As you go through puberty and become an adult, with all of the changes, desires, and growth spurts that come with it, how you see other people and the world affects your social, economic, and personal life from that point forward. For people born as men, this often means the perception and pressure of always being ready for sex, which is born of many misconceptions but still affects how men see themselves.
If you’re struggling with sexual problems like erectile dysfunction (ED), it can affect your self perception and lead to many personal problems. This issue is often seen as being a middle aged or elderly issue, but is it? Let’s examine the facts about age and erectile dysfunction by examining the condition more closely, looking at the age risks associated with it, and seeing what causes it among younger men.
If you live in the Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, or South Florida area and you're struggling with erectile dysfunction, Drs. Craig Herman and Steven Kester and their experienced staff at the Urology Center of Florida can help.
Erectile dysfunction is a general term for being unable to get or maintain an erection long enough to reach climax, and when it comes to sexual problems in men, it is the most common and affects over half of men between 40 and 70. More people likely are struggling with it, but the embarrassment this condition causes prevents many people who need help from seeking it.
Different varieties of erectile dysfunction affect different parts of the body: blood vessels (vascular), nerves (neurogenic), hormonal or thyroid related issues, or psychological issues (psychogenic). Several diseases can also affect your chances of having ED, such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), vascular disease, kidney disease, testosterone deficiency, and epilepsy.
Many of the age-related issues regarding ED are related to lifestyle habits, dietary issues, and sustained negative emotional stimuli, including smoking, alcohol abuse, stress, and anxiety. Most of the diseases resulting from these issues are more likely to have become severe enough to affect different parts of the body, and anything that restricts blood circulation, damages nerves, reduces testosterone, or creates emotional distress can affect your interest in or ability to engage in sex. These can lead to relationship problems that compound the issue, and not confronting it will only make the situation worse.
While it is known that men run the risk of ED as they age and deal with various conditions and lifestyle choices, the number of younger men struggling with it is bigger than most people think. Research shows that not only are 26% of males under 40 dealing with erectile dysfunction, but almost half of that number also have extreme problems with it.
The causes are essentially the same: hypertension, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, hormonal disorders, depression, and anxiety. Substance abuse disorder is a common cause among younger males.
The range of medications, medical treatments, and counseling options is the same among both male populations, but the most important thing you can do for yourself is admit the problem, confront it, and get help. Make an appointment by phone or online with Drs. Herman or Kester and their team at the Urology Center of Florida today to get the help you need and get your personal life back.
