A lot of things are better with age. Wine, scotch, cheese. Even as adults, we have certain things to look forward to as we age, like growing wiser. However, as men age, they may associate their impending birthdays with hair loss, decreases in testosterone, and erectile dysfunction (ED). But did you know that to ED, age may just be a number?
That’s right, erectile dysfunction can affect men and young adults well under 40 years old. However, limited research on erectile dysfunction exists with men under 50 years old, and it is not uniformly defined across studies, making it difficult to determine accurate statistics around who is affected. As such, claims about rising ED rates should be viewed cautiously. But fear not; regardless of age, there are treatment options proven to be effective at promoting positive performances in the bedroom.
Common causes of erectile dysfunction are provided below, along with findings from a study examining treatment for ED in younger men. The article ends with suggestions on what steps to take next to educate yourself further and take action to address your ED.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
While erectile dysfunction may be an uncomfortable experience that men don’t want to admit to, nearly all men can attest to experiencing at least one of the factors below that can contribute to ED:
- Stress
- Performance anxiety
- Depression
- Having too much to drink
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Lack of sleep
Put simply, a variety of psychological, physical, or behavioral factors can lead to ED, regardless of a man’s age.
Think You’re Too Young for Viagra? Think Again.
Researchers at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago recently released findings from their study exploring treatment outcomes for men with erectile dysfunction. The men were included in the study if they had no known cause for their ED. One surprising thing about the men included in this study? Their age. The men in the study ranged from 22 years old to 39 years old, some well under the age we associate with men and erectile dysfunction (40+ years old).
The men were prescribed a low-dose type of medication called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (what you and I know more commonly as Viagra). They were also given the option to combine these Viagra-like medications with sex therapy. After at least 6 months of the low-dose Viagra-like medication, the participants reported dramatic reductions in their ED-related issues. More than half of participants reported significant satisfaction with their erectile functioning, their orgasmic functioning, and even their overall satisfaction.
To learn more about the study conducted at Rush University Medical Center, click here.
Taking the Next Step
If you believe you’re suffering from ED, whether you’re over 50 or just breaking into your mid-twenties, don’t stress, there are treatment options available. The popular, well-studied medication Viagra may be appropriate for you. Check with your doctor to make sure you don’t have any contraindications before trying Viagra, but don’t let your younger age keep you from considering that small blue pill.
Looking for more information? Follow the links to learn more about the causes of ED and how Viagra works.
Kwynn holds a Master of Public Health and is currently pursuing a PhD in Social Work. Her research examines the intersections of health, technology, and gender-based violence.