Can Erectile Dysfunction Happen in Your 20s?

Erectile dysfunction (ED), often known as impotence, is a type of penile condition that describes the inability to achieve a firm erection or maintain an erection long enough for satisfactory sexual performance. It is a common condition in men over the age of 40. Men with ED may also experience decreased sexual drive. [1]

Although it is less prevalent for younger men, it is not unheard of. Studies have shown that ED was reported in 8% of men between the ages of 20 and 29 and 11% in those between 30 and 39 years. [2]

The causes of erectile dysfunction in men in younger men can be divided into physical, psychological and lifestyle categories:

Physical Causes

• Vascular Conditions – Good blood flow is crucial for normal erectile function. Vascular conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease can affect blood vessels and make it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.
• Neurological Conditions – Erections also rely on nerves that send signals from the brain. Neurological conditions such as MS (multiple sclerosis) and spinal cord injuries can lead to ED.
• Diabetes – Younger men with diabetes have an increased risk of ED. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels and nerves, which can impair normal erection function.
• Hormonal Imbalances – Hormones play a significant role in erectile function. Low levels of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, can lead to reduced libido and ED. Other hormonal disorders like thyroid problems or abnormalities in prolactin levels might also contribute to ED.
• Peyronie’s Disease – This condition involves the growth of scar tissue under the skin of the penis, causing it to bend or curve, making erections difficult. Peyronie’s Disease usually affects men over 40, but it can affect men in their 20s in rare cases.

Psychological Causes

• Stress – Life can be tense and worrying in your 20s, from financial issues to workplace related problems. Frequent releases of high amounts of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body can contribute to decreased sex drive and ED.
• Depression – Mental health conditions such as depression can affect mood and reduce libido, leading to erectile problems. Individuals may find that although they have the desire to have sex, they are unable to achieve an erection or they often lose an erection during sex.
• Performance Anxiety – Worrying about sexual performance or sexual failures can also cause performance anxiety and impact normal erectile function.

Lifestyle Causes

• Obesity – Excessive body weight can also put additional strain on the body. Men living with obesity in their 20s have an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and hormonal imbalances, which can cause ED.
• Relationship Issues – Communication problems, trust issues and other relationship issues can also affect erectile function. Emotional disconnect or conflict with a partner can decrease sexual desire and make it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.
• Medications – ED can also be a potential side effect of antidepressants and blood pressure medications. If these medications are being taken by younger men, it can increase the risk factor for ED.
• Alcohol, Tobacco and Substance Use – Consuming excessive alcohol, smoking or taking substances can also harm blood vessels and nerves, which can increase your risk of ED.
• Overuse of Pornography – Experts also suggest that excessive use and unrealistic expectations set by pornography may lead to porn-induced erectile dysfunction. [3] Young men, in particular, may find it difficult to achieve similar arousal under normal sexual circumstances, which leads to performance anxiety and ED.

There are several steps that you can take to treat and manage an erection problem:

Oral Medications

PDE5 inhibitors are a group of oral medications which blocks the PDE5 enzyme and increases blood flow to the penis. They can be prescribed by a doctor or purchased through an online pharmacy. These medicines are usually taken 30 to 60 minutes before engaging in sexual activity and effects last for up to 4 to 5 hours. Popular types of PDE5 inhibitors often taken by men include:

• Viagra (also known as the “blue pill”)
• Viagra Connect
• Sildenafil
• Tadalafil
• Cialis

Chemist Click is a UK online pharmacy that offers erectile dysfunction treatments through a free consultation with discreet nationwide delivery.

Lifestyle Changes

Making certain lifestyle changes can help to ease ED symptoms. Common lifestyle changes include:

• Maintaining a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables
• Getting moderate-intensity exercise – at least 150 minutes per week
• Losing weight if necessary
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Managing stress levels

Testosterone Therapy 

If low testosterone levels are contributing to your ED, testosterone therapy might be a helpful treatment option to restore your sexual health and function. This treatment can be administered through injections, skin patches, tablets, or topical gel.

Penis Implants

For men experiencing severe erectile dysfunction (ED) who have not found success with lifestyle modifications and medications, a penile implant might be a viable solution to regain sexual function. While penile implants, have certain risk factors including infection, mechanical failure, and nerve injury, most patients do not experience any problems after the procedure

Visit Your Doctor

If you are experiencing frequent erectile problems, visit your doctor. A healthcare provider can look at your medical history, perform a physical examination and run blood tests to determine the root cause. After a diagnosis, a medical professional can recommend the right approach to treat ED.

Can You Prevent ED in Your 20s?

ED in your 20s can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle choices. Eating healthy, getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight is good for cardiovascular health and blood circulation, reducing the risk of ED. Regular doctor visits can keep track of blood pressure, hormonal levels and overall health.

It’s important to avoid smoking, limit alcohol intake and to stay away from substance use, all of which can impair normal erectile function.

Mental health is also crucial to improving erectile dysfunction among men under 40. Try to keep stress levels low by pursuing hobbies, practising meditation or talking to a therapist.

Can Men in Their 20s Take Viagra?

Viagra is a safe and effective pill for men who struggle with ED, even for men aged 20 or above. It is important to take Viagra under the supervision or guidance of a medical professional or doctor. Before taking Viagra or any other ED medication, familiarise yourself with the dosage, instructions, how it works, side effects and warnings by reading the product information leaflet.

Does Erectile Dysfunction Ever Fix Itself?

ED in young men is not likely to fix itself without some lifestyle changes or treatment plan. If it is caused by psychological factors, ED can be temporary and may be resolved by making lifestyle changes to improve your mental health and wellbeing. However, if ED is caused by an underlying health condition such as heart disease, diabetes or hormonal imbalances, it is unlikely that ED can improve itself without treatment. If you have any concerns you should talk to your doctor to ensure that causes are correctly identified and an appropriate treatment is taken.

Erectile dysfunction can affect men even in their 20s; it is both normal and frequent. Several factors, including lifestyle habits, medications, or psychological stress, could cause erectile dysfunction.

Thankfully, there’s usually no need to worry as many effective solutions and treatments exist to manage this issue. A good initial step is consulting with your doctor to explore ways to treat and manage your ED.

If you need more help, please don’t hesitate to contact our registered pharmacists for further advice.