THESE factors can cause erectile dysfunction in your 20s

Erectile dysfunction occurs when the penis does not receive enough blood to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex. The chances of erectile dysfunction can increase with age, which is why many people think it only happens with the older population. However, younger males can also develop erectile dysfunction.

According to some estimates, 8% of males in the age group 20–29 years are affected by erectile dysfunction. It is prevalent in 11% of men in the ages 30–39. There are several factors that can cause erectile dysfunction even for those in their 20s.

There are several hormones which can lead to erectile dysfunction if their levels are not in the appropriate range. The most obvious one is testosterone. Low levels of testosterone can result in a low sex drive as well as erectile dysfunction.

Another hormone is prolactin, which is produced by the pituitary gland. Increased levels of prolactin can also lead to erectile dysfunction, irrespective of your age.

Abnormal levels of thyroid – too high or too low – can also cause this condition.

Diabetes can negatively affect your sexual stimulation and erection. Increased blood glucose levels due to diabetes can damage your body’s blood vessels, including the ones which bring blood to the erectile tissue. Diabetes can also affect the nerves inside the penis as well as the ones surrounding it.

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Smoking can easily lead to erectile dysfunction. Nicotine present in cigarettes and other tobacco products hampers blood circulation in the entire body. Improper blood circulation can lead to erectile dysfunction as well as cardiovascular conditions.

Brain is perhaps the biggest sex organ. It is where your urge and stimulation for sex originates. People who have depression may experience reduced sex drive due to disbalance in the brain chemicals. Studies have found that men with clinical depression are about twice as likely to develop erectile dysfunction. Antidepressants or depression medicines can also make it difficult for a man to get an erection or ejaculate.

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Many young men can experience sexual performance anxiety in their 20s. This can be caused by multiple reasons such as feeling nervous about your appearance or your ability to please your partner. Excessive stress can make it difficult to get an erection. A 2005 study also found that performance anxiety can cause and maintain sexual dysfunction in both men and women.