Medically reviewed by kristin hall, fnp written by our editorial team last updated 11/04/2020 dealing with erectile dysfunction can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re a young, fit and healthy person. Erections are, to put it simply, complicated. Getting hard involves more than just being aroused — it’s a complex, multi-step process that requires your brain, hormones, circulatory system and numerous other parts of your body to work in unison. Despite its reputation as something that mostly affects older men, erectile dysfunction (ed) can and often does affect younger men. If you’re in your 20s and sometimes find it difficult to get an erection, you aren’t alone — in fact, there are many other men out there in the same situation.

According to a recent study published in the journal of abnormal psychology, there was a 71% increase in the amount of serious psychological distress experienced by young adults ages 18-25 between 2008 and 2017. That’s a striking uptick, and it may well be a contributor to the prevalence of ed among young, physically fit men. Dr. Trost notes that while depression often isn’t directly associated with erectile dysfunction, it is commonly linked to low libido , due to how it limits the release of "positive" neurochemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and catecholamines.

Erectile Dysfunction in Younger Men: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options

For some men, psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, or relationship issues can contribute to ed. Counseling or therapy may help address these underlying issues and improve sexual function. This is a great way to help men who are experiencing anxiety, stress, or relationship issues. Not to mention, counseling for those with additions that are causing an issue with erectile dysfunction in 20s could prove to be an easier option to reverse the ed symptoms in 20s. It's important to talk to a healthcare provider about the best treatment options for you, as they can help determine the underlying cause of your ed and recommend the most effective course of action.

Erectile dysfunction (ed) often occurs in older people, but it can also occur in younger men—even in teens. However, the causes of ed in younger men may be different from the causes in older men. In most cases, ed is treatable. There are a variety of conventional and alternative ways to address ed, and a combination of treatments that address the factors contributing to the condition can help people address their symptoms.

Can Young People Get Erectile Dysfunction?

Read more apple cider vinegar for erectile dysfunction most men have challenges with their erections from time to time. Stress, exhaustion, anxiety, and too much alcohol can all have detrimental effects on your ability to achieve or maintain an erection. But if erection challenges are happening often enough that they are causing emotional or psychological issues, impacting your relationships, or hurting your self-esteem, […] read more exercises to alleviate erectile dysfunction many men have issues with getting or maintaining an erection from time to time. When people feel overly anxious or stressed, drink too much alcohol, or take certain medications, it can affect sexual performance.

Type 2 diabetes is most commonly related to ed. Having either of these conditions is a risk factor for developing the other. However, as type 2 diabetes is a condition mainly caused by long-term exposure to lifestyle factors, it affects less than 5% of americans⁶ aged 18–44. Due to this, it is less likely the cause of ed is in your 20s. Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the disease onset is much younger, including in children and young adults. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can damage your blood vessels if they are not well-controlled. Because of this, if you have type 1 diabetes, it may be contributing to your ed.

Erectile dysfunction is defined as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. The massachusetts male aging study surveyed 1,709 men aged 40–70 years between 1987 and 1989 and found there was a total prevalence of erectile dysfunction of 52 percent. It was estimated that, in 1995, over 152 million men worldwide experienced ed. For 2025, the prevalence of ed is predicted to be approximately 322 million worldwide. In the past, erectile dysfunction was commonly believed to be caused by psychological problems. It is now known that, for most men, erectile dysfunction is caused by physical problems, usually related to the blood supply of the penis.