11 June 2024 , 07:00
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Rates of younger men experiencing erectile dysfunction in the UK are on the rise.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) - the medical term for being unable to get or maintain an erection - typically increases with age. But according to recent reports, it is now impacting more men in their twenties and thirties. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that ED is more common in young men than previously thought.
Over a quarter of males seeking medical care for ED were under the age of 40, and nearly half of these were recorded as severe cases. With Men's Health Week (June 10 - 16) raising awareness of health problems impacting boys and men, the Mirror speaks to Dr Jeff Foster, GP and men's health specialist, about the rise of ED and what can be done.
Mental health and pornography are leading factors, according to a men's health specialist (stock photo) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Dr Foster says: "Erectile dysfunction is often seen as a problem of older age, and around half of men over the age of 40 will experience ED. However, younger men are also experiencing the condition with research showing more than a quarter of new ED cases are now diagnosed in men under 40."
The reasons for this increase in younger men are "complex", Dr Foster explains, but there are clear patterns. "In younger men, ED is often rooted in psychological issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, and sexual inhibitions," he says. "There is also evidence that easy access to pornography is an increasingly common factor."
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"Cardiovascular risk factors and obesity, which are a common cause of ED in all ages, are often overlooked as a cause in younger men," he adds. While older men are more likely to accept these issues as a part of ageing, and share their concerns, Dr Foster says young males bottle their experiences up - which can make the suffering worse.
"According to research conducted by Eroxon, it's younger men's minds that are seemingly affected the most," Dr Foster says. "The shame, emasculation, stress, embarrassment and anxiety can be overwhelming, with almost half of younger men admitting that the health issue had reduced them to tears or left them struggling emotionally and mentally."
The new study, by clinically proven ED topical gel Eroxon, found ED is also contributing to the downfall of relationships, with 90 percent of men reporting that it has strained their relationships. A quarter blamed their erectile problems for not allowing a new relationship to progress beyond the dating stage, and more than half admitted they struggle to talk to their partner about it.
"Communication with your partner is all important," Dr Foster warns. "Eroxon research showed that two-thirds of men found it helpful to talk to their partner, with more than half of men feeling supported after." The GP added: "It is important with ED, whether you are young or old, to know why it has occurred. Stress is a big contributor, but it is always important to rule out biological causes such as diabetes, vascular problems or low testosterone."
Do you have an erectile dysfunction story to share? Get in touch. Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.