Let's discuss erectile dysfunction in your 20s

Erectile dysfunction is more prevalent in older males, but younger males can develop the condition. 

ED happens when a person cannot get or maintain an erection, and there are around 30 million people with the condition in the United States. 

Sometimes, the condition can be longer lasting, but it can also be temporary. Reaching out to a healthcare professional to find the underlying cause is key to treating ED.

Let’s take a look at what causes erectile dysfunction in your 20s, what you can do to address it, and different treatment options.

A note on language: Sex and gender exist on a spectrum. We use the terms men and male to refer to people assigned male at birth.

Can you get erectile dysfunction in your 20s? 

According to an older 2013 study, ED affects between 8–26% of males between the ages of 20 and 40 years.

ED can cause frustration, but this condition is common and treatable. The sooner you seek help and the more you know about the condition, the better the outcome. 

What can cause erectile dysfunction in your 20s?

Most men experience occasional ED due to being tired, stressed, drinking too much alcohol, or as a side effect of certain medications. ED in your 20s can result from any of these factors but can also result from physical or mental health conditions. 

Physical causes of erectile dysfunction in younger males include:

• heart conditions
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• obesity
• diabetes
• hormone disorders

Mental health conditions that can lead to erectile dysfunction include:

• stress
• anxiety
• depression

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Lifestyle strategies

Lifestyle practices can help lower your risk of developing ED or improving symptoms. Some strategies include:

• exercising
• reducing stress
• maintaining a moderate weight
• getting quality sleep
• avoiding alcohol and smoking

It’s also important to eat a balanced diet, and some foods can help prevent or improve ED symptoms.

Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, peas, beans, nuts, and fish links to a lower risk of developing ED, according to 2020 research.

Another study from 2017 suggests that a Mediterranean-style diet helped preserve sexual function and prevent ED development. 

You can also consider taking supplements, such as:

• L-arginine
• propionyl-L-carnitine
• dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

Still, you should always discuss supplement use with a doctor or healthcare professional before taking them, as they may be unsuitable for you, especially if you take specific prescription medications.

Supplements are not tested or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and they require manufacturers to label their products to advise of this. Labels will state that a supplement is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any health conditions.

Medical treatments

If you have ED, a healthcare professional may prescribe medications or offer other medical treatments. These include:

• Medication: Medications to treat ED include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra).
• Injections: ED injections can help treat the condition by improving blood flow to the penis.
• ED devices: These devices work like a vacuum that suctions the penis to produce an erection. 
• Surgery: In some instances, a healthcare professional may recommend a penile implant or a vascular surgery.

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Contacting a doctor

If you’re frequently experiencing difficulty with arousal or maintaining an erection, talking with a doctor or healthcare professional would be a good starting point, as they will be able to investigate any underlying causes that may be contributing to your symptoms.

There may not always be any obvious physical causes for ED, but a psychologist or psychiatrist trained in sexual dysfunction can offer psychosexual or sex therapy.

This may help improve your ED, but it can also help relieve any accompanying anxiety or depression.

Together you can agree on the best treatment options for your circumstances.

Summary

The chances of having erectile dysfunction (ED) increase with age, but younger males in their 20s can experience this condition too. Between 8–26% of males between the ages of 20 and 40 have ED.

ED is the most common sexual health condition among males, and it can produce frustration and embarrassment. But know that you’re not alone, and seeking professional help is key to finding the best course of treatment. 

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