Erectile dysfunction is often thought of as a problem confined to older men, but a study by a UK pharmacy has found that half of men in their thirties struggle to get an erection¹.
It’s easy to see where the misconception lies – erectile dysfunction is associated with the kind of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases that are common in men over fifty. So why are so many young men struggling to enjoy a fulfilling sex life?
Some experts believe that the problem is a psychological one. Almost half of the men who took part in the study, cited stress at work and home, as a probable cause. So severe is the problem that a third of men reported breaking up with their partner as a result.
Psychological causes
Stress, anxiety, and fatigue can all have a devastating impact on your libido. With so much on your mind, it can be difficult to ‘let go’ when you get into the bedroom, and one bad night can lead to performance anxiety that turns into a bigger problem.
The rush of hormones you get with anxiety can lead to a narrowing of the blood vessels, which restricts blood flow to the penis and prevents a full erection.
Medication is also part of the problem. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (or SSRIs) used to treat depression can cause low libido and erectile dysfunction. Not good news if you’re already experiencing a lack of interest in activities you normally enjoy.
Could porn be to blame?
Another possible cause of erectile dysfunction in younger men is the prevalence of porn among this age group. Dr Anand Patel, a GP specialising in sexual health, explains that some men can hold an erection while watching porn, but struggle with their partner.
“When you’re in your teens watching pornography, that is your learned sexual experience. It becomes your brain’s way of relating to sex and it’s hugely problematic.²”
Porn-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED) is a side-effect of this. Men who are used to associating pleasure with what they see on a screen are not used to the physicality of being with another person, and this can be difficult for them to process.
Uncovering the problem
The full extent of erectile dysfunction in men under the age of 40 is still unknown, and some GPs believe that this group is suffering in silence because the stigma that surrounds men’s sexual health is preventing them from seeking help.
Only 28% of the men surveyed asked for help from their GP, and just 9% had discussed it with another male family member. The same study found that a third of men between 18 and 60 hadn’t spoken to anyone about their problem.
A spokeswoman said:
“The results of the survey clearly show that erectile dysfunction is something that’s having a huge impact on almost half of the male population in the UK.“It’s with this in mind that we want to de-stigmatise any negative misconceptions and start talking about impotence and normalising it, to help men feel good, know they’re not alone and know they’re not being judged.³”
Men suffering with erectile dysfunction are increasingly looking to the Internet for confidential help that saves them from the embarrassment of a trip to their doctor. One in five men in their thirties have turned to sources other than their GP for Viagra.
Can Viagra help?
Viagra is a brand name for a type of tablet known as sildenafil – a fast, effective treatment for men suffering from erectile dysfunction. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which not only helps a man get an erection but also maintains it.
Sildenafil is available to buy online from Post My Meds following a short consultation with one of our registered pharmacists. As with all medicines, we need to check that it is safe for you to take sildenafil before we prescribe it. In particular, we will ask you if:
Buying Viagra – or sildenafil – from an online pharmacy is an alternative way for men to seek help without having to visit their GP surgery. We use non-descript, discreet packaging to maintain confidentiality for our customers.
When to see your GP
It is uncommon for men in their 30s to suffer from erectile dysfunction because of an underlying health condition, but it is possible. Impotence can be an early warning sign of such things as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
If you’re worried you should seek help from your doctor and consider making some lifestyle changes. Surprisingly, 24% of the men surveyed, blamed heavy drinking for the problems they were experiencing in the bedroom.
A bad diet, smoking, and not enough exercise can all contribute to erectile dysfunction, but with the right help these things can be improved.
It’s particularly important to reach out to someone, if you are struggling with low mood, stress, or anxiety. If you are diagnosed with depression your GP may be able to prescribe medication or refer you to counselling for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
The next steps
Erectile dysfunction is more common than most people realise and is not confined to older men, but as this study has shown, it’s also prevalent among men in their thirties. In fact, most men will experience it at some point in their lives, and whatever their age, they will look for help to regain their confidence in bed.
Buying erectile dysfunction medication like sildenafil online is a discreet way of treating the problem so you can start enjoying intimacy with your partner again. Rest assured that Post My Meds is not only a registered online pharmacy, but our complete range of erectile dysfunction treatments are licensed by the UK authorities.
Find out more about how we work, and start your journey to a happier sex life.
