A common misconception among males in their 30s is that erectile dysfunction (ED) only affects older men. However, because ED can be triggered by both physical and psychological factors, it’s not unusual for men to experience symptoms of ED at an earlier age.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction in Men?
There are numerous reasons for why men experience symptoms of ED. Atherosclerosis, for example, is a disease that blocks a patient’s arteries with plaque buildup and can affect a male’s ability to produce healthy blood flow and oxygen to the penis. In fact, ED may be a sign of atherosclerosis, and if left untreated, can lead to heart attack or stroke. Additionally, men who smoke regularly may be at a higher risk of experiencing ED, regardless of age, as nicotine can restrict the amount of healthy blood flow that is needed to produce or maintain an erection.
Other physical causes of erectile dysfunction include:
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Obesity
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Diabetes or high blood pressure
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Injury to your genital or prostate area
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Low testosterone
In addition to the physical components that can affect a man’s sex drive and cause ED, there are many psychological factors that contribute to erectile dysfunction, including
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Stress
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Low self-esteem
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Depression
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Anxiety
When a patient is experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety, whether job-related, marital, or financial, it can lead to depression. Depression creates an imbalance of chemicals in your brain, and because sexual arousal starts in the brain, depression can reduce your desire for sexual activity. In fact, men in their 30s and up, who tend to overindulge in alcohol consumption can experience occasional ED, as alcohol is a depressant. Further, if you are experiencing depression, certain antidepressant medications used to treat the illness may also negatively impact your sexual drive by disrupting hormone production or blood circulation.
How to Treat Erectile Dysfunction:
Each patient will experience ED differently. For example, you may experience ED occasionally or more frequently than other patients, and the physical or emotional factors contributing to your condition will vary as well. Therefore, it’s important that you contact a men’s health clinic near you to find the best approach to treating your individual health condition. At EveresT Men’s Health, our team of male health experts will evaluate your symptoms and goals to create a personalized treatment plan that helps you achieve optimal health. From medical weight loss plans and treatment of high blood pressure and diabetes to hormone replacement therapy, our medical services are designed to provide a safe, effective solution to managing your symptoms and treating the underlining causes of your condition.
For more information about erectile dysfunction or to schedule a consultation with our men’s health clinic in MN, contact EveresT Men’s Health today!