Most erectile dysfunction occurs to men over 40.  The causes are varied and include heart disease, diabetes, side effects of medication, and age related sexual dysfunction issues.

In the last few years there are more cases of erectile dysfunction in younger men.  Why?

As more young people under the age of 20 develop obesity due to poor diet and lack of exercise, this causes serious health effects.  Obesity can lead to several medical conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes.  These conditions can result in erectile dysfunction.  As more children develop obesity, the likelihood increases that these young men in their 20’s and 30’s can develop medical problems that result in erectile dysfunction.

Another reason erectile dysfunction can develop in the young is when they use Viagra that’s not prescribed for them.  Young people should not take this medication if they do not have an issue achieving or maintaining an erection suitable for sexual intercourse.  While it can seem fun to take Viagra to see how it can improve the erection, taking such medication can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves in the penis, which can cause permanent erectile problems.  This is due to the dangers of an erection lasting longer than 2-4 hours.

There are dangers in buying Viagra without a prescription over the internet.  Viagra can be expired and may not be effective, or it can be counterfeit Viagra made in illegal labs in China, Russia or elsewhere, using unknown and even unsafe dangerous ingredients.  Seized counterfeit Viagra made in China was found to contain lead, which can be deadly if consumed.

In some dance clubs, young men are mixing Viagra and alcohol or other drugs like Marijuana or Ecstasy, to allow men to have sex while high.  Viagra should never be taken with alcohol, illegal drugs or any other prescription drugs, since this can lower heart rate and blood pressure to dangerously low levels.  This illegal use of Viagra is leading to an increase in sexually transmitted diseases, unintended pregnancies, and performance anxiety.  Performance anxiety occurs when a man believes he needs Viagra to get and or maintain an erection.  He believes that if he doesn’t use it, he can’t perform.  When a person believes this, it can actually occur.

People who drink excessively or use drugs are more likely to experience symptoms of erectile dysfunction, because drugs and alcohol have an effect on the central nervous system.  Young men who began smoking cigarettes as children or in their teens have a higher instance of developing impotence at a young age.  As children engage in these unhealthy activities at a younger age, the likelihood of developing erectile dysfunction at a younger age increases.

Some young men can develop a negative self image, doubt their masculinity, or question how to have a healthy sexual relationship by viewing porn.  They see men with large penises satisfying women, but may not understand that various camera angles and lighting make the man appear larger, and that the moaning, number of orgasms, etc is an act, not reality.  This can lead to performance anxiety in the male, if he is unable to perform like the guy on the film, or is doing something wrong if the girl he is with is not moaning like the movie starlet he is watching.  Performance anxiety can lead to erectile dysfunction.

Although these situations have become more common, different choices made by the young men along way, can lead to different outcomes.