The 10 little-known causes of erectile dysfunction – as men in their 30s are most at risk
ERECTILE dysfunction affects most men at some point in their lives — but not everyone knows what causes it.
Having trouble performing in the bedroom is usually associated with older men.
However, a recent survey of found men in their 30s are most likely to have ED or know someone who does.
Experts at UK Meds polled around 1,000 men in May this year, finding the affliction can strike earlier than most experts thought.
ED affects around 4.3million men in Britain and is usually considered to be more common in people in their 40s or older, according to the NHS.
It can be caused by stress, tiredness or drinking too much, but could also be a sign of more serious complications if it happens regularly.
These include high blood pressure or cholesterol, diabetes, depression, anxiety and hormone problems.
The health service recommends you see your GP if it keeps occuring.
The experts at UK Meds put together a list of 10 other little-known causes that could bring on ED in younger men, as well as older ones.
1. Cycling
Cycling can be great for your heart and reduce the risk of longer term conditions that could bring on ED.
However, spending hours on a hard or narrow bike seat can compress the nerves and blood vessels in the area between your penis and anus.
This can bring on problems with getting erections.
Experts recommend using a well-padded seat and adjusting how you are sitting to reduce your risk.
2. Substance abuse
Alcohol has been the downfall of many when it comes to standing to attention at the end of the night.
Illegal drugs and smoking can also be a problem, however, because they affect the circulatory and nervous systems in similar ways.
Any disruption to these symptoms can stand in the way of achieving an erection and overusing substances can increase your risk.
3. Medication side effects
Drugs like antidepressants, antihistamines and blood pressure medication can also make erectile dysfunction more likely.
They can also affect the blood and nervous systems, resulting in ED as a side effect.
4. Sleep apnoea
Snoring and interrupted breathing while asleep can lower how much oxygen gets into your body.
This can affect whether you are able to get an erection while you’re awake.
Experts recommend getting treatment for sleep apnoea if you suffer from it to improve sexual health.
5. Hormonal imbalances
Erectile dysfunction can also be a sign something is going wrong with your hormone levels.
Imbalances in the chemicals, particularly if testosterone is too low, can affect your sexual function.
Doctors can give you a hormone level check if they suspect something is wrong and address the issue if they find it.
6. Peyronie’s disease
Scar tissue developing in the penis is known as Peyronie’s disease.
It can cause the organ to curve and lead to difficulties with getting or maintaining an erection.
The condition is most common in men over the age of 40 and can be a result of penile injury or trauma.
7. Penile injury or trauma
Hitting or cutting your penis can also increase your risk of erectile dysfunction independently.
They can cause structural damage and any injury should be given early medical attention to minimise long-term issues.
8. Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease can lead to hormonal problems and issues with your circulatory system.
It can be caused by different factors including high blood pressure, smoking and obesity.
Experts say proper management of kidney disease, along with consultation with a healthcare professional, can help address any concerns.
9. Pelvic floor dysfunction
Having a weak pelvic floor — the muscles between the tailbone and pubic bone — or suffering any other problems with it can restrict blood flow and nerve signals to your penis.
This can result in erectile dysfunction and is more common in obese people or those who have health problems that cause them to cough a lot.
Pelvic floor exercises can help improve your erectile dysfunction if this is a problem for you.
10. Psychological factors
Stress and performance anxiety are two of the biggest issues affecting erectile dysfunction.
Relationship issues in the bedroom can increase performance anxiety, worsening the problem.
Experts advise talking to your partner to help alleviate the anxiety.