A lot is going on in a man's life once he hits his glorious thirties. His career is hitting its stride, he’s likely made some big relationship decisions, he may have kids, and he may have traveled the world and done big things on a community level. However, one thing he may not have counted on encountering in his thirties is erectile dysfunction. This penis problem, thought to only happen to older men, is actually quite common in younger men as well. Let's talk about erectile dysfunction, why it happens, and how to treat it.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED, is a condition in which a man either cannot get an erection or cannot maintain one long enough to sustain intercourse to completion. Men can experience mild, occasional, or complete ED at any age. According to a study published in a respected industry journal, about 1 in 4 men under 40 years old was found to have some form of erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is also a penis problem where the risk increases with age.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

There is a range of causes of erectile dysfunction. In younger men, nearly all of them are treatable or preventable. They fall under 2 categories: physical and psychological.

Physical Causes

When talking about younger men, the physical causes of erectile dysfunction are frequently tied to lifestyle and general health.

Health factors include:

• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Low testosterone
• High blood pressure
• Atherosclerosis

Lifestyle factors include:

• Smoking
• Alcoholism
• Sedentary lifestyle

Psychological Causes

Erectile dysfunction can also be caused by psychological or emotional issues. Intimate or romantic relationships can also have a big impact on a man’s penis. Here are a few of the emotional/psychological issues that can cause ED:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Relationship discord
• Cheating
• Performance anxiety

Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction

No matter the cause, ED is a very treatable penis problem with the help of a good doctor and some lifestyle modifications. The first thing a man needs to do is quite simple: tell his doctor about his erectile dysfunction.

Expect to discuss additional things such as:

• Sexual history in general
• Current sexual status and activity level
• Relationship status and issues
• Questions about mental and physical health

A man must be brutally honest so that his doctor can accurately treat his ED. A man should expect a physical exam as well. A referral to a urologist alsomay be part of the process.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment: Prescription Medications

Let’s get the best-known treatment out of the way; however, these are usually just temporarily treating the symptom, not the underlying issue.

Prescription medications, like Viagra, work by encouraging blood flow to the penis when it’s sexually stimulated. These medications must be prescribed, are usually quite expensive, and might not be covered by insurance.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment: Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle changes are one of the best ways to treat and prevent erectile dysfunction in younger and older men alike. The following recommendations can help reverse ED and prevent it:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes each day and break a sweat
• Quit smoking
• Eat a healthy, colorful diet
• Limit alcohol consumption to 1 to 2 drinks per day
• Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each day
• Find a way to manage stress, such as meditation or yoga

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment: Devices and Injections

In some of the more serious cases of ED, a doctor may recommend a different course of treatment, which can include things like:

• Testosterone replacement therapy
• Injection therapy
• Penis implants

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment: Supplements

If a man is uncomfortable taking medication for erectile dysfunction, he has other more natural options. He may want to take herbal supplements like L-arginine and yohimbe. Be sure to talk to a doctor first, though, to ensure that they don’t have contraindications with any medications that they already might be taking. 

Many men choose to use another natural option, aspecially formulated penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven mild and safe for skin). These types of oils include vitamin C and L-arginine, known vasodilators, to boost erections, as well as vitamins A, B, D, and E and antioxidants in a nurturing shea butter base to keep the penis flexible and supple. Apply once or twice each day for best results.