A group of specialists has shared their thoughts on why more young men are reporting erectile dysfunction (ED) — and what could be driving it.
ED is most commonly associated with men aged 40 and above, but younger men can experience it as well.
Figures cited by Cleveland Clinic suggest that about 52 percent of men aged 40 to 70 deal with ED in some form.
In older men, one potential reason is the range of prescriptions often used to manage long-term health conditions, which can sometimes affect sexual function.
Dr. Jason B. Carter, a board-certified urologist and medical advisor to Aeroflow Urology, explained to the New York Post: “When we see an older patient come to the office and they have ED, they often have some combination of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and medications to treat those conditions, which can contribute to ED, along with some underlying cardiovascular disease.”
But physical health factors aren’t the only possible contributors. Rocky Tishma, co-founder of Manhattan Sex Therapy Group, said biology can play a role too.
He also noted a rise in younger men seeking help, often after medical tests show no obvious physical cause: “Recently, a lot of younger men are coming in after going through a primary care provider or a urologist and finding there’s nothing wrong physiologically.”
So what explains it? Some experts believe the cause is frequently psychosomatic.
Dr. Leon Telis, a board-certified urologist and director of the Men’s Health Program at Mount Sinai Hospital, explained to NYP: “A very large portion of ED in younger men is what’s called psychosomatic, basically stress and anxiety-induced.”
Another pattern clinicians report hearing is that some patients can get an erection during masturbation, but struggle when they’re with a partner.
“It ends up being a lot of stress, anxiety and psychological issues that are keeping them from being able to show up in their body how they want to when they’re interacting with another person,” said Tishma.
Some also point to the adult entertainment industry as a possible influence, arguing that it can create unrealistic expectations and add pressure for young men.
Watching porn can actually affect how both men and women reach orgasm, sex expert Annabelle Knight said.
“Porn isn’t inherently harmful, and for many people it can be a healthy part of sexual exploration,” she said. “The issue arises when it becomes someone’s primary reference point for what sex ‘should’ look like.”
“Most mainstream porn is performance-based, it’s designed for visual impact, not emotional connection, mutual pleasure or realistic pacing,” Annabelle added.