Contrary to the common belief that bedroom problems are mainly a concern for older men, younger individuals are also encountering these issues.
Erectile dysfunction affects millions of men worldwide at some stage in their lives.
The causes of this condition are varied. Some research indicates that a deficiency in vitamin D might play a role in its development.
Diet is another contributing factor. Foods like watermelon are said to be beneficial for erectile dysfunction and enhance sperm quality, whereas foods high in saturated and trans fats can have negative effects.
A widespread myth about erectile dysfunction is that it primarily affects older men. However, data suggests that a significant number of young men are also seeking assistance for this condition.
Dr. Babak, a GP at Superdrug Online Doctor, has noted that men aged 35 and under now make up over half of all erectile dysfunction consultations. The demand for help among this group has risen by approximately 45 percent over the last decade.
Rather than age being the primary factor, young men are dealing with ‘penis anxiety’ due to worries about performance.
Performance anxiety occurs when the pressure to perform sexually hinders the enjoyment of intimacy.
While occasional nervousness is normal, especially with a new partner, persistent anxiety can lead to erection difficulties and make erectile dysfunction a recurring problem. But what’s causing this increase in ED among younger men?
Dr. Babak points out that social media might be contributing to young men’s bedroom anxiety.
“The rise of mental health content on social media platforms also plays a role in fueling performance anxiety,” he stated.
“More than half of the most popular mental health videos on TikTok are misleading or potentially harmful. A lot of this online advice turns complex mental health issues into bite-sized trends, often confusing ordinary feelings with clinical anxiety and offering unrealistic ‘quick fix’ solutions.”
Dr. Babak further explained, “For young men already navigating the pressures of sex and masculinity, this steady stream of misinformation can deepen self-doubt and increase the risk of anxiety-linked erectile dysfunction.”
Unrealistic depictions in adult films can lead men to believe their bedroom performance is lacking.
“The unrealistic portrayals of sex and relationships online create expectations that simply don’t reflect real life,” Dr. Babak cautioned.
He added, “Many men experience performance anxiety because they compare themselves to unrealistic standards they see online, in porn, social media, or other ‘perfect’ portrayals which fuels self-doubt and makes erectile dysfunction more likely. It’s important to remember that what you see on screen is performance, not reality.”
Stress levels among young people are at an all-time high. A survey conducted in 2023 by the American Psychological Association found that 18 to 34-year-olds rated their average stress level at six out of 10.
“Busy schedules, lack of sleep, and the constant juggle of work, fitness, and relationships can leave men mentally too drained to enjoy intimacy,” says Dr. Babak. “Prioritising downtime, building in exercise, and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing can help calm the nervous system and improve sexual wellbeing.”