Definition
The repeated inability to get and maintain a hard erection is called erectile dysfunction (ED). Unlike other sexual conditions, such as the inability to ejaculate or a disinterest in sex altogether, erectile dysfunction deals only with a man's ability to hold an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse. While most men experience an occasional bout of dysfunction, it's when the condition happens on a regular basis that men become anxious and should seek help. Whether the dysfunction happens during sex or a man has trouble attaining an erection in the first place, if it is a persistent problem, he may be suffering from erectile dysfunction.
Age
The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) reports that ED affects about 5 percent of men 40 and younger. Older men, nearer to 65 have a much higher incidence of the condition because they are more likely to be taking medications that can interfere with sexual performance, be suffering from a disease that affects their function or have impaired circulation. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by any number of factors in men of all ages. Young men particularly should be concerned as the condition could be a sign of a more serious disease such as diabetes, circulatory or vascular problems, muscular dystrophy or a hormone imbalance. Injury to the nervous system in the spinal cord or near the groin could easily interfere with the blood flow needed to get and maintain an erection. Men who ride bicycles are at risk of developing pinched nerves that could inhibit the flow of blood to the penis.
Environment
Outside contributors to ED must be considered especially if the young man does wake up in the morning with an erection. Nocturnal erections are common in young men and indicate the physical capability of the penis to get hard. Males under 20 typically have three to five erections per night. When physical issues are ruled out, doctors typically look at lifestyle habits. Smoking, alcohol and drug consumption can greatly affect the ability to get an erection. Doctors at the Urology Institute report that alcohol abuse diminishes the libido. They go on to report that in addition to drugs, obesity, stress, poor self-image and unhealthy eating and exercise habits can lead to temporary erectile dysfunction.
