Erectile dysfunction (ED) has transcended a problem of older men. More men in their 20s and 30s are taking erectile dysfunction (ED) medication or receiving treatments for erection problems. This trajectory indicates something deeper than just age as such, from stress and anxiety and lifestyle habits to increasing exposure to digital content.
And the stressors of modern life — long hours at work, inactivity, diet that lacks nutrition and sleep disruption — have made young men even more susceptible to these types of health problems. In addition is the ready access to porn, which has been associated with unrealistic expectations, performance anxiety and desensitization, all of which can lead to ED.
Dr Chirag Bhandari Men’s Health & Andrology Expert | Founder, IASH-Institute of Andrology and Sexual health explains to Moneycontrol that the rise in ED among younger men is primarily due to physical as well as psychological reasons. Underlying factors such as stress, depression and relationship problems are frequently dismissed but have a huge impact on sexual performance. When combined with lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension and obesity, the risks are even greater.
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With estimates indicating worldwide numbers of people with ED will hit 322 million by 2025, especially in Asia, it is important to raise awareness and promote good habits. Men can take steps to protect their sexual health — and overall health, too.
Mental Health Matters: With sexual health, the brain is as important as the body. Performance anxiety is a common problem in India, often triggered by the societal imposition to "prove" one's masculinity. Studies show that many men with treatment for erectile dysfunction also have anxiety or depression. Sexual function is far harder to maintain, for both men and women, when cortisol, the stress hormone, is suppressing testosterone.
The Secret Influence of Pornography: The sex lives of younger Indians have shifted due to the ready availability of online pornography. When we overdo it with porn, our self-doubts travel into the real world and create unreal expectations regarding sex. Porn-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED) is a phenomenon that some men have where they can have sex when porn is on, but not with a partner. One potential explanation, according to studies of psychiatric phenomena, is that the relentless newness of the internet hijacks the reward-seeking centres of the brain and demolishes our capacity for in-person intimacy.
Lifestyle Habits That Impact Your Sex Life?
● Sedentary lifestyle: People confined to sedate desk jobs and long commutes have become more inactive, which can result in diminished blood flow needed for erections.
● Obesity and poor diet: The Indian diet is high in refined carbs and fried foods, which can cause diabetes and high cholesterol—both of which are also risk factors for ED.
● Alcohol and smoking: While tobacco harms blood vessels, too much alcohol reduces testosterone. Both are common among Indian men living in urban areas.
● Bad sleep: Late-night work or screen time means less quality rest, which disrupts our hormone balance.
A 2023 India study found low physical activity and obesity directly lead to a higher ED prevalence, emphasizing that little changes can create actual change.
What Men Can Do: ED is treatable. Experts recommend a comprehensive approach.
● Visit a doctor for any of the following: - Underlying conditions should be excluded.
● Treat mental health with counseling or therapy such as CBT.
● Make lifestyle modifications including regular physical activity, a healthy diet and better sleep hygiene.
● Try couples therapy to lower performance anxiety and cultivate intimacy.
ED is not just a man’s disease for “old men” anymore.” That it’s a wake-up call for younger Indian men too about the damage of stress, porn and lifestyle is another matter. The appropriate treatment of ED allows one not only to regain lost sexual health, but also confidence as well as the quality of life through education about prevention and other methods for enhancing sexual satisfaction.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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