When it comes to our health, many of us are very aware of the perils posed by a sedentary lifestyle and the dangers of unhealthful eating habits. There are also those insidious health concerns that can surface without warning, such as heart disease and erectile dysfunction (or “impotence” as it’s often referred to in the United States). So when a medication is advertised as a “miracle pill” that can dramatically improve our sex lives and help us maintain an erection for prolonged periods of time, it naturally follows that many of us would be eager to try it. After all, who wouldn’t want to be able to pop a pill and solve any sexual problems that may arise?
The fact is, while Viagra (sildenafil) is effective at treating erection problems in men, it’s not exactly the miracle pill that it’s been made out to be. In fact, Viagra is extremely helpful for those with erectile dysfunction who also happen to be younger than 40. But what is it about younger men that makes them more susceptible to developing erectile dysfunction? Is it a genetic predisposition? A result of their busy schedules? Or is it something more complicated than that?
A Genetic Predisposition
If we look at the statistics, it would seem that men are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction as they get older. According to the American Medical Association, about 75% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 will experience some kind of erection problem. For younger men, the figure is much higher. A whopping 93% of men ages 18 to 39 experience some form of erectile dysfunction. And for those aged 40 or above, the figure drops to 71%.
But before you start popping pills to help with your erections, it’s important to consider the root cause of your issue. Sometimes, erectile dysfunction is a symptom of a more serious medical condition, and in those cases, treatment may be required. For instance, if your doctor suspects that you have diabetes, they may prescribe you a drug for the condition, known as metformin. This medication has been shown to improve both erectile function and mood in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
A Hectic Schedule
Nowadays, many younger men can’t sit still for long enough to play video games. So it’s not surprising that a lot of them get bored and turn to internet pornography or adult videos for their erotic fix. This often results in them spending more time in front of a screen than with a real-life partner. Studies have shown that too much screen time, particularly in younger men, is linked with erectile dysfunction. According to the American Medical Association, among those between the ages of 18 and 24, excessive screen time results in poor quality of life, low mood, and trouble keeping a job. So it really is a case of “use it or lose it” when it comes to your sex life!
A Bad Eating Habits
A high-salt diet can also put a serious dent in your sex life. When your penis becomes engorged with blood, it naturally follows that the blood is now carrying more oxygen. So if you’re regularly eating a diet that’s high in salt, you may experience a decrease in the amount of blood that courses through your penis, which in turn will put a serious dent in your erection quality. This is why it’s important to watch what you eat and stay hydrated, especially if you’re taking Viagra or other medications that increase blood pressure. In addition to that, drinking alcohol can also cause you to lose interest in sex, as it often does with older men. Although drinking in moderation isn’t harmful, it’s still a major turn-off for those who are already struggling with low libido.
What can you do to boost your sexual health and performance? It starts with proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, but you may also need to look into what’s making you sluggish in the first place. If you suspect that stress is a contributing factor to your sexual issues, you may want to consider seeing a psychologist or mental health professional. They can help you figure out how to improve your mood and get you back on track so you can start having fun again.