I'm in My 30s: Why Am I Experiencing ED at This Age?

You’re 30-something and at the peak of vitality, so dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED) is unsettling, to say the least. 

But you’re not alone — about 26% of men in their 30s face this challenge. 

That stat may not comfort you, but this one will: About 95% of erectile dysfunction cases are treatable. 

Hellen Ndungu, FNP at Rebuil-T Healthcare, has been helping men throughout Georgetown, Texas, reclaim their sexual function for years and can help you get to the bottom of your ED. 

Here’s what you need to know about ED in younger men and what to do about it.

Erectile dysfunction basics

Erectile dysfunction is when you can’t achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. While it’s more common as men age, it can also affect those in their 30s.

ED isn’t just about occasional mishaps. It’s a recurrent problem that affects your self-esteem and relationships. 

ED and age

Aging changes your body. As a man, you’re susceptible to lower testosterone levels, decreased blood flow, and less elastic blood vessels — all factors that contribute to ED.

Aging also goes hand in hand with common health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, which can also affect your ability to achieve an erection. 

Age can even accentuate the effects of your lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor diet — more factors that relate to ED.

ED in my 30s: Why me?

If you think you’re too young to experience ED, you don’t know all the causes of the problem. Aging is only one potential factor. Many others are common in men of all ages — even 30-year-olds. Here are the most common causes of ED in younger men:

1. Hormonal imbalances

Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, plays a big role in erectile dysfunction. When your testosterone levels drop (low T), a decreased libido and ED typically follow. 

Stress, poor diet, and underlying health conditions can cause hormonal imbalances and low T.

2. Poor diet and lack of exercise

If you sit around all day, whether at a desk job or on the couch, your sedentary lifestyle could be the reason you’re having ED issues. 

Couple that with a diet of junk food, fast food, and processed food, and you have a perfect recipe for obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, all of which are linked to ED. 

3. Smoking 

Smoking can damage blood vessels, reducing blood flow throughout your body, including to the penis. 

4. Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption interferes with the signals between your brain and your body that are necessary for an erection.

5. Stress 

The pressures of building a career in your 30s are intense and can affect your bedroom performance.

Also, the pressures of work, family, and societal expectations often peak in your 30s, stressing you out enough to affect your performance. 

6. Depression and anxiety

Mental health plays a crucial role in sexual performance. In addition to stress, anxiety and depression can lead to or worsen ED. 

The pressure to perform well sexually can also cause anxiety and lead to ED.

7. Relationship problems

Relationship issues can also affect your sexual performance. Addressing any underlying problems with your partner can improve your sexual health.

8. Health conditions

Diabetes damages your blood vessels and nerves, both of which are crucial for an erection. 

Heart diseases can limit blood flow to the penis, making it difficult to achieve an erection. 

9. Prescription drugs

Some medications, including antidepressants and blood pressure drugs, can cause ED. 

10. Substance abuse

Illicit drugs can affect your sexual performance. 

How to treat ED in your 30s

The best treatment for ED in your 30s depends entirely on the underlying cause.

If your lifestyle choices are the culprits, adopting healthier habits can significantly improve ED. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quitting smoking can make a big difference.

Health management

If an underlying health condition is behind your ED, we may prescribe medication to control it and relieve your ED symptoms simultaneously. 

Therapy

For relationship problems, stress management, and mental health issues, professional talk therapy can address the psychological factors contributing to ED.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy

At Rebui-T Healthcare, we offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to restore your body’s natural rhythm and function. If you suffer from low T, you may find that BHRT or low T therapy improves your love life and overall energy and health.

Experiencing ED in your 30s is more common than you might think, and the solution is easier than you might imagine.

Call Rebuil-T Healthcare or request an appointment online to learn more.