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Causes of Erectile Dysfunction in Teenagers
Erectile dysfunction, common in the elderly, occasionally strikes a teenage male [3](https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/urology/erectile-dysfunction 'inline-reference::Erectile dysfunction. (n.d.).
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
')[5](https://clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/endocrinology/erectile-dysfunction 'inline-reference::Lakin M, et al.
(2018).
Erectile dysfunction. ')8. Defined as an inability to maintain an erect penis, erectile dysfunction can stem from several causes 358. Treating the disorder during the teen years is important to future sexual health, according to a "Reuters Health" article entitled, "Treating ED in Teens Key to Future Well-Being." Discerning the cause of impotence is often the deciding factor in choosing between available treatment modalities.
Performance Anxiety
A teenager engaging in one of his first sexual experiences is apt to develop performance anxiety, often due to believing his partner has high expectations of his sexual performance.
If he has one bad experience, this anxiety may be heightened in future sexual attempts.
Poor self-esteem, leading to a negative internal dialogue, can also be a source of performance anxiety. Massachusetts General Hospital for Children explains that performance anxiety causes the brain to release chemicals that constrict the muscles inside the blood vessels that normally enlarge the penis, making an erection impossible.
- A teenager engaging in one of his first sexual experiences is apt to develop performance anxiety, often due to believing his partner has high expectations of his sexual performance.
Guilt
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Guilt may plague a teenager as he attempts to masturbate or engage in sex with a partner. The guilt may be related to the identity of his partner, such as his cousin or his friend's girlfriend. More often, however, the guilt is a manifestation of being taught that masturbation or sex is "dirty" or "wrong" by his family or religious authority figures.
- Guilt may plague a teenager as he attempts to masturbate or engage in sex with a partner.
- More often, however, the guilt is a manifestation of being taught that masturbation or sex is "dirty" or "wrong" by his family or religious authority figures.
Blood Vessel Blockage
Some teen erectile dysfunction is due to blood vessel blockage [3](https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/urology/erectile-dysfunction 'inline-reference::Erectile dysfunction. (n.d.).
')58. This occurs in the vicinity of the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis when sexual arousal is experienced. Ultrasound testing can determine if such a blockage exists.
- Some teen erectile dysfunction is due to blood vessel blockage 3. ')
- Ultrasound testing can determine if such a blockage exists.
Low Testosterone Level
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The sex hormone testosterone plays an integral part in the achievement of an erection. Some adolescent males have a low testosterone level, which can cause occasional or total impotence.
Occasionally, this low testosterone in a male is due to the use of anabolic steroids--drugs used in an attempt to achieve additional muscular mass or strength. A blood test can determine if testosterone levels are low.
- The sex hormone testosterone plays an integral part in the achievement of an erection.
- Occasionally, this low testosterone in a male is due to the use of anabolic steroids--drugs used in an attempt to achieve additional muscular mass or strength.
Excessive Bicycling
Excessive bicycling can injure the genital region, leading to erectile dysfunction, states the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children 358. The number of hours that must be spent cycling before injury occurs may vary according to seat type and bicycle type.
Antidepressants
A type of antidepressant drug known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) can cause impotence.
In particular, the SSRI, paroxetine (Paxil) has been associated with sexual side-effects. Occasionally, medication besides antidepressants may also be at fault.
Alcohol Misuse
Heavy alcohol use can lead to erectile dysfunction [1](https://www.auanet.org/guidelines/erectile-dysfunction-(ed)-guideline 'inline-reference::Burnett AL, et al. Erectile dysfunction: AUA Guideline (2018). (2018).
')35. The Mayo Clinic explains that the abuse of other drugs causes some cases of impotence as well.
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References
- Burnett AL, et al. Erectile dysfunction: AUA Guideline (2018). (2018).
- Capogrosso P, et al. (2013). One patient out of four with newly diagnosed erectile dysfunction is a young man — worrisome picture from the everyday clinical practice. DOI:
- Erectile dysfunction. (n.d.).
- Highlights of prescribing information: Androgel 1.62 %. (2019).
- Lakin M, et al. (2018). Erectile dysfunction.
- Muse — alprostadil suppository. (2018).
- Papagiannopoulos D, et al. (2015). Evaluation of young men with organic erectile dysfunction. DOI:
- What is erectile dysfunction? (2018).
- Williams D. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction.
- Khan S, Amjad A, Rowland D. Potential for Long-Term Benefit of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as an Adjunct Treatment for Men with Erectile Dysfunction. J Sex Med. 2019;16(2):300-306. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.12.014
- Allen MS. Physical activity as an adjunct treatment for erectile dysfunction. Nat Rev Urol. 2019;16(9):553-562. doi:10.1038/s41585-019-0210-6
- Fergus KB, Gaither TW, Baradaran N, Glidden DV, Cohen AJ, Breyer BN. Exercise Improves Self-Reported Sexual Function Among Physically Active Adults. J Sex Med. 2019;16(8):1236-1245. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.04.020
- Chambers SK, Chung E, Wittert G, Hyde MK. Erectile dysfunction, masculinity, and psychosocial outcomes: a review of the experiences of men after prostate cancer treatment. Transl Androl Urol. 2017;6(1):60-68. doi:10.21037/tau.2016.08.12
- Dorey G. Partners' perspective of erectile dysfunction: literature review. Br J Nurs. 2001;10(3):187-95. doi:10.12968/bjon.2001.10.3.5382
- Kessler A, Sollie S, Challacombe B, Briggs K, Van hemelrijck M. The global prevalence of erectile dysfunction: a review. BJU Int. 2019. doi:10.1111/bju.14813
- Wassersug R, Wibowo E. Non-pharmacological and non-surgical strategies to promote sexual recovery for men with erectile dysfunction. Transl Androl Urol. 2017;6(Suppl 5):S776-S794. doi:10.21037/tau.2017.04.09
Writer Bio
J. Lucy Boyd, RN, BSN has written several nonfiction books including "The Complete Guide to Healthy Cooking and Nutrition for College Students." She is frequently called upon to provide career guidance to medical professionals and advice to parents of children with challenges. She also loves teaching others to cook for their families.