Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men: A Review of Prevalence and Risk Factors

The 2017 review indicated that erectile dysfunction (ED) in young men under 40 years is increasingly common, with prevalence estimates up to 30%. It identified both psychogenic and organic causes, including depression, anxiety, partner-related issues, vascular and structural conditions, endocrine disorders, neurogenic conditions, and medication side effects. Medications like antidepressants, NSAIDs, and finasteride were noted as potential contributors, with a study showing 1.4% of finasteride users had ED compared to 0.9% in the placebo group. The review also linked ED with underlying diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes and emphasized the importance of addressing both physical and psychological aspects for effective management. Treatment options for young men with ED included PDE5 inhibitors as the first-line treatment, intracavernosal injections, intraurethral suppositories, penile revascularization, and other treatments, while stem cell therapies were not recommended outside of clinical trials. The review stressed the need for clinicians to screen for and consider various risk factors when treating ED in younger men.