Erectile Dysfunction in Teenagers: Causes and Solutions

Q: Erectile Dysfunction in Teenagers: Causes and Solutions

Hello： If possible, it's best to seek medical attention. <br>If you cannot see a doctor, complete abstinence is not necessary; you can engage in DIY once every 2-3 days. <br>Try to avoid watching explicit content. <br>Additionally, maintain regular exercise and sleep patterns, an

Unable to achieve an erection while masturbating to adult films?

Hello Doctor, I am currently a senior in high school.
I started watching pornography in the third grade of elementary school and began masturbating in the fifth grade.
After entering high school, the frequency increased to at least once a day, and sometimes on weekends, I would do it 3 to 4 times a day.
About six months ago (in April of this year), I noticed a decline in the hardness of my erections and the sensitivity of my penis while watching pornography and masturbating.
During the period of school closures due to the pandemic and the summer vacation (from May to August), I masturbated even more frequently.
Even though the hardness was not as good as before, I maintained a high frequency of masturbation, sometimes even ejaculating while in a semi-erect state.
Recently (from late August to November), I found that I could not achieve an erection at all without manual stimulation while watching pornography (it was in a completely flaccid state).
Even with manual stimulation, it was difficult to achieve an erection (about 40% hardness), and I would lose my erection immediately if I got distracted.
I suspect that the long-term exposure to extreme and highly stimulating pornography and frequent masturbation has led to sensory and nerve desensitization.
Therefore, I tried abstaining for a few days before attempting to masturbate again, managing to abstain for up to 8 days (I have a high sex drive, so it is difficult to maintain abstinence).
After this period, I noticed a return to about 80% hardness, but when I tried to masturbate again the next day, it returned to a flaccid state.
I also tried watching various types of pornography or revisiting some of my old favorites, but it was still difficult to achieve an erection.
However, during the abstinence period, I occasionally experienced spontaneous erections that were not due to sexual stimulation, such as getting an erection unexpectedly during class, with a hardness of about 80%.
Regarding morning erections, I have not experienced them for about two years, and there were none during the abstinence period.
Is this normal for someone my age? I currently have a girlfriend, and while we have not engaged in sexual intercourse, we have been intimate.
Previously, I would easily get aroused when we met, such as holding hands, hugging, or smelling her hair.
Recently, during these interactions, I have not been able to achieve an erection unless I engage in stimulating actions like rubbing her chest or using my penis to stimulate her buttocks.
The hardness is not as strong as before; it used to be fully hard and difficult to subside, but now it is about 70-80% hard and subsides more quickly.
I remember that during elementary and middle school, I could achieve an erection and have excellent hardness just by fantasizing or watching pornographic images and videos, and I had morning erections every day.
Now, at my age in high school, the hardness is noticeably less, and I can hardly feel the "rock-hard" sensation I used to have in middle school, and I have completely lost morning erections for over two years.
Now, I am facing the issue of not being able to achieve an erection while watching pornography and masturbating, which has been ongoing for about six months.
Should I see a urologist? I feel that at my age, I should not be experiencing these issues, but the symptoms have persisted for quite a while and seem to be worsening, which has troubled me for a long time.
I am currently preparing for college entrance exams and do not have much time to seek medical attention, but I am afraid that delaying it will cause me to miss the optimal treatment window and make the problem more complicated.
I am very worried that in the near future, when I try to engage in sexual intercourse with my girlfriend, I will not be able to achieve an erection.
I love my girlfriend very much, and I do not want to disappoint or hurt her or break up because of this.
Doctor, should I seek medical attention as soon as possible? Or can I wait until after the exams (in about 80 days) to see a doctor? Or is it unnecessary to seek medical attention? Should I try to abstain for more days (for example, one month)? I am 18 years old, in my senior year, 173 cm tall and weigh 63 kg.
Due to my studies, I often stay up late, usually going to bed around 2 AM.
I do not smoke or drink, but I have not been exercising much since entering high school.
Although I am preparing for exams, I believe I can rule out excessive academic pressure as a problem; I feel no academic pressure at all, and I study for my own enjoyment and find it enjoyable.
Thank you for your response, and I apologize for the lengthy message.
I appreciate your help.

A-Ming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/11/08

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: If possible, it's best to seek medical attention.
If you cannot see a doctor, complete abstinence is not necessary; you can engage in DIY once every 2-3 days.
Try to avoid watching explicit content.
Additionally, maintain regular exercise and sleep patterns, and limit the intake of greasy foods.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/11/08

More Info

Erectile dysfunction (ED) in teenagers is a complex issue that can stem from various psychological, physiological, and lifestyle factors. Your situation, as described, indicates a significant concern regarding changes in erectile function, which can understandably lead to anxiety, especially as you navigate relationships and intimacy.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that experiencing fluctuations in erectile function is not uncommon, particularly during adolescence. Hormonal changes, psychological stress, and lifestyle habits can all contribute to these variations. In your case, the frequent consumption of pornography and high-frequency masturbation may have desensitized your sexual response. This phenomenon, often referred to as "porn-induced erectile dysfunction," can occur when the brain becomes accustomed to high levels of stimulation from pornography, making it more challenging to achieve arousal in real-life situations.

Your observation of decreased sensitivity and difficulty achieving full erections, especially in the absence of direct stimulation, suggests that your body may be responding to these patterns. The fact that you have experienced a reduction in morning erections, which are typically a sign of healthy erectile function, is also noteworthy. Morning erections are largely driven by hormonal fluctuations during sleep, and their absence can indicate an underlying issue.

Given your age and the duration of these symptoms, it would be prudent to seek medical advice. While it may feel daunting to visit a urologist, addressing these concerns early can prevent further complications and help you regain confidence in your sexual health. A healthcare professional can provide a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, discussions about your sexual history, and possibly blood tests to assess hormone levels.

In the meantime, consider implementing some lifestyle changes that may help improve your situation. Reducing the frequency of pornography consumption and masturbation can allow your body to recalibrate its response to sexual stimuli. Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and ensuring adequate sleep can also positively influence your overall health and hormonal balance.
Additionally, managing stress through relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or meditation, can help alleviate anxiety that may be contributing to your erectile difficulties. It’s also essential to maintain open communication with your girlfriend about your feelings and concerns. This can foster intimacy and understanding, reducing performance anxiety during intimate moments.

While it’s understandable to want to wait until after your exams to seek help, delaying medical consultation could prolong your distress and potentially worsen the situation. If you find that your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s advisable to prioritize your health and seek assistance sooner rather than later.

In summary, your experiences with erectile dysfunction at a young age can be influenced by a range of factors, including lifestyle choices and psychological aspects. Seeking medical advice is a proactive step toward understanding and addressing your concerns. Remember, you are not alone in this, and many young men face similar challenges. Taking action now can lead to better outcomes in your sexual health and overall well-being.

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