Is My Erectile Dysfunction a Concern at Age 23?
Greetings. I've been grappling with a distressing issue for the past couple of months and I feel the need to share my experience. At 23 years old, soon to be 24, my sexual health had always been stable—normal drive, healthy erections, and overall functioning. I've been in a committed relationship with my girlfriend for eight years, and she’s the only partner I've been with. For the last two years, I regularly consumed marijuana, but I made the decision to quit about 15 days ago, and I'm starting to feel much better; I’ve already gotten past the most challenging withdrawal symptoms. About a year ago, I noticed a change: my penis appeared more vascular, particularly with a vein on the left side that had not been visible before. After consulting a urologist, I was reassured that everything was normal after an ultrasound of my testicles returned fine results. Over the next year, I kept a close watch and observed that it seemed more engorged when I was under the influence of marijuana. During this time, though my erections began to feel slightly less firm, I was still capable of getting aroused and maintained my usual libido. However, towards the end of January this year, I encountered a troubling experience with my girlfriend—I was unable to achieve an erection. This incident occurred twice more since then. Although she was supportive and understanding, it has led to an increase in my anxiety, which likely exacerbates the situation. Additionally, I've noticed that I'm no longer waking up with erections (and when I do, they're noticeably less firm) and my desire to masturbate has dwindled. It’s not due to a deliberate choice or any commitment to abstain; rather, I simply don’t have the urge as frequently as I did before, when I would typically masturbate daily but sometimes skipped a day or two. Despite a couple of successful moments with my girlfriend since January, my erections are not as strong as they once were. They seem to register at around 70-80% firmness, and I feel as though I climax too quickly, potentially because I’m not masturbating as much. I’ve completely stopped smoking weed and I don’t smoke cigarettes anymore either; I’ve switched to snus, which I believe has been beneficial for my health. The thought of returning to the urologist fills me with anxiety, as I fear my concerns may not be taken seriously. I'm left wondering if my issues will resolve over time, possibly due to my previous marijuana use, or if there might be other underlying causes. This situation has been a significant drain on my mental well-being, and I’m genuinely frightened about what it means for my future. I truly do not wish to continue facing this problem.
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 9:11:15 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about changes in sexual health, especially at a young age. The combination of anxiety, lifestyle changes, and previous marijuana use may be contributing factors to your experience of erectile dysfunction (ED). Here’s a concise summary of the situation and some actionable steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Erectile dysfunction at your age can occur and may have various causes, including psychological stress, lifestyle factors, or changes due to substance use.
- Addressing anxiety and monitoring your overall health is crucial to improve your situation.
Explanation:
At 23, experiencing changes in erectile function can feel particularly alarming, but it's not unusual for young men to experience temporary issues due to stress, anxiety, lifestyle changes, or substance use. You mentioned past marijuana use and quitting recently, which might initially impact sexual function, but many men find improvement over time as their body readjusts.
Your worries are valid, especially given the anxiety surrounding these experiences, and they can create a cycle that exacerbates the problem. Reduced desire and spontaneous erections might be a side effect of anxiety and past habits rather than permanent changes.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of your experiences, noting when you have successful erections versus when you don't, along with any stressors you may be experiencing at those times. This can help you identify patterns and triggers.
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Practice Stress Reduction Techniques: Engage in activities that lower stress, such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or light exercise. These can help alleviate anxiety and improve libido.
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Focus on Communication: Maintain open dialogue with your girlfriend about your feelings. Her support can significantly relieve anxiety and build intimacy.
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Consider Lifestyle Adjustments: Concentrate on a healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a consistent sleep pattern. Staying hydrated and reducing caffeine or alcohol might also help in managing anxiety.
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Plan for Future Follow-up: If issues persist for several weeks or months, consider seeking a urologist's evaluation again. Prepare questions beforehand to ensure you feel heard and understood during your appointment.
While it can be daunting to think about following up with a healthcare provider, remember that they are there to help you. Many young men experience similar issues, and addressing them sooner rather than later can lead to better outcomes. You're not alone in this, and with the right approach, many men see improvements.
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