19-Year-Old Male Experiencing Erectile Dysfunction
At 19, I consider myself active and maintain a balanced diet, engaging regularly in cardiovascular exercise. I don’t smoke and only drink very occasionally. In the past, I frequently indulged in pornography and would sometimes masturbate up to four times daily, during which I still experienced strong erections—even after multiple attempts. However, a year ago, I had an incident during a more adventurous encounter where I bent my penis quite drastically (nearly to 180°). Although it didn’t hurt at the time, I now find myself questioning whether this could have caused any lasting damage. Since that incident, I’ve been facing difficulties achieving and maintaining erections. Unlike before, I can no longer become aroused just by thinking about it, and it seems that even images aren’t a reliable source of stimulation anymore. My morning erections have significantly diminished, occurring only when I oversleep or when I’m with my girlfriend. When I am with her, I often wake up aroused, but I notice a considerable amount of precum leakage. Sleep patterns appear to influence this as well. Additionally, I’m experiencing a couple of other concerning issues: 1. I find that I leak precum even just from kissing or cuddling, even when I’m not fully erect. 2. My penis now has developed a subtle curve to the left, which is the direction I previously attempted to bend it. Furthermore, I also deal with the frustration of premature ejaculation during intercourse. I tend to finish too quickly and struggle to regain an erection for a second round within ten minutes, which is incredibly disheartening and leaves me feeling like I’ve made a mess of my life. Currently, I can't afford to see a urologist, and the public healthcare option won't be available for several months. I'm at a loss about what steps I should take next. What are my options? I feel utterly overwhelmed by this situation.
Answers (1)
8/2/2025, 10:02:00 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your situation. It sounds like you’re experiencing a range of concerns related to your erectile function and sexual health, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. You're not alone in facing these challenges, and there are steps you can take to improve your situation.
Key Points:
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Awareness: You’re likely experiencing psychological or physical factors influencing your erectile function after the incident.
- Possible Causes: Changes in your responses, the curvature of your penis, and premature ejaculation can be linked to anxiety, stress, or potential physical changes from the past injury.
- Actionable Steps: There are self-care strategies to explore while you wait for professional help.
Understanding Your Situation:
- Erectile Dysfunction: ED can affect younger men due to stress, anxiety, hormonal issues, or injury-related trauma. It’s crucial to recognize that the psychological aspect can play a significant role, especially after an incident that caused distress.
- Physical Changes: The curvature may suggest a condition known as Peyronie's disease, often associated with an injury to the penis.
- Premature Ejaculation: This can result from anxiety or changes in arousal levels, which you have experienced.
Next Steps:
-
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Engage in practices like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce anxiety and improve your mental well-being. Stress can profoundly affect sexual function. Daily meditation can help ease anxiety and promote relaxation.
-
Healthy Sexual Practices:
- Communicate openly with your girlfriend about what you are experiencing. Building intimacy can help lessen performance anxiety.
- Focus on foreplay and take your time. This can also help in managing premature ejaculation.
-
Limit Pornography: Gradually reduce or stop watching pornography, as it may create unrealistic expectations and impact sexual function.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal tracking your symptoms, erections, mood changes, and any other relevant factors (like sleep). This can help you notice patterns and may assist a healthcare professional later when you can consult with one.
-
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Continue exercising, eat a balanced diet, and ensure you’re getting quality sleep. These factors all contribute to overall well-being and can positively affect erectile function.
-
Education and Resources: Research reputable sources on sexual health to gain more insights about your condition. Understanding the body can help in reducing anxiety about these issues.
Reminder:
If your symptoms don't improve or worsen, and you're able to access healthcare later, consider seeking professional help. Be reassured that many young men go through similar experiences, and many solutions are available. You're taking important steps by seeking advice and addressing your concerns. Be kind to yourself during this process.
Related Questions
Can Valerian Impact My Autism Medications?
I'm a 15-year-old male, and there are times when I feel quite anxious or restless, though I struggle to articulate it accurately. My mom mentioned we have valerian root lying around, suggesting it might help me relax. I went ahead and tried it, but I’m concerned about whether it might affect my autism medication. I can't recall the exact name of the medication I'm currently taking, but I know I previously used aripiprazole or something similar, so I’m sure it’s not that one. Additionally, if I find it necessary, is it safe for me to take melatonin along with the valerian, particularly since I often have trouble sleeping? (My apologies if I've posted in the wrong forum.)
Exploring Ibuprofen Use for PCOS Management
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for some advice because I’m feeling quite overwhelmed. My healthcare providers are wonderful, but I would appreciate a second opinion on my current situation. Since February, I have been experiencing irregular menstrual bleeding. I was diagnosed with PCOS at age 12 and have been on hormonal contraceptives for nearly ten years. However, I had to discontinue those due to severe migraines accompanied by aura. I've explored nearly every birth control option available, with the mini-pill being the latest, but none have proven effective for me. Additionally, I was prescribed metformin in an effort to regulate my menstrual cycle, but I had a very adverse reaction to it. Now, my doctor has suggested I try the "ibuprofen method," which involves taking 800 mg of ibuprofen every eight hours to see if it can help resolve the abnormal bleeding. This dosage feels quite substantial to me, and I'm concerned about its safety in combination with my other medications. Currently, my medication regimen includes: - 40 mg of Prozac - 100 mg of Lamictal - Testosterone Gel (1.62%) - Vitamin B12 - Vitamin C - Vitamin D3 - Fiber supplement I also stopped taking Metformin (500 mg) just yesterday because it was causing my resting heart rate to drop significantly (into the 40s), which is unusual for me. I understand that the effects of Metformin may linger in my system for a few days following discontinuation. The constant bleeding has left me feeling miserable and has resulted in intermittent anemia as well. So, I’m hoping to hear if the ibuprofen method is advisable or safe for me, or if anyone knows of other alternatives I could consider. Thank you for your help!
Understanding the Binge Eating Cycle
Hello, I would like to discuss a pattern I experienced for several years. Although I no longer engage in this behavior, I still find myself faced with the emotions and cravings related to it. My doctor is aware of my struggles as I’ve mentioned them casually, but I feel my concerns haven’t been addressed seriously. I’m wondering if there’s a specific term for what I went through? For a number of days, I would refrain from eating entirely, only to later indulge in excessive amounts of food, often to the point of discomfort. Following these episodes, I would resort to taking about four laxatives or going for a lengthy run. I fully recognize that this practice is detrimental to my health, and I understand that relying on laxatives can be hazardous and unproductive. Yet, if I don’t follow this routine after eating, I feel an overwhelming sense of pressure. I am interested in knowing if there’s a particular terminology for this behavior so that I don’t have to elaborate extensively when I explain to others my reasons for avoiding certain foods. Thank you for your help. I am a 19-year-old female and have been diagnosed with PCOS and depression, for which I am prescribed 100 mg of sertraline. Additionally, I have a family history that includes instances of bipolar disorder and bulimia.
Assessing Breathing Difficulties: Emergency vs. Anxiety
I’m a 24-year-old woman from the USA, navigating anxiety, OCD, and a history of health concerns like prolactinoma and GERD. Although my anxiety is typically more pervasive, I’ve never experienced a panic attack.
Seeking Assurance After Back Injury
I made a regrettable decision by attempting to lift a weight that was above my limits under unsuitable circumstances. Although I had successfully lifted that weight in the past, today's conditions were not ideal. Once I attempted the lift, I experienced a severe tweak in my back that rendered me nearly unable to walk, sit, or perform any movements. Consequently, I spent two days confined to my bed, managing to force myself upright every hour to prevent stiffness. As I began to feel a bit more comfortable, I ventured into walking and light exercising, only to encounter strange sensations, like pins and needles, in my leg. A week following the incident, I secured a consultation with a physiotherapist. During the session, she assessed my condition through various exercises and tests. Her evaluation suggested that I had initially compressed a nerve, but fortunately, it was no longer trapped. Nonetheless, the odd sensations persist as they require time to resolve. She advised me to rest for a week before slowly reintroducing the exercises I had previously attempted. However, about twelve hours post-appointment, I began experiencing lower back pain, which I hope is merely delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Does this situation align with your understanding? I don't intend to question her expertise; I'm just seeking some reassurance due to my tendency to worry excessively. Any responses would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!