Erectile dysfunction, or the inability of the penis to achieve and maintain an erection, affects up to half of adult Czechs. While these issues typically worsen with age, more younger men between 30 and 40 are visiting specialists.
“Erectile dysfunction isn't just an issue for older men. We're seeing more guys in their thirties and forties dealing with challenges like keeping an erection stable or experiencing tension in the pelvic area,” explains physiotherapist Iva Bílková from FYZIOklinik.
Sitting Jobs Hurt
For younger men, treatment is usually pretty straightforward because the main causes of erectile issues in guys aged 25 to 45 often boil down to unhealthy lifestyle choices. A lack of exercise, too many carbs, unhealthy fats, alcohol, smoking, and stress are typical triggers.
“A very common cause is a sedentary job, which leads to tension in the lower back, hips, and pelvic floor,” Bílková points out. Long periods of sitting hinder proper blood flow and natural vascular reactions. Intense sports like cycling can also be risky.
Seeking Help Isn't Embarrassing
Bílková notes that only about 1 in 10 men dares to seek a solution. She urges men not to feel embarrassed and to visit a specialist's office.
“Since a whole bunch of factors usually contribute to erectile dysfunction, it’s important to figure out which one is dominant,” she explains. “Don’t overthink self-diagnosing; instead, trust in a specialist who’ll talk with you and, after a physical exam and lab tests, determine the precise cause,” she adds, suggesting that visiting a urologist-sexologist is ideal.
Solutions Can Be Quick and Easy
Most cases in young men are very manageable since they often stem from functional issues due to clogged vessels from poor lifestyle habits or psychological effects. “In most cases, we can handle treatment on an outpatient basis,” states urologist Ondrej Kaplán from Venova Clinic.
Apart from improving lifestyle, medications, or injections, shock wave therapy has become a popular and successful treatment option in recent years. “In over 10 years of practice, we've seen treatment success rates over 80 percent,” Bílková describes, explaining that it’s a painless application lasting about 10 minutes.
Consulting a doctor early helps prevent bigger issues. If anything's worrying you health-wise, don't hesitate to see a doc.
