Poor mental health leaving one in three men under 40 struggling in bed
Doctors are sounding the alarm this Men’s Health Week (June 9-15), on a troubling rise in erectile dysfunction (ED) among young men which could be masking an early warning sign of deeper issues.
Doctor Kieran Dang, GP and Chief Medical Officer at men’s health platform Mosh, says out of all newly-diagnosed Mosh patients, 1 in 3 are men under the age of 40 now dealing with ED, a condition long dismissed as only affecting older men.
“It’s not just about ageing. Many men in their 30s and 40s are experiencing ED due to poor lifestyle choices like being overweight, smoking, vaping, poor diet, high cholesterol, drug use, or even excessive pornography,” said Dr Dang.
“Mental health also plays a major role, with anxiety, depression and performance anxiety increasingly contributing to sexual dysfunction in younger Australians.”
Dr Dang also said ED is often an early warning sign of a bigger health problem.
“Erectile dysfunction is commonly a vascular condition - just like heart disease. If something’s bad for your heart, it’s probably bad for your erections too.”
“Other common causes of ED include diabetes and other chronic illnesses, medications, especially antidepressants, post-prostate cancer surgery and psychological pressure or unrealistic sexual expectations,” he added.
“Since the arrival of effective ED treatments came about 25 years ago, more men have become comfortable seeking help - but the stigma still lingers.”
“That’s why men are turning to discreet telehealth platforms like Mosh, where they can speak with a doctor and access treatment from the privacy of their own home without that embarrassment factor of physically sitting face to face.”
“For many men, simple changes like quitting smoking or vaping, losing weight, exercising and reducing stress can all make a difference,” said Dr Dang.
“When lifestyle changes don’t work, pills, therapies and even implants are available and effective.”
“ED doesn’t just impact your relationship and mental health, it can also be a sign of a serious underlying health problem and men having trouble in the bedroom should seek help,” Dr Dang said.
Erectile dysfunction is one of the top reasons men seek medical advice through Mosh.
About Mosh
Mosh is an online health platform designed to support men to put their own health and wellbeing first, by connecting them with certified doctors and practitioners through the convenience of online appointments.
