- There are two types of erectile dysfunction. Physical issues cause one type and the other type may be psychological in nature. For example, problems with circulation may cause a teenager to have difficulty sustaining an erection. On the other hand, teens may feel guilty about their sexual feelings or have erection-killing fears about getting their partners pregnant or contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Another type of erection problem is spontaneous erection, which occurs when a teen has an erection without warning or any desire to have one.
- Typically, erectile dysfunction affects older men, not teens. However, there are some things that may make a teen more prone to erectile dysfunction. If a teen is experimenting with or abusing alcohol or drugs, he is more likely to have difficulty sustaining an erection. Nerve damage and injuries that affect the groin area may also be culprits. Additionally, if a teen has been made to feel that his penis is somehow shameful or dirty, he may also have difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection. Even smoking can have an effect, causing smokers to be one and one-half times more likely to have erectile dysfunction than non-smoking teens.
- Teen boys' feelings are fragile, despite any bravado they may display. A teenager's ego is even more vulnerable. As such, teen boys often have a desire to be just like everyone else and having erection problems can cause them major angst. The boys often internalize their fears, worrying about embarrassment. It's important for parents of teen boys to develop an open rapport with their sons, making it easy to bring up conversations about even the most delicate topics.
- Erectile dysfunction can be a source of anxiety and stress at any age, and teens are particularly vulnerable to psychological effects. As such, it is important to seek medical help early on, before anxiety can worsen and depression can set in. With prompt care, erectile problems can be treated before affecting other parts of a teen's life and future intimate relationships.
- Sometimes, teen boys may view having spontaneous erections as a problem. This is far from the truth, however. It is completely normal for teens to have unbidden erections that occur as the result of the slightest touch, such as the friction caused by jeans rubbing against the penis. Even a random thought is enough to cause an erection, whether the thought is overtly sexual or not. This reaction is simply a part of growing up. While it may be embarrassing at times, it is no cause for alarm.
