Anxiety can lead to erection problems in young men – but reaching for Viagra isn’t always the solution

Many people think of erection problems as a condition that only affects older men. But you don’t have to look far to find reports of the condition among men in their 20s and 30s. Some research even estimates that half of males who report having difficulties getting or maintaining an erection are in their 30s.

Yet despite how common erection problems may be – affecting nearly half of men aged 18-60 – there remains a lot of stigma and shame around having the condition. This can be especially true when you’re young, thanks to the sexual scripts many have grown up hearing – such as that they should always be ready to have sex, that they should get aroused at the drop of a hat, and that they should be able to perform perfectly every time.

As a result, many won’t seek help, or will try to fix it using “solutions” that really only mask their problem. For example, there are reports that many younger men are turning to prescription and over-the-counter drugs, such as Viagra, to cope.