Norwood Lateral Closure – How it may affect your drive to The Urology Group. Click for alternate routes.

Sexual Health Problems In Your 20s? Yes, It’s a Thing

January 26, 2023 | By: Dr. Vinson Wang

Here’s a coming-of-age lesson for Gen Z males: Sexual performance troubles are not just for the old.

An estimated 34 million males count themselves as members of the Generation Z population –the oldest of whom are now 26. Most of these men probably give more thought to sexual activity than to their sexual health, but make no mistake – sexual health controls sexual activity, even at your young age.

Most guys have learned what intercourse involves in sex education class, but what if something goes wrong? This lack of discussion leads to lack of awareness, and those who do experience problems may feel they have no one to turn to.

Young men group

Sexual Ailments That Are Ageless

So let’s make it plain: Young men, even men in their 20s, experience sexual health issues that can interfere with sexual performance, reproduction, and their lives. We are here to talk about it.

The following five conditions can strike men of all ages.

  • Erectile dysfunction (ED) – Nearly one-quarter of men younger than 40 experience some degree of erectile dysfunction. Past failures during sexual encounters, performance anxiety, and life/relationship stress can contribute to the condition. ED also might signal underlying health concerns. A healthy diet, exercise, and the elimination of tobacco and illicit drugs can help improve the quality of erections. Oral medications also can help rebuild confidence and improve the quality of the sexual experiences, as can a non-invasive, painless procedure called ultrasound wave therapy.
  • Low libido/low testosterone (Low T) ­– Testosterone is an important hormone in men and is responsible for regulating sexual development. Testosterone deficiency, or low testosterone, can contribute to a decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction, as well as fatigue, depression, and diminishing muscle mass. While low testosterone is more common among older men, young men should not dismiss it. Recent evidence shows roughly 20% of adolescent and young adult males have low testosterone.
  • Penile curvature – Penile curvature can be present at birth or develop later in life, a painful condition called Peyronie’s disease. Peyronie’s disease results from the formation of abnormal scar tissue in the penis, which decreases elasticity in an erection. (Patients can sometimes feel a lump in the penis.) Peyronie’s patients might also experience a narrowing or shortening of the penis, decreased sensitivity, and erectile dysfunction. Congenital curvature doesn’t need to be treated unless it becomes bothersome. However, it is important to distinguish the cause of the curvature, because early treatment of Peyronie’s disease can help prevent it from getting worse and potentially improve its symptoms. Treatments include penile extenders, injected medication to break up the scar tissue, and surgeries to straighten the penis.
  • Premature ejaculation – While there is no consensus on the definition of premature ejaculation, the American Urological Association defines lifelong premature ejaculation as climaxing within two minutes of sexual penetration. The underlying cause of the condition is not well understood; it  generally is thought to be related to performance anxiety, relationship stress, or underlying erectile dysfunction. Behavioral modification, sex therapy, topical lidocaine sprays, and anti-depressants can help relieve the issue.
  • Delayed orgasm – Delayed orgasm is defined by the persistent delay of sexual climax, typically less than 25 minutes, or the complete inability to achieve one. Patients living with delayed orgasms can experience significant sexual dissatisfaction and relationship distress. Causes can include  certain medications, low testosterone levels, decreased penile sensitivity, and psychosexual dysfunction. Treatments includes sex therapy, oral medications, and correcting the underlying medical condition causing the delay.

Sexual Health Is an Important Part of Overall Health

To most young men, sexual response is a mere reflex. Yet many underlying conditions can disrupt that reflex. This is where sexual health comes in.

Although many of The Urology Group’s patients are older, young men, starting at age 20, who experience any of these conditions should schedule a consultation. We talk about these issues with men if all ages every day, so it doesn’t have to be an embarrassing or uncomfortable conversation. We’re here to help!

Did you know The Urology Group operates a Men’s Sexual Health Clinic? You can learn more about it here.

Recent Featured Blog Posts

  1. Sweetest Day Flowers or Vasectomy – Which Snip Will She Prefer? 

    Fresh cut flowers make for a nice Sweetest Day (October 19) gift. But a “snip” that lasts forever is a vasectomy. The Urology Group’s “Snip for Your Sweetie” program might be just the right time to schedule a vasectomy if you are committed to not having children or if you’ve had the number you want….

    Read More
  2. Scoring Against Prostate Cancer: Why Less Than a Point May Matter

    In Cincinnati Reds baseball, one point can determine a game. When it comes to prostate cancer, slightly less than a point in a year could push your chances of getting the cancer into the red.  You can help prevent this by covering first base – that is, your baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) reading. This reading,…

    Read More
  3. Why has My Sex Drive Stalled? 5 Causes and Remedies for Women

    Sexual desire is normal. So if your sex drive is unexpectedly stuck in park, it can troubling, even embarrassing. It also can suggest your body is going through an underlying health issue. But it’s not uncommon! Of the more than 64 million women in the U.S between the ages of 30 and 59, up to…

    Read More

Virtual Assistant

Virtual Assistant

How may I assist you today?

I need help with ‘Directions & Hours’
(Please select a location from the list below)
I need help with ‘ Billing Questions’
(Please select an option below)

I need help with ‘Billing Questions’

What number should I call to pay my bill?

If your bill is from The Urology Group, please call (513) 841-7474 to pay your bill.

If your bill is from The Urology Center, please call (513) 841-7475 to pay your bill.

I need help with ‘Making, Rescheduling or Confirming an Appointment’

If you would like us to call you to set up an appointment, please click here to request a call back.

If you would like to call us, please call
513-841-7400
to speak with a representative.
Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘Questions About Test Results’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘Medication Refills’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘Returning a Call from the Office’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

I need help with ‘A Copy of My Medical Records’

please call us at:

513-841-7400

Our hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7:30am – 5:00pm