Are zoomers a generation of impotents? Why young men are increasingly having erection problems and what to do about it

The information in this article is based on the materials of Western experts and urologists.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) has long been considered a problem for “those over 50.” However, the statistics are changing: doctors are increasingly seeing complaints from people in their twenties and even teenagers. About this Reports New York Post. We explore why the “hardware” is fine but the “software” is letting us down, how porn affects this, and why the fear of failure is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Has this really become a widespread problem?

Yes. The stereotype that ED affects only older men with diabetes or high blood pressure is becoming a thing of the past. Recent studies show that more than a quarter of men under the age of 40 have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. Urologists report a steady stream of patients in their 20s and 30s, and some clinics receive calls from concerned teenagers every week.

What's the reason? Health problems?

In older men, ED is usually linked to physiological factors: obesity, diabetes, low testosterone, or cardiovascular diseases that interfere with normal blood flow. But the situation is different for young men. Experts agree: in most cases, patients under 40 have normal blood test results and physical parameters. The problem is most often psychosomatic nature — It is caused by stress and anxiety.

How does stress "shut down" an erection?

It's all down to biology. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for erections: it triggers the release of nitric oxide, which relaxes the blood vessels and allows blood to flow into the penis.

When you start worrying—about your appearance, whether you’ll “get it up” this time, or the impression you’ll make on your partner—your brain switches to “fight-or-flight” mode. It releases adrenaline, which instantly constricts blood vessels. Blood is diverted from organs deemed “nonessential” in a moment of danger to the muscles. As a result, even a fleeting anxious thought can lead to a loss of erection.

What does porn have to do with this?

Many young people begin consuming pornographic content at an early age (often before the age of 16), which creates unrealistic expectations about sex and their own bodies. This leads to two consequences:

1. Desensitization: The level of arousal from imaginary scenarios online becomes higher than that from actual physical intimacy.
2. Dysmorphophobia: Comparing oneself to actors leads to dissatisfaction with one's own body and, as a result, that very anxiety before the act.

This often manifests itself in a specific pattern: a man has no problems with morning erections or during masturbation, but everything “falls flat” the moment he becomes intimate with another person.

Will the pills help?

Nowadays, medications like sildenafil (Viagra) have become more accessible thanks to online services, and young people often start taking them without seeing a doctor. The pills may provide temporary relief, but they do not address the root cause, whether it stems from psychological factors or lifestyle choices. Moreover, this can lead to dependence on the medication as a kind of “safety net,” without which a man is afraid to even attempt to have sex.

So what should we do then?

Experts recommend the following steps:

• Reduce porn consumption and the frequency of masturbation, in order to restore sensitivity to real stimuli.
• See a doctor, to rule out rare physiological causes, but don't get fixated on the idea that your body is "broken."
• Open and honest communication. Often, the problem goes away on its own when you have an understanding partner by your side with whom you can openly discuss your fears. A safe environment in the bedroom is the best remedy for “adrenaline-induced paralysis.”

Remember that if you have recurring health problems, you should consult a specialist.