Recession stress blamed for impotence in young men

Recession-related stress is being blamed for impotence in young men.

Three quarters of GPs say that while the economic downturn has brought much of the country to it’s knees over the past 18 months, GPs are seeing a rise in the number of men, under 30 who come to see them with stress and anxiety-related problems. In addition to this, 1 in 10 are reported to be suffering with impotence.

The stats have been born out of fresh research, published in a report from the Family Doctor Association released this month. The report also highlights the fact the recession was a major contributor to sleep deprivation, and dietary irregularities in young men.

When the survey asked young people to attribute solid reasons with their stress, many blamed a lack of job security.

It has been recognised for a long time that stress, anxiety and depression can be the cause of erectile dysfunction. Men generally find it more difficult, or sometimes even impossible, to maintain an erection when their mind is preoccupied. The segment of the brain that is responsible for sending impulses to the penis becomes impaired by negative messages. As a result, the body sends out chemicals which serve to restrict the blood vessels and in turn, impede the erection process.

Dr Peter Swinyard, chairman of the Family Doctor Association, said: "Money worries have always been a major cause of depression and stress-related illness but there is no doubt that the events of the past 18 months have exacerbated the effect.”

Erectile dysfunction affects men of all ages, though it most commonly occurs in the later stages of a man’s life, when one in two will be affected. Treatments such as Viagra have helped many overcome impotence, regardless of their age.