TeenHealthFX - Answers - Impotence At 15

Penis & Testicle Concerns / Question
Published: January 17, 2001

Dear TeenHealthFX,

Can a Fifteen-year-old male suffer from impotence?

Signed: Impotence At 15

Dear Impotence At 15,

While impotence is a condition generally associated with older males it can occur in adolescents. Impotence or "erectile dysfunction" is the inability of a man to maintain an erection sufficient for intercourse. Every man has difficulty once in awhile, but if it occurs more then once out of every five times, then there may be a problem.

TeenHealthFX wonders if you are experiencing some problems. The following will give you some understanding of erectile dysfunction. The majority of erectile dysfunction cases are caused by medical problems, usually related to the blood supply to the penis. Physical causes are usually found in older men; however, in younger men psychological problems are more likely to be the cause of erectile dysfunction.

Some of the physical causes of erectile dysfunction:

Physical injury
A disease of the nervous system, such as Multiple sclerosis
Chronic alcohol abuse.
Diabetes, in some cases.
Side effect from certain drugs, such as antidepressants or medications used to treat high blood pressure (anti-hypertensives).

Some of the psychological causes of erectile dysfunction:

Depression.
Performance anxiety (worrying how you will perform during sex).
Stress.
Relationship problems.

The inability to perform can leave a man feeling inadequate and doubting his masculinity. Sometimes the problem can be related to your fear of how your partner will respond to you and other times simply a case of nerves. You also might want to consider if you really are ready to enter into a sexual relationship and this is your body's way of letting you know the time may not be right.

Erectile dysfunction can be very disconcerting for men. When a man fails to obtain an erection or goes limp failure is obvious and can be humiliating. It is important to remember the problem can be treated. So, even though it is difficult, it would be helpful to speak to a doctor or urologist (a doctor that specializes in treating erectile dysfunction). If you live in northern New Jersey you can also call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973.889.6350 for an appointment with a doctor.

Signed: TeenHealthFX