Why Your P*nis Doesn't Work: ED, P*rn Use, and Intimacy Issues

In this podcast, Dr. K discusses the increasing prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men under 40, attributing it to early pornography exposure and masturbation habits that train the genitals for more intense stimulation than vaginal intercourse provides. He explains the physiology of erections, involving testosterone, nitric oxide, and the autonomic nervous system's roles, differentiating between psychogenic and physiologic causes of ED. Psychogenic ED, common in younger men, stems from stress, anxiety, and negative thought patterns during sex, while physiologic ED relates to cardiovascular health, nerve damage, medications, and lifestyle factors. Dr. K suggests interventions such as lifestyle changes, attentional control exercises, psychotherapy to address emotional associations, and, in some cases, medication or surgical options, emphasizing that most cases of ED in younger men are resolvable through addressing both physical and psychological factors.