As the snow falls and students retreat indoors for the winter, some will find the rise and fall occurring not in the temperature of the room but in their sexual performances.
Debbie Thurneck, director of the Ohio University Psychology and Social Work Clinic, said that not only can one struggle with erectile dysfunction without it becoming a chronic issue, but also it is a condition that men of all age can suffer from.
We know that male erectile disorder is often associated with concerns about sexual performance
a fear of failure or even just decreased sexual excitement in general. It's sexual anxiety she said.
Justin, a student studying at OU, has struggled with erectile dysfunction in the past and cites stress as the immediate cause.
In my last relationship and during times of heavy stress there would be a couple weeks at a time where it would come and go. ... It's not like it's a chronic problem. But things like finals or big projects and deadlines really contributed to the problem
he said.
A study conducted by the National Institute of Health revealed that young men are just as likely to struggle with erectile dysfunction as older men.
Thurneck said that although there are many contributing factors related to erectile disorders, some factors are more common on college campuses.
Stress definitely plays a part in erectile dysfunction ... as does an increased amount of substance use. ... Mixing in a lot of alcohol
other drugs of abuse or even prescription medication definitely doesn't help and can certainly cause some complications as far as sexual arousal goes
she said.
Andy, a student studying at OU, said erectile dysfunction can go beyond the realms of a physical reaction. He added that if he isn't focused emotionally, he also isn't physically.
If it doesn't feel right or your morals are coming in to play
it's like you can't make yourself do it. I've tried to force it when I wanted to
and it can work
but not well
Andy said.
Speaking from personal experience, Justin said he thinks women have a higher sex drive then men and that societal pressure influences male behavior.
It's the stereotype that you never hear of. ... College-aged women simply have a higher sex drive than college-aged men
Justin said. In my past relationships
