Erectile dysfunction affects millions of men of all shapes, sizes, ages, and backgrounds. It can occur at any age, but it is most common in middle-aged and older men, or men who are out of shape or suffer from poor blood flow.

Sometimes a man's ability to get and keep an erection can be due to physical or psychological factors. If the problem is purely physical, it may go away with time, exercise, or a change in lifestyle. However, if there are underlying psychological reasons for the lack of erectile function (such as anxiety or depression), these problems may continue even after the physical cause is treated.

So, at what age does ED tend to stop men from getting an erection? There is no universal answer to this question, as erectile dysfunction can vary from man to man and change over time. However, most doctors would say that it's normal for a man's ability to get an erection to decrease gradually starting around age 40.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which men are not able to get an erection hard enough for sexual intercourse. This can be due to any number of factors, including physical health problems, psychological issues, or low testosterone levels.

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Age and ED

Erectile dysfunction can affect a man at any stage of his life, but it is most common in men 40 and older. This is likely due to the fact that as men age, their bodies naturally produce less testosterone. Low levels of testosterone can also lead to other concerns such as decreased muscle mass and a decrease in strength, which can impact sexual function.

Though testosterone is rarely the only culprit. Low testosterone levels on their own are unlikely to be the single cause of recurring ED, but rather, it's typically a combination of multiple factors that lead to ED, all of which are tied to age.

Blood flow is a key factor in getting an erection. As men age, their arteries tend to become less elastic and therefore can't expand as much when they get filled with blood. This causes problems with the delivery of oxygenated blood to the penis (which is necessary for a healthy erection) and the flow of nerve impulses that lead to an erection.

Psychological factors are also important in determining if a man will have ED. Stress and anxiety can lead to low levels of testosterone, which then worsens the condition of ED. Additionally, some men may feel embarrassed or ashamed about their inability to get aroused, leading them to keep it hidden from others.

Diet has also been shown to play a role in ED. A person's diet can affect levels of testosterone, as well as the amount and quality of sperm produced. Poor diets that are high in sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats can all lead to lower testosterone levels.

Low levels of testosterone may also be caused by medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and corticosteroids. These medications can interfere with the body's natural production of testosterone, leading to low levels in men who take them.

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Conditions and Lifestyle Factors That Cause ED

The ability to create and maintain an erection doesn't start or end with a single factor. Conditions and lifestyle factors can both contribute to ED, making it difficult for some men to get or keep an erection.

There are many possible causes of ED, but the following list is not exhaustive:

Erectile dysfunction may be caused by a combination of physical (medical) and psychological factors.

Physical causes of ED may include problems with blood flow (blood vessels) to the penis, such as diabetes or a heart attack; low levels of testosterone, which can be caused by medical conditions like age or cancer; and anatomical abnormalities that reduce the size or sensitivity of nerves supplying the penis.

Psychological causes may include anxiety or depression, which can interfere with the body's natural ability to get and maintain an erection.

Lifestyle factors that have been linked to ED include being overweight or obese; smoking cigarettes, cigars, or marijuana; drinking alcohol excessively; using recreational drugs like cocaine, ecstasy, and methamphetamine; having poor sleep habits; being excessively stressed.

Erectile dysfunction can be treated with a variety of treatments, some of which are listed below.

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Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

Medications may be prescribed in order to improve blood flow or testosterone levels, and they may also help reduce anxiety or depression. Common medications used for ED include Sildenafil and Tadalafil, which are both used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension and angina, respectively.

Sidenafil and Tadalafil are PDE5 inhibitors and work by increasing blood flow to the penis. They are taken as tablets, usually with food. They work by increasing the amount of blood that flows into the penis, and they are generally effective in treating ED.

However, these medications do have some side effects, including headache, dizziness, heart attack or stroke risk; therefore patients should always speak with their doctor before starting treatment.

If you are seeking treatment for your erectile dysfunction but are feeling a bit embarrassed about visiting a doctor, look no further than Phoenix. Phoenix is the first Canadian telehealth company for men's health issues that doesn't require you to turn on your camera for a doctor's visit. This means you can speak with a doctor via text chat from the comfort of your own home.

The goal is to make each many comfortable with their health concerns and to make it easier for them to find a doctor who can treat all the common issues that men face. Make an appointment today to regain your sex life!