As men age, it's not uncommon for them to at some point experience a bout of erectile dysfunction, where they have trouble with getting or sustaining an erection. Despite being a popular notion, the truth is that ED can affect men of any age, and many men grow to an old age without ever experiencing any sort of problem related to getting an erection.

That said, there does seem to be a link between ED and aging. Although there are many cases of young men experiencing erectile dysfunction, the condition is more prevalent in men aged 40 and above. In fact, around 40% of men aged 40 and above will experience some sort of ED, and statistics show that this percentage increases by approximately 10% with each decade after age 40.

Let's briefly look at what causes ED and see how it relates to the natural aging process.  

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What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

ED is still not completely understood. What can be said for sure is that there is a correlation between low testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction. There are underlying medical conditions that can lead to erectile dysfunction, including high blood pressure, kidney disease, type-2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or clogged arteries.

However, in almost all cases, the primary cause of ED is psychological. Factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression can all contribute to erectile dysfunction, and generally, the problem is a result of several or all of these factors working in tandem.

As men age, they become more at risk for developing the medical and psychological conditions which lead to ED, so in that regard, it's safe to say that aging does present an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. Fortunately, there are many treatments available for ED.

Let's examine some of the conventional treatment options for erectile dysfunction.  

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The Treatment Options for ED

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In mild cases of erectile dysfunction, medications such as Viagra, Cialis, Sildenfil, and Tadalafil are often used to temporarily restore erectile function, though these pills can come with side effects. In reality, such erectile medications are just a band-aid, providing a short-term solution without addressing the underlying cause of the condition.

To properly assess, diagnose, and treat ED, you should consult your doctor. It's almost certainly the case that there is a psychological issue at work. When you are anxious, nervous, stressed, or otherwise worried, the fight or flight instinct kicks in, and when this happens, your body will divert blood flow away from your penis and into your muscles so that you can fight or run away.

By speaking with a doctor, therapist, or counselor, you will be able to get at the root of the problem. In such situations, most men will regain their ability to achieve and keep an erection naturally without being dependent on pharmaceuticals to have meaningful, pleasurable sex.

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