Is ED Inevitable As You Age?

The chances of erectile dysfunction do increase with age, but some men believe ED is inevitable. The truth is, it’s not.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), only 4 percent of men in their 50s and 17 percent of men in their 60s experience total inability to have an erection. In fact, ED can have many causes not associated with aging.

“Sexual dysfunction has often been seen as a byproduct of aging, but that outlook is changing as we define what aging really means,” Dr. Peter Salgo from the University of Rochester Medical Center, says.

“There are people in their 80s who are sexually active and, conversely, there are people of all ages who have erectile dysfunction.”

Causes of ED that have nothing to do with aging

Some conditions, like heart trouble, are associated with aging and ED can be a side effect of the condition. However, there’s a whole list of things that can cause ED that have no connection to getting older. Check out this list of non-age related causes:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Alcohol or tobacco use
• Misuse of prescription medication
• Stress and anxiety

Treatment options

Should you experience ED symptoms like difficulty getting and keeping an erection long enough for intercourse, you’ll want to speak with your doctor about treatment. ED can be treated at any age, so while it’s not inevitable that you’ll deal with this condition, if it does happen there are treatment options available. Here’s a look some options:

• Oral medication: Most men respond to an oral medication like Viagra, Cialis or Levitra. These medications are taken prior to having sex and help achieve a strong, lasting erection.

• Lifestyle changes: As mentioned above, some men suffer from ED as a side effect of another condition. For instance, a man battling obesity could curb his ED symptoms by losing weight.

• Surgery: While it is unlikely, some men will require surgery to treat ED. In most cases, other treatment options will be suggested prior to surgery.