At what age does erectile dysfunction typically start. What are the main causes of erectile dysfunction. How can erectile dysfunction be diagnosed and treated. What lifestyle changes can help improve erectile function.

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction: Definition and Prevalence

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. This condition affects a significant portion of the male population, especially as they age. According to Dr. Mark Newton, a urologist with UnityPoint Health, approximately 50% of men over the age of 40 experience some degree of erectile dysfunction, with the prevalence increasing in older age groups.

Why is ED so common yet often underreported? Many men feel hesitant to discuss this issue with their healthcare providers due to embarrassment or the misconception that they are alone in their struggles. However, it’s crucial to understand that ED is a widespread condition that can be addressed with proper medical attention.

Identifying Erectile Dysfunction

To help determine if you might be experiencing erectile dysfunction, consider the following questions:

• Do you have difficulty achieving an erection when desired?
• Is it challenging to maintain an erection long enough for satisfactory sexual performance?
• Is the firmness of your erection insufficient for penetration?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and prevent the progression of ED.

The Age Factor: When Does Erectile Dysfunction Typically Begin?

While erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, it becomes more prevalent as men get older. The onset of ED is not tied to a specific age, but rather it’s a gradual process that can begin in middle age and become more noticeable over time.

Is there a definitive age when ED starts? There’s no set age for the onset of erectile dysfunction. However, the risk increases significantly after age 40. It’s important to note that ED is not an inevitable part of aging, and many men maintain healthy sexual function well into their later years.

Age-Related Factors Contributing to ED

Several age-related factors can contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction:

1. Decreased testosterone levels
2. Reduced blood flow due to cardiovascular changes
3. Increased prevalence of chronic health conditions
4. Changes in nerve sensitivity
5. Psychological factors related to aging and life changes

Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can stem from various factors, both physical and psychological. Understanding these causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Physical Causes of ED

Several medical conditions and physical factors can lead to erectile dysfunction:

• Low testosterone levels
• Diabetes
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Obesity
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Neurological disorders
• Hormonal imbalances
• Certain medications

Psychological Causes of ED

Mental health plays a significant role in sexual function. Psychological factors that can contribute to erectile dysfunction include:

• Stress and anxiety
• Depression
• Relationship issues
• Performance anxiety
• Low self-esteem

How do psychological factors impact erectile function? Mental stress can interfere with the brain’s signals to the body, affecting the physical response necessary for an erection. Additionally, anxiety about sexual performance can create a cycle of worry that exacerbates the problem.

Lifestyle Factors and Their Impact on Erectile Function

Certain lifestyle choices can significantly influence a man’s risk of developing erectile dysfunction. By addressing these factors, many men can improve their sexual health and overall well-being.

Smoking and Erectile Dysfunction

Smoking is a major risk factor for ED. It damages blood vessels and reduces blood flow throughout the body, including to the penis. Quitting smoking can lead to improved erectile function and overall health.

Obesity and ED

Excess weight can contribute to erectile dysfunction in several ways. It can lead to hormonal imbalances, reduce testosterone levels, and increase the risk of conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, all of which are associated with ED.

Alcohol and Drug Use

Excessive alcohol consumption and recreational drug use can impair sexual function. While moderate alcohol use may not pose significant risks, chronic heavy drinking can lead to long-term erectile problems.

Exercise and ED Prevention

Regular physical activity can help prevent and even reverse erectile dysfunction in some cases. Exercise improves cardiovascular health, increases blood flow, and can boost testosterone levels, all of which contribute to better erectile function.

Diagnosis and Evaluation of Erectile Dysfunction

Proper diagnosis of erectile dysfunction involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional. This typically includes a thorough medical history, physical examination, and possibly some diagnostic tests.

Medical History and Physical Examination

During the initial consultation, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you’re taking. A physical exam may be performed to check for underlying health issues that could be contributing to ED.

Diagnostic Tests for ED

While not always necessary, certain tests can help determine the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction:

• Blood tests to check hormone levels and screen for conditions like diabetes
• Urinalysis to look for signs of underlying health issues
• Ultrasound to assess blood flow to the penis
• Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test to evaluate nighttime erections
• Psychological evaluation to assess mental health factors

Are these tests always required for ED diagnosis? Not necessarily. In many cases, a thorough discussion of symptoms and medical history is sufficient for diagnosis and treatment planning. However, these tests can provide valuable information in complex cases or when the cause of ED is unclear.

Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a treatable condition, and there are various approaches available depending on the underlying cause and severity of the symptoms.

Oral Medications

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are the most commonly prescribed medications for ED. These include:

• Sildenafil (Viagra)
• Tadalafil (Cialis)
• Vardenafil (Levitra)
• Avanafil (Stendra)

These medications work by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, a natural chemical in the body that relaxes muscles in the penis, increasing blood flow and allowing for an erection in response to sexual stimulation.

Injectable and Suppository Treatments

For men who don’t respond to oral medications, other options include:

• Alprostadil self-injection
• Alprostadil urethral suppository

These treatments involve the direct application of medication to the penis to induce an erection.

Vacuum Erection Devices

A vacuum erection device is a mechanical pump that creates a vacuum around the penis, drawing blood into it. A constriction ring is then placed at the base of the penis to maintain the erection.

Penile Implants

For men with severe ED that doesn’t respond to other treatments, surgical implantation of a penile prosthesis may be an option. This involves placing inflatable or malleable rods into the penis to allow for an erection on demand.

Psychological Counseling

When erectile dysfunction has a psychological component, therapy or counseling can be beneficial. This may include individual therapy, couples counseling, or sex therapy.

Lifestyle Modifications to Improve Erectile Function

In many cases, making positive lifestyle changes can significantly improve erectile function and overall sexual health.

Diet and Nutrition

A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can improve cardiovascular health and, by extension, erectile function. Some specific dietary recommendations include:

• Increasing intake of flavonoid-rich foods like berries, citrus fruits, and red wine
• Consuming omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts
• Limiting saturated fats and processed foods

Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular exercise, particularly aerobic activities, can improve blood flow and help maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can contribute to ED. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can be beneficial.

Sleep Hygiene

Adequate sleep is crucial for hormonal balance and overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night and establish a consistent sleep schedule.

Prevention Strategies for Erectile Dysfunction

While not all cases of erectile dysfunction can be prevented, there are steps men can take to reduce their risk and maintain good sexual health.

Regular Health Check-ups

Routine medical examinations can help detect and manage underlying health conditions that may contribute to ED. This includes regular screenings for:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Hormonal imbalances

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Obesity is a significant risk factor for ED. Maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) through proper diet and exercise can help prevent erectile problems.

Limiting Alcohol and Avoiding Tobacco

Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are both associated with increased risk of ED. Limiting alcohol intake and quitting smoking can have significant benefits for sexual health.

Managing Chronic Conditions

Properly managing chronic health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease can help prevent or mitigate erectile dysfunction.

By understanding the causes, risk factors, and treatment options for erectile dysfunction, men can take proactive steps to maintain their sexual health throughout their lives. While ED becomes more common with age, it’s not an inevitable part of aging, and many effective treatments are available. If you’re experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction, don’t hesitate to speak with a healthcare provider. With proper care and lifestyle modifications, many men can enjoy a satisfying sex life well into their later years.

What Age Does Erectile Dysfunction Start?

If you or your partner is concerned about erectile dysfunction, you’re not alone. Dr. Mark Newton, a urologist with UnityPoint Health, says he sees men daily who are concerned about it. He defines erectile dysfunction as the inability to get or keep an erection for satisfactory sexual performance. The erectile dysfunction causes typically worsen over time and can progress from mild to complete impotence, if not treated appropriately.

What Age Does Erectile Dysfunction Start?

Dr. Newton says you might be surprised by how many men have erectile dysfunction. He says it affects about 50 percent of men over the age of 40 and is even more common as men age.

“Many men are hesitant to bring it up with their doctor,” Dr. Newton says. “They should remember it is very common, and they are certainly not the first, nor will they be the last, to have this issue. We try to ask about it regularly so they don’t have to bring up the topic. But, if we don’t know about it, we can’t help.”

Do I Have Erectile Dysfunction?

“Most men who come in concerned with erectile dysfunction do have it,” Dr. Newton says.
He says there are three questions you can ask to help determine if you have erectile dysfunction.

1. Do you have trouble getting an erection when desired?
2. Does the erection last long enough for satisfactory performance?
3. Is the erection too soft for penetration?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, it’s a great idea to talk to your doctor.

“The number one question I get when talking about erectile dysfunction is, ‘Is it common?’ Most guys feel isolated and alone with this problem, in large part because despite the frequent commercials, most men don’t talk about it. That makes this an area of men’s health that is often neglected and ignored, even with the substantial emotional stress it causes,” Dr. Newton says.

What Are Erectile Dysfunction Causes?

Dr. Newton says while many medical conditions have a genetic aspect, erectile dysfunction does not follow that trend. Here are a few main causes:

• Low testosterone. A man with low testosterone might also notice symptoms including fatigue, depression, decreased interest in sexual intercourse, changes in muscle mass and changes in body hair.
• Diabetes. This occurs when your body can’t appropriately handle sugar. Diabetes is one of the most frequent causes of erectile dysfunction.
• Peripheral vascular disease. This involves the narrowing of blood vessels. It is also one of the most frequent causes of erectile dysfunction.
• Obesity. A healthy diet and weight loss will help decrease the risk of multiple health issues, including erectile dysfunction.
• Psychosocial stress. Due to the amount of anxiety about erectile dysfunction, mild erectile dysfunction and intermittent difficulty can lead to constant erectile dysfunction in some patients. Addressing the stress around the disorder with a psychiatrist or psychologist can help improve function.
• Smoking. Not smoking or stopping smoking can help reduce the risk of multiple medical conditions, including erectile dysfunction.

“There are a large number of patients with obesity, diabetes and vascular disease, which can organically cause erectile dysfunction. Therefore, patients with erectile dysfunction should also be screened for coronary artery disease and other common diseases, including low testosterone,” Dr. Newton says.

Are There Erectile Dysfunction Cures?

“In many cases, losing weight and exercising regularly can improve blood flow and erectile dysfunction,” Dr. Newton says.

Dr. Newton says men can get rid of erectile dysfunction tied to obesity or stress. However, erectile dysfunction related to nerve damage from diabetes or vascular disease typically is not reversible and often progressively gets worse.

What Tests Will Help Determine Erectile Dysfunction?

There are several tests available for further evaluation of erectile dysfunction, such as the noninvasive penile Doppler ultrasound. But, Dr. Newton says many providers don’t use this test because it’s expensive, and the treatment strategy is typically the same regardless of the results. Blood and urine tests can also help providers figure out what’s going on.

What Treatments Are Available for Erectile Dysfunction?

• Medication. Viagra, Levitra and Cialis are all medications called phosphodiesterase inhibitors. They are usually how providers start treatments; however, patients on nitrates for heart disease cannot use these. The combination of the medications can cause a severe drop in blood pressure.
• Vacuum erection device. This is an option for patients who are not on blood thinners. The device uses a battery-powered vacuum to pull blood into the penis. A constriction band put around the base of the penis is used to maintain the erection.
• Penile injection therapy. If neither of the above options works, then penile injection therapy is a third option. It involves using a tiny needle to inject a small amount of medication directly into the penis each time the patient engages in intercourse. Again, this is not for patients on blood thinners.
• MUSE pellets. These are administered into the tip of the penis (urethra). MUSE pellets are one of the few advanced, non-surgical options patients on blood thinners can use.
• Penile prostheses. It is implanted surgically and is usually the last option providers recommend. However, patients who go this route are usually very satisfied.

At What Age Does A Man Stop Getting Hard?

Have you been having a hard time getting an erection? Or perhaps you’ve arrived here because you’re curious about the relationship between age and sexual function in men.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common forms of sexual dysfunction that develops in men. In fact, an estimated 30 million men in the United States of all backgrounds are affected by some degree of ED.

So if you’re having a tough time getting primed for sexual activity or maintaining your erection in bed, you’re definitely not alone.

ED, which is also known as impotence, occurs when a man is unable to get or keep an erection that allows for penetrative sex.

Although erectile dysfunction can and does affect men of all ages, there’s a clear link between a person’s age and their risk of experiencing difficulties getting or maintaining an erection.

For example, it’s estimated that by the time a man is in his 40s, there’s a 40 percent chance that he’ll have some form of erectile dysfunction, with this risk increasing by a further 10 percent with each additional decade.

However, you don’t have to suffer from erectile dysfunction as you get older, and there are still a lot of ways to keep sex as part of your healthy lifestyle.  

Below, we’ve explained everything you need to know about the relationship between aging and erectile dysfunction, from how getting older affects your risk to the average at which many men start to develop problems getting or maintaining an erection.

We’ve also shared several simple but effective techniques that you can use to treat ED as you get older, from maintaining healthy habits to using ED medication such as sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra®) to improve blood flow and promote healthier erections.

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Erectile Dysfunction & Age: The Basics

Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age. However, like many other medical conditions, it tends to become more common as men get older. This is because many physical conditions that affect your ability to get an erection tend to develop in your 40s, 50s and 60s.

If you’ve recently started to notice signs of erectile dysfunction, keep the following information in mind:

• ED can affect men of all ages, including younger men in their 20s and 30s. A range of factors can play a part in erectile dysfunction in younger men, including mental health issues such as sexual performance anxiety.

• Your risk of developing ED increases as you get older. Erectile dysfunction becomes a particularly common issue after age 70, with a prevalence rate of between 50 and 100 percent in this age group.

• Many chronic diseases and healthy problems can contribute to ED, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Your risk of developing these conditions increases as you get older.

• Healthy habits, such as exercising regularly and maintaining a Body Mass Index that’s in the normal range, can go a long way towards improving your general health and limiting your risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction.

• Regardless of your age, ED is usually treatable. Almost all cases of erectile dysfunction can be treated with medications such as PDE5 inhibitors, which increase blood flow and make it easier to get and maintain an erection.  

How Aging Affects Your Risk of Erectile Dysfunction

Research shows that age is one of the factors most closely linked to ED. Put simply, the older you are, the more at risk you are of developing erectile dysfunction.

One of the most thorough, comprehensive studies of erectile dysfunction, the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, looked at the sexual health of more than 1,700 men aged from 40 to 70 in Massachusetts during the late 1980s.

The study found that the combined prevalence rate for minimal, moderate or complete erectile dysfunction was 52 percent, with a man’s age the factor most strongly associated with ED.

Interestingly, complete erectile dysfunction was present in three times the number of men aged 70 compared to the men aged forty.

Other research has produced similar results. For example, a scientific review from 2017 noted that a man in his 40s has a 40 percent chance of developing some form of erectile dysfunction, with this risk increasing by 10 percent with each additional decade.

Finally, a study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that 5.1 percent of men in their 20s and 30s suffer from erectile dysfunction, compared to 70.2 percent of men aged 70 or older. 

In short, science very much supports the common perception that erectile dysfunction becomes more common as you get older. 

Now, it’s important to put this research in context. Age isn’t the only factor that affects your risk of developing erectile dysfunction, nor does getting older guarantee that you’ll eventually need to deal with difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. 

However, age is very closely associated with other health issues that can increase your risk of erectile dysfunction.

For example, it’s common for your vascular system to gradually change as you age. Partly as a result of this age-related change, conditions like high blood pressure, a known cause of erectile dysfunction, become more common. 

In fact, findings from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) show that 70 percent of adults 65 years of age or older have high blood pressure.

Similarly, other health issues related to ED often become more common with age. Diabetes, a disease that’s closely linked to ED, is more than twice as common in adults aged 45 and older than it is in people aged 18 to 44. 

As you get older, it’s important to stay aware of these diseases and medical conditions, as well as the risks they may have for both your general health and your sexual performance. 

By being aware of these risks and living a healthy lifestyle (a topic we’ve covered in more detail below), you can reduce your risk of developing erectile dysfunction. 

What Causes Age-Related Erectile Dysfunction?

As mentioned above, if you start to develop some form of erectile dysfunction as you get older, you’re not alone. What’s more, ED can show up in different ways. 

For example, some men are only occasionally able to get an erection when they want to have sex, while others can get hard without difficulties but find it challenging to maintain an erection for long enough to enjoy satisfying sexual activity. 

For men with severe erectile dysfunction, just getting an erection at any time can be difficult or impossible.

There are many health-related factors that may contribute to erectile dysfunction, from mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression to medications such as antidepressants, ulcer drugs and prescription sedatives.

Some lifestyle choices, such as being sedentary, smoking or drinking an excessive amount of alcohol, can also contribute to ED as you get older.

Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

However, most age-related sexual dysfunction is caused by physical health problems, most of which become more common with age.  

Erections are all about healthy nerve function and blood flow. When you feel sexually aroused, nerve messages promote relaxation of the muscles located inside your penis. This stimulates blood flow, allowing the erectile tissue inside your penis to expand and become firmer.

Without proper nerve function and healthy blood vessels, getting and maintaining an erection is much more difficult. 

Many conditions that affect blood flow become more common as you grow older, particularly as you enter your 40s and 50s.

For example, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) — a condition that’s caused by a gradual buildup of plaque inside your blood vessels — is a common risk factor for erectile dysfunction that tends to become more common as you enter your 50s. 

Other cardiovascular health conditions that can cause or contribute to erectile dysfunction, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart disease, are also significantly more common in middle-aged and older men.  

Another age-related health issue that can cause or contribute to erectile dysfunction is diabetes, which increases in prevalence with age. According to the National Institute on Aging, diabetes is most common in middle-aged and older adults. 

Men with diabetes are three times more likely to develop erectile dysfunction, largely because of the negative effects that diabetes can have on blood flow throughout your body.

Diabetes also plays a key role in nerve health. People with higher-than-normal levels of glucose can develop damaged nerves, which in turn might result in decreased sexual sensation, or even cause pain during sexual intercourse. 

In addition to cardiovascular health issues and diseases such as diabetes, age-related changes in your production of certain hormones might affect your sexual performance and make it harder to maintain a healthy sex life. 

For example, it’s common to experience a gradual decline in your production of testosterone as you grow older, starting from the age of 30 to 40.  

Low testosterone levels can negatively affect your sexual function in several ways, including by reducing your level of interest in sex and contributing to erectile dysfunction.

Testosterone deficiency can also affect your sleep, red blood cell count, energy levels, body fat and muscular strength, which may have an impact on your stamina in bed. 

Another age-related factor that could cause or contribute to erectile dysfunction is injury to your penis, pelvis and surrounding area.

Certain surgical procedures and medical treatments, such as surgery for prostate cancer, have the potential to damage the nerves around your penis.

Since most cancers and prostate conditions become more common with age, these procedures are more frequently performed on middle-aged and older men.

Medications and Erectile Dysfunction

In addition to physical health problems, some medications can affect your ability to develop and maintain an erection. These include:

• Medications for high blood pressure

• Medications for prostate cancer 

• Antidepressants 

• Anxiety medications

• Prescription sleeping pills

• Appetite suppressants

• Ulcer medications

As you get older, it’s common to use more medications on a daily basis, including certain drugs that may affect your sex drive, erectile function and general sexual health.  

Other Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Other issues that may cause erectile dysfunction include mental health disorders and lifestyle factors. 

Psychological issues that can contribute to ED include depression, anxiety, feelings of anxiety about sex, low self-esteem and stress.

Lifestyle factors that may cause or contribute to ED include smoking, consuming an excessive amount of alcohol, using recreational drugs, having a sedentary daily life and being overweight or obese.

Our full guide to the causes of erectile dysfunction goes into more detail about the factors that can affect your erections and sexual function. 

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How to Treat Erectile Dysfunction as You Age

Regardless of your age, erectile dysfunction is almost always treatable. For most men, erectile dysfunction can be treated by using medication and making certain changes to your lifestyle to improve your sexual health and function. 

Use Medication to Treat ED

Currently, there are several evidence-based, FDA-approved medications available for erectile dysfunction. These medications work by increasing blood flow to your penis, which can make getting and maintaining an erection easier when you’re sexually aroused.

Currently, the following medications are available to treat ED:

• Sildenafil. The active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil(generic Viagra) can be taken one hour prior to sex and provides relief from erectile dysfunction for around four hours per dose.

• Tadalafil. The active ingredient in Cialis®, vardenafil is a long-lasting ED medication that can provide relief from ED for up to 36 hours — an effect that’s earned it the nickname of the “weekend” pill.

• Vardenafil. The active ingredient in Levitra®, vardenafil starts working quickly and offers relief from ED for slightly longer than sildenafil.

• Avanafil. Available as Stendra®, avanafil is a fast-acting, new ED medication that’s less likely to cause certain side effects than older ED medications.

We offer generic versions of several ED medications online, following a private consultation with a physician who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. 

Although ED medications are safe for most people, they can cause side effects and may interact with some medications used to treat hypertension and other conditions.

Because of this, it’s important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you currently use or have recently used before using medication to treat ED.

In addition to the oral medications listed above, several other medications are also used to treat erectile dysfunction. These include the medication alprostadil, which is available as a cream and as an injectable ED treatment. 

Our guide to the most common erectile dysfunction treatments explains your options for dealing with ED and provides more information about how each type of medication works. 

Take Part in Psychotherapy

If a psychological or emotional issue is at the root of your ED, which can happen no matter your age, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional.

Many mental health issues that can cause ED, such as anxiety and depression, can be treated with talk therapy. Your mental health provider may suggest taking part in therapy on its own, or participating in therapy while using medication to treat your symptoms. 

We offer a range of mental health services online for issues such as anxiety, clinical depression and stress, including psychiatry and online therapy.  

Make Changes to Your Lifestyle

If you have mild or moderate ED, making certain changes to your lifestyle may help you to get and keep an erection without the use of medication. Try to:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a significant risk factor for ED, particularly due to its close association with health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.

  If you’re overweight or obese, try to lose weight. Although BMI is far from perfect, aiming for a BMI in the normal range is generally a good way to reduce your risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction.

• Exercise regularly. While there’s no need to train like an athlete, staying active is an important part of preventing erectile dysfunction. In fact, research has shown that men with ED due to blood flow issues often experience improvements after exercising.

  If you have an inactive lifestyle, try to exercise more often. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and at least two sessions of resistance training per week for better physical health.

• Drink alcohol responsibly. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a beer, glass of wine or cocktail every now and then, drinking excessively may increase your risk of ED and other closely related health issues.

  Try to limit your alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day — the recommended consumption under the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

• Quit smoking. Smoking can affect your cardiovascular health and potentially increase your risk of dealing with erectile dysfunction. If you smoke, try your hardest to cut down your cigarette consumption and eventually kick the habit completely.

• Treat underlying health issues. ED is often linked to underlying health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.

  If you’ve recently noticed ED, it’s worth talking to your healthcare provider. They may be able to carry out a physical exam, take a blood sample or use other techniques to detect any underlying issues that could affect your ability to maintain healthy erections.

• Check your medications. Certain medications, such as antidepressants, medications used to treat high blood pressure, cardiovascular medications and some sleeping pills, may cause ED and other sexual issues.

  If you’ve recently started using medication and noticed difficulty getting an erection, talk to your healthcare provider to see if it’s the cause. You may be able to switch to another medication or adjust your dosage to improve your symptoms. 

Our guide to naturally protecting your erection goes into more detail about steps you can take to improve your erectile health and quality of life without medication. 

The Bottom Line on Aging and Erectile Dysfunction

Although erectile dysfunction does become more prevalent with age, there’s no specific age at which men stop getting hard. 

Depending on your general health, lifestyle and other factors, you may begin to notice signs of erectile dysfunction as you get older. Maintaining good habits, such as keeping yourself active and limiting your alcohol intake, can help to reduce your risk of dealing with ED.

If you’re starting to develop erectile dysfunction, there’s no need to panic. Medications such as sildenafil and others can make getting and keeping an erection easier and allow you to have an enjoyable sex life at any age. 

We offer several ED medications online, following a consultation with a healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. 

Worried you might be starting to develop ED? Our guide to how to know if you’re getting erectile dysfunction goes into more detail about common sexual function warning signs, as well as steps that you can take to improve your erections and sexual performance. 

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Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.

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12. Peripheral Vascular Disease. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/peripheral-vascular-disease
13. Diabetes in Older People. (2019, May 1). Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/diabetes-older-people
14. Diabetes and Men. (2022, March 15). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-and-men.html
15. Diabetes and Nerve Damage. (2021, May 7). Retrieved from https://www. cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-nerve-damage.html
16. Could you have low testosterone? (2021, May 13). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000722.htm
17. Skrypnik, D., Bogdański, P. & Musialik, K. (2014, February). Obesity–significant risk factor for erectile dysfunction in men. Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski. 36 (212), 137-41. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24720114/
18. Lamina, S., Agnabusi, E.C. & Nwacha, R.C. (2011, November). Effects of Aerobic Exercise in the Management of Erectile Dysfunction: A Meta Analysis Study on Randomized Controlled Trials. Ethiopian Journal of Health Science. 21 (3), 195-201. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3275865/
19. How much physical activity do adults need? (2022, June 2). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm
20. Dietary Guidelines for Alcohol. (2022, April 19). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/moderate-drinking.htm

Steve Harvey: three ages of a man

Komsomolskaya Pravda

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House. FamilyRelationshipsMAN AND WOMAN

Daria ZAVGORODNYA

December 7, 2011 17:48

A new book by popular psychology gurus “You know nothing about men” has come out of print

If men are from Mars, then women are from Venus. This book will be useful to everyone who does not understand (and therefore, perhaps, does not like) men. The author of the number one bestseller on relations between men and women, according to The New York Times, which has gained popularity all over the world, including in Russia, one of the most witty TV presenters in America, Steve Harvey continues to teach the “Venusians” the “Martian” language.

In a new book entitled “You know nothing about men” the author focused on the true motives of men’s actions. Funny and instructive stories from the life of his own family helped to make this manual as visual as possible.

With the permission of the Eksmo publishing house, we publish a chapter from the book.

AGE AND LOOKING AT RELATIONSHIPS

What men want to see in women at twenty, thirty, forty and older. Details of each decade of a man’s age

To help you understand men better, I will tell you what they think about relationships with women as they get older and at what point in their lives they are ready to get married.

A MAN AT TWENTY…

Between the ages of twenty and thirty, a man tries to form an opinion about himself and his abilities. He makes mistakes and knows their cost.

He does not yet know the real value of money; students are forever broke and more likely to try to succeed in areas other than finance.

But when a man is twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, he wants more serious achievements – to have a cool car, an enviable position and enough money. All this becomes important to him, but marriage does not appear on the list of desired achievements, since it does not relate to goals related to career growth and financial independence. In addition, usually all the surrounding men, from his own father and brothers to work colleagues, constantly tell him that it is necessary to work up his heart’s content and try to avoid long-term relationships with one woman for as long as possible.

What does this mean for relationships? wife and children. But, unfortunately, most men during this period simply do not consider relationships with women too serious. However, you can appreciate the potential of a man in his early twenties, even if he is not thinking about marriage yet. The key criterion for evaluation is the ability of a man to do things.

A person with potential will not spend his pants in front of the TV; he has a good life plan, he knows exactly what he wants and how to achieve it. An energetic man already at a young age gets on the rails, along which he will later roll to a happy future.

In addition to potential, you can evaluate a person’s personal qualities: how respectful he treats you, whether he will treat you the way you want, and, finally, whether he is a decent person or inclined to break laws. It would also be good to find out if he is a supporter of monogamous relationships. To do this, just look at how he behaves with other women when you are together.

At one time, the coach told me: the way you train, the way you perform. If a man does not strive for monogamy when dating you, and his moral character does not tell him what is fair and what is not fair in relation to a woman, then how can this change when you marry him?

Let me be very frank: you have every right to challenge a man to an honest conversation. You need to tell him how you see your life beyond the threshold of thirty years, and explain that the lifestyle that you put up with in your student days, when you were twenty years old, will not suit you at thirty-seven, when the physical ability to have children is almost dry .

He must understand that there are only two acceptable behaviors for him: either he marries you and takes full responsibility, or he goes beyond the horizon, allowing you to focus on finding a partner who can give you what you need.

A MAN AT THIRTY…

Usually at this age a man no longer builds a career – he strengthens it, trying to reach the desired level of prosperity and achieve at least some of the goals outlined in his maximum program. A hectic lifestyle and the pursuit of pleasures, characteristic of youth, pass into the category of “what was.” We are also more relaxed about the fact that soon we will have to stop chasing every skirt, because, in fact, we have already received everything that can be obtained from this activity, and the hunting passion is gradually subsiding.

A man manages to understand that he should look for a woman who will not turn life together into a drama, but on the contrary, will try to make it fun and easy. Such a woman will support in difficult times and will be faithful to him. If he finds her, he will want to take responsibility for her and the children.

Of course, much depends on the age at which, in the man’s opinion, he became successful. If he is still about thirty, and success has already come, a man begins to think about marriage soon after his thirtieth birthday. But if the thirty-year milestone is reached, and success has not yet come, the man will not even think about marriage. The main thing for him will remain the observation of other people’s success and alignment with people whose well-being differs from his current situation.

What does this mean for relationships

The most important trait of a thirty-year-old man is responsibility. You have the right to expect that your partner is set up for a long-term relationship.

However, you should not wait until he takes the initiative himself. There are many women in the world who met with men, who at some point decided to enter into an intimate relationship with them and waited for a marriage proposal for many years. They hoped to get love and devotion in return, and then they found that their men were simply not interested in marriage.

You don’t have to wait that long, you can ask a direct question and get the appropriate answer: “Are you thinking of marrying me?” Perhaps he will answer that he is not ready yet. I do not advise you to be satisfied with this answer, demand more specifics. Ask how he generally relates to marriage. If a man answers that “he is not one of those who marry,” or says that “I did not plan to do this in the near future,” you should not just leave him – run as hard as you can.

Let him know that you want to have a family, if not immediately, but after a while, and if he does not want to share these plans with you, you will have to look for someone else. Yes, such things are difficult to say, I understand. You are afraid that he will leave, and you will have to cry for him, and then suffer, trying to find someone else, and even no one, but such a person with whom you can make serious plans.

But I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the white light has not converged on anyone like a wedge. The man you break up with is not the last person on earth. Don’t get hung up, keep moving forward. You made a mistake with the choice of a partner, but it does not matter. Wipe your tears and move on in search of the man you deserve, the man who appreciates what you are willing to give.

A MAN AT FORTY…

Forty years is the time to settle down. This is a great time in a man’s life. It is at this age that the best features appear in him, if, of course, they exist.

If a man is single by the age of forty, then there are good reasons for that. Maybe he was unlucky in love. Maybe he has such a job to which his whole life is subordinated. Or perhaps you are one of those eccentrics who, in principle, are alien to the idea of ​​a family and children, even at such a mature age. There are such people – principled opponents of any bonds, including marriage.

Most likely, such a man feels quite comfortable living alone. He is able to provide for himself, in his life there is a place for women who behave in a way that does not create unnecessary anxiety. Such a man needs a woman who can satisfy him in sex, and at the same time, just like him, who does not want to cross a certain line in a relationship.

If a forty-year-old man became lonely involuntarily, due to a divorce, there will most likely be no one next to him, because after a failed marriage he became a cautious person, but the hunting instinct plays in him stronger than in someone who is used to being single life. A suddenly released man feels that he can afford to flirt without consequences, and, of course, he wants to slightly stretch out the pleasant moments of his single life.

Moreover, it may be years before he again begins to think about entering into a long-term relationship with someone, before the fear caused by previous failure passes, and the man feels the desire to limit himself again. This is especially true for those who have recently divorced, because the feelings he continues to have for his ex-wife are still very fresh and complex.

What does this mean for a relationship

To find a free forty-year-old man, and even more so, to get him, you will have to work hard. He has been there before, he did it, the wasp waist, cutesy looks and long half-drooped eyelashes no longer make him tremble. He knows perfectly well how to find a hottie in her twenties and spend a couple of nights with her, but as a rule, he has already done this so many times that the pursuit of a casual skirt has lost its charm.

Remember that dating a 40-year-old divorced man is especially difficult if his marriage has just broken up. He may, for various reasons, think that you are too much like the wife with whom he spent years, and will try to stay away from you.

If he divorced no more than two years ago, you should not count on anything more than simple, non-committal sex. He will probably want to date someone else, and your personal beauty and attractiveness do not play the slightest role.

But sooner or later any man stops experiencing the pain that tormented him after a divorce, and he becomes lonely. Sooner or later, he realizes that even having sex with a woman of his age is more pleasant than with a twenty-five-year-old girl. He is well aware that physical perfection is not as important as it is commonly believed, and that partnerships based on the kinship of souls and the similarity of life experience are much more important.

A MAN AT FIFTY AND MORE…

At this age, men begin to worry about their health, because they feel the first signs of impending weakness. And of course, taking care of your health is much easier if a woman is nearby. It is more difficult for a man to accustom himself to live properly, eat and try not to expose the body to unnecessary stress if there is no woman nearby.

What does this mean for relationships

Any man in his mature years tends to think about his health and how to spend the last years of his life. This makes him a person from whom serious intentions can and should be expected. In this he differs from a thirty-year-old and even forty-year-old man. He is looking for a partner to grow old with, sees the downside of hard work that he has to do throughout his life, and begins to think about how to do well what he has dreamed of all his life – travel, or just relax, calmly, day after day, in the company of a permanent partner.

It is pleasant for an elderly man to know that there is a woman nearby who, just like him, has solved all important life problems for herself and is ready to spend the rest of her days in peace and contentment.

Dear ladies, of course, there are no rules without exceptions. In this chapter, I have tried to paint only a general picture of what happens to men as they reach each new milestone of biological age. I will be happy if what I have shared with you will help you win love and respect from men and build harmonious relationships that you undoubtedly deserve.

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why it occurs, what to do if it disappeared

18+

Morning erection is a completely common occurrence for any healthy man. If you see in the morning that your loved one has not really woken up yet, and his penis is in full combat readiness, this is a good sign, then your man is healthy. But if the morning erection is gone, this is already an alarm signal.

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Male physiology

cheerful morning

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“Who did you dream about?” – jealous wives begin to be suspiciously interested and receive an on-duty answer: “No one, I just want to write.” But he is wrong. Old people also wake up with a desire to get to the pot as soon as possible, but they cannot boast of the same reaction.

Mechanism of morning erection

The fact that morning erection is a sign of overfilled bladder is a delusion. As well as the fact that it is caused by erotic dreams. Consciousness does not take part in this process at all. The reason lies in the peculiarities of male physiology. Science knows at least four hypotheses about why morning erections occur.

Morning erection due to brain oversight

According to a study conducted by the International Society of Endocrinologists, it is possible that certain areas of the brain turn off during REM sleep, and the brain stops keeping the penis in check. Therefore, there is a morning erection. Whereas normally the brain regulates the activity of the genitals and ensures that an erection occurs when needed, during REM sleep the penis is free to do what it wants. And what he wants is to appear in all its glory.

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Hormones are to blame for the morning erection

In the morning, a man has the highest testosterone level in a day. This explains the lack of a morning erection at the age of 40-50 something, when the level of testosterone in the male body decreases. Therefore, this phenomenon can be explained by the fact that in the morning a man, at the behest of nature, is at the peak of his abilities.

This is not an erection, but morning exercises for the penis

Another assumption of scientists is based on the fact that a morning erection is a kind of exercise on the ability of the penis to retain a significant supply of blood for a long time. Think about it: no other place can do that. If you pull a limb with a tourniquet so that the blood lingers in it, the arm or leg will withstand only half an hour without serious consequences. And a penis can hold blood quite calmly for at least an hour and feel at the same time happily ever after.

7 ways to break your penis

So a morning erection can be part of a training program designed by the body to get the penis used to doing its job perfectly.

Unconscious arousal during sleep

Even when a person is asleep, his body remains susceptible to external stimuli. He touched the sheet or the partner’s thigh – and you’re done. The brain recorded the fact of stimulation and decided: we are working! So, girls, if you see a guy with an erection in the morning, you can attribute this to the proximity of your hot body.

How often should I have a morning erection?

The first morning erections occur already in the womb. With the onset of puberty in adolescents, they become regular and accompany a man until about 50 years of age. With excellent physical shape and the absence of diseases, the frequency of morning erections remains at about the same level even at 70, but this is an exception.

There is no exact schedule for morning erections. However, there is a direct dependence on age. In young men, it occurs more often, in older men less often. Normal will be the appearance of a morning erection every day, and a couple of times a week.

There is also a rare condition where an erection can last for several hours throughout the night, this is called intermittent nocturnal priapism. Such an erection is quite painful and does not subside on its own. The condition is considered dangerous and, if this happens, you need to urgently consult a doctor, otherwise it may lead to problems with erection in the future.

What to do if there is no morning erection

If the morning erection has disappeared due to age, then this is a normal phenomenon and you should not worry, but you can contact a urologist, just to rule out possible prostate cancer.

But if a young man does not have a “hard morning” time after time, this is already an alarming bell. The simplest reason may be stress or overwork. Then enough sleep and proper rest. However, there are other reasons for the lack of a morning erection, already signaling serious health problems. For example, such as:

• hypertension;
• sleep disorders;
• diabetes mellitus;
• hormonal failure;
• vascular diseases;
• erectile dysfunction.

Still the absence of a morning erection speaks in general about poor physical condition due to a large number of bad habits.