Erectile Dysfunction in Older Men: Ageing, Health & Treatment

Erectile dysfunction at age 75 is a concern many men wonder about: is it normal, why does it happen, and what can be done about it? The truth is that erection problems do become more common with age, but they are not inevitable, and effective treatments are available at every stage of life.

At older age, physical changes like reduced blood flow, hormone shifts, or health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are usually the main culprits, yet solutions range from safe medications and devices to lifestyle changes and advanced therapies.

In this article, we’ll explain why ED is more common in older men, how to tell what’s normal, and the wide range of treatment options available.

Is Erectile Dysfunction Normal With Age?

Erectile dysfunction at the age of 75 is very common. In fact, ED is one of the most prevalent sexual health concerns among older men.

Need to Talk to a Doctor?

Connect online instantly with one of our doctor, within the next 5 mins.

Book Instant Consult

Research[1] shows that 76.5% of men aged 50–75 experience some degree of erectile dysfunction. The likelihood increases with age- from about 67% at age 50 to nearly 89% by age 75.

At age 50, around 21% of men experience erectile dysfunction, while by age 75, the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging[1] reported that 75% of 80-year-old men had penile erection problems.

This data highlights that erectile dysfunction prevalence rises significantly with age, with the risk of complete ED increasing by about 18% for every year after age 60.

According to Allo Health, nearly 1 in 2 men over the age of 60 experience erectile dysfunction, which is based on our internal clinical data of more than 2.5 lakh patients who have visited our clinics.

Unsure About Your Sexual Health?

Get started with our 2-min free self assessment

Start Free Assessment

The important takeaway? If you’re experiencing erection problems at 50 or 75, you’re certainly not alone. While ED becomes more common as men grow older, it’s not inevitable, and effective treatments are available at every age.

Allo asks

If you had erection problems at age 70+, would you openly talk about it?

Yes, with my doctor

60%

Yes, with my partner

20%

No, I’d keep it private

20%

Not sure

0%

5 responses

Why Erectile Dysfunction Happens More With Age

ED becomes more common as men age because the body naturally changes over time, and these shifts affect blood flow, nerves, hormones, and overall health.

Blood flow problems:

With age, blood vessels become stiffer and may get blocked by fatty deposits (plaque). Since the penis depends on good blood flow, even small blockages can cause erection issues.[2]

Muscle changes:

The penis has special smooth muscles that trap blood during arousal. Over time, these muscles weaken and can’t hold blood as well, leading to softer erections.

Nerve signals:

The nerves that send “erection signals” also slow down or get damaged with age. This reduces sensation, pleasure, and sometimes makes medicines less effective.

Other health factors:

Chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, low testosterone, or depression can add to the problem. Certain medicines, smoking, excess alcohol, obesity, and lack of exercise also play a role

In short, ageing affects multiple systems, making erectile dysfunction more likely, but it’s not inevitable and often treatable.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction in Older Men

Erectile Dysfunction at Age 75

In men over 75, ED is most often caused by physical factors rather than psychological ones. The most common causes include:

Vascular Changes

As blood vessels age, they become stiffer and begin to harden, a process called atherosclerosis. This can block or narrow the vessels, reducing blood flow to the penis and making it harder to achieve an erection.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes become more common with age. These health issues not only affect overall well-being but also directly impact erectile function.[3]

Neurological Conditions

Disorders of the brain and spinal cord, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries, are more frequent in older age and can interfere with the nerves needed for erections.

Hormonal Changes

Testosterone, the hormone that supports sexual desire and function, naturally declines with age. Lower levels can reduce both libido and the ability to maintain erections.

Medications

Older men are often prescribed multiple medications (polypharmacy). Some of these have erectile dysfunction as a side effect, including:

• Antidepressants
• Antihistamines
• High blood pressure medications
• Gastric acid-reducing drugs
• Diuretic medications such as spironolactone
• Certain painkillers like opioids

Erectile Dysfunction at Age 50

Erection problems at 50 usually reflect a mix of physical and psychological factors. Common causes include:

Cardiovascular Risk Factors

High blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and high cholesterol begin to play a larger role in erectile difficulties.

Lifestyle Factors

Sedentary behavior, obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and lack of regular exercise can all increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Psychological Health

Stress, anxiety, and depression interfere with arousal and can worsen erectile dysfunction.

Hormonal Changes

Early signs of andropause- the gradual decline in testosterone levels can reduce energy, sexual desire, and overall sexual performance.

Surgical History

Some men may have undergone prostate cancer surgery or other medical procedures that affect the ability to get or maintain an erection.

Many men assume that getting older automatically means giving up on their sex life. That’s simply not true. While erections may change with age, we have safe and effective treatments for every stage of life.

Treatment Options for Erection Problems in Old Age

For older men, treating ED often requires a two-way approach:

1. Managing underlying medical conditions that may contribute to ED.
2. Directly addressing ED symptoms with medications or other treatment methods.

Medications

Research[4] shows that the first line of treatment for ED, PDE5 inhibitors, is usually safe for older adults. These oral ED medications work by improving blood flow to the penis. Common options include:

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

In older men, these medications are generally started at a lower dose (for example, 25 mg sildenafil instead of 50–100 mg). This is because metabolism slows down with age and the risk of side effects is higher.

Doctors also carefully review other ongoing medications to avoid harmful drug interactions. Tadalafil is often a preferred choice for older adults who also have an enlarged prostate, since it can be prescribed for daily use.[5]

Penile Injections or Intraurethral Suppositories

Medications such as alprostadil can be delivered directly into the penis using penile injections or tiny suppositories. These are usually considered when oral ED medicines are not effective or not tolerated.[6]

As proper administration is important, older adults who are uncomfortable with the technique should seek medical guidance or assistance before use.

Vacuum Erection Devices

These are non-invasive vacuum pump devices that use a pump placed over the penis to draw blood in and create an erection. Many older men find them a safe and effective option.

Penile Implants

For severe ED that does not improve with other treatments, an inflatable penile prosthesis can be surgically implanted. Studies[7] show success rates of about 91% in men aged 71 to 86, making this an effective long-term solution.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

If low testosterone is confirmed through testing, testosterone therapy may be offered alone or alongside other ED treatments to improve sexual function.

Lifestyle Changes

Simple but powerful changes can significantly improve erectile function:

• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise

Addressing Underlying Conditions

Managing chronic health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or depression often leads to noticeable improvements in erectile function.

Outlook for Erectile Dysfunction Treatment in Older Age

The outlook for treating erectile dysfunction is brighter than many men expect. Age is not a barrier; whether you’re 50 or 75, there are safe and effective options to help you.

Erectile Dysfunction At Age 50:

You’re often catching ED at an earlier stage. That means lifestyle changes, counseling, or first-line ED medications usually work well.

The bonus? These steps don’t just improve erections, they also boost heart health, energy, and overall well-being.

Erectile Dysfunction At Age 75:

Yes, ED may feel more complicated with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or medications in the picture.

But there are still treatment options available, from safer medications and devices to advanced therapies.

With a bit of personalization, most men see meaningful improvements in both sexual function and quality of life even at the age of 75.

6 Tips to Help Keep Erections Healthy as You Age

It’s important to remember that even with the natural effects of aging, many older men are still able to have healthy erections well into later life.

You don’t always need a “perfect” erection to stay sexually active or enjoy intimacy. With age, sexual activity often becomes more about connection, comfort, and satisfaction, and not just performance.

Preventing erectile dysfunction begins with maintaining your overall health, particularly your heart health.[8]

1. Eating for Circulation and Hormone Balance

An ED-friendly diet full of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats supports blood flow and hormone production.

Reducing processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol helps lower inflammation.

Even modest weight loss can improve testosterone levels and enhance circulation.

2 . Physical Activity

Exercise improves blood vessel health, while strength training helps maintain testosterone and muscle mass.

Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) can enhance control and firmness.

Many men see improvements within 6–8 weeks of consistent activity.

3. Sleep Is Non-Negotiable

Most testosterone is produced during deep sleep. Sleep deprivation can thus affect erectile function.

Prioritizing rest, managing sleep disorders like apnea, and maintaining a consistent schedule all support sexual function.

4. Mind Your Mental Health

Stress, anxiety, and depression can affect erections. Mindfulness, sex therapy, and open communication with your partner can help maintain emotional and sexual well-being.

Mental health support is as important as physical health in prevention.

5. Avoid a Bad Lifestyle

Smoking, excessive alcohol, and recreational drugs harm blood vessels, nerves, and hormone levels.

Quitting or reducing these habits can significantly improve erectile health, often within months.

6. Regular Health Check-ups

Regular checkups and medical history can detect early signs of issues like high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, or low testosterone levels.

Reviewing medications with your doctor can help identify drugs that may affect sexual function. Don’t wait for problems; talk openly about sexual health as part of routine care.

When to See a Doctor

Some changes in sexual health are a normal aging process, but others signal it’s time to talk with your doctor.

Normal Aging Changes:

• Gradual decrease in erection strength
• Taking longer to get aroused
• Mild urinary changes that don’t affect daily life

Time to See a Doctor:

• ED that appears quickly rather than gradually
• Any pain in or around the penis
• Lumps, major size or shape changes, or new curvature
• ED affecting your relationship or peace of mind

Bottom Line

Erection problems may become more common with age, but they’re not inevitable. Taking care of your health, making positive lifestyle choices, and managing underlying conditions can go a long way in preventing or reducing erectile dysfunction.

The key is knowing what changes are a normal part of ageing and when it’s time to seek medical help. Age is never a barrier to treatment; safe and effective options are available at every stage of life. With the right approach, many older men continue to enjoy a fulfilling and satisfying sex life well into their later years.

Do you have a question in mind?

Chat privately with our 24/7 AI chatbot

Start Chat Now