Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on March 02, 2022

You know it as one of the least desirable but most common issues men face in their lives. Believe it or not, erectile dysfunction affects nearly half of men over 40 in Canada. Many of them buy and use Viagra pills from Canada.

Fortunately, it doesn't have to be that way. With modern science, we understand how this condition works better than ever, which includes how to treat it.

In this article, we will discuss the following:

1. What erectile dysfunction is
2. How erectile dysfunction relates to age
3. Whether or not the condition is inevitable
4. Solutions to the problem based on individual circumstances

Let's get started!

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Of course, you probably know that erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition where you can't form erections. However, let's quickly talk about why.

First, erections form in the first place because of a muscle that regularly stops excessive blood from flowing into the penis. When males are sexually excited or the penis receives some stimulation, this muscle will relax, allowing more blood to flow.

When this happens, it stiffens the muscles within the penis, forming an erection.

However, sometimes, this muscle won't relax for several potential reasons. Stress, sexual exhaustion, and aging-related erectile dysfunction are a few of the most common contributing factors, but we will primarily discuss the latter.

Now, the formation of an erection isn't the only concern. ED may also affect a male's ability to maintain an erection, as the blood flow may exit faster than it flows in. Either way, this is classified as ED.

Is Erectile Dysfunction Related to Age?

Yes, erectile dysfunction can be linked directly to age in many cases. Around 70% of men over 70 have experienced some level of ED. The older you get, the more likely it is to develop.

Aging comes with risks of developing hundreds of different conditions, many of which are known causes of ED. More on that later.

However, that's not to suggest that age is the only factor. Far from it.

Believe it or not, there are rising concerns leading to ED developing in younger generations as well, especially with the rise and availability of pornography. Porn addictions are known to cause ED at earlier ages, so if you're under age 40 and you are a regular consumer of pornography, then this could be a potential cause.

There is a very close correlation with aging males developing erectile dysfunction.

Is Erectile Dysfunction Really Inevitable?

Well, yes and no. There are genetic and environmental factors at play, and depending on your circumstances, you may have more control than you think.

While it is a common condition for aging males, there's no scientific evidence to suggest that someone living to 120 has to develop ED. Beyond that, there's certainly no evidence suggesting it has to last.

To be fair, more research is needed into all of the factors that lead to ED. Although, in most cases, the condition is widely considered treatable, regardless of age.

There are genetic and environmental factors at play when it comes to ED, and depending on your circumstances, you may have more control than you think.

What Are the Causes of Erectile Dysfunction?

Without a doubt, age is one of the key factors in developing ED. As we mentioned, there is a very close correlation with aging males developing this condition.

Of course, the longer you live, the greater the odds are that you will experience aging-related impotence at some point. However, that's not to say that somebody in their 90s is guaranteed to have it. In most cases, there are things you can do.

We mentioned that pornography contributes to the rise of ED, but let's be clear. It is far from the only culprit when it comes to the rise of ED in younger males.

For example, increased alcohol consumption across the country, worsening diets, and a lack of exercise are only a few examples of potential causes for younger males.

Also, smoking and excessive drinking will also play a role in developing ED. If you use any of these in excess, especially daily, then quitting may make an immediate difference.

Regardless of your age, conditions such as prostate problems, heart disease, type II diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension will increase your risk of developing ED.

Those are all conditions widely associated with aging, which is another reason for ED developing as men age. Beyond that, muscles (like the one associated with allowing blood flow) may either weaken or stiffen as we age, which could be another potential cause.

Never Lose Hope; Find the Right Solution

If you're going to remember anything from this article, let it be this: erectile dysfunction is not a lost cause. It's not a death sentence, it's not a life sentence, and there is plenty you can do about it, regardless of your current age.

Fortunately, some of your options are even easier than you may think. Remember, stress from work is enough to cause ED in many cases.

Well, here are some of the most accessible solutions to try so you can get back to your favourite activities.

Lifestyle Changes

Sometimes, with some simple lifestyle changes, you can get back to doing what you love (or who).

As we mentioned before, stop watching porn. Pornography is highly addictive, especially if you become accustomed to scrolling through an endless stream of it for hours.

Again, that's far from the only concern. Next, let's focus on your health.

Lowering your cholesterol intake can prevent clogged arteries, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other known causes of erectile dysfunction. 

Conversely, so can decreasing your sugar intake, consuming enough nutrients, and exercising. These will help improve blood flow, ensure that everything is working properly in your body, and reduce stress. All of these may help the problem.

Try to limit your intake of processed foods and focus on a wide variety of plant-based foods. Salads and soups are the easiest ways to get plenty of colours (therefore, nutrients) into your body, so have one every day.

From there, include some type of exercise routine into your schedule. It's widely recommended that adults receive at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week. Find an activity or sport you enjoy and get moving.

Remember, having fun with it is the most important part, as this will help keep you motivated, successful with exercise retention, and less stressed. 

Beyond that, reducing or ending your consumption of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products will also help, as these are known causes of ED.

Sometimes, with some simple lifestyle changes, you can get back to doing what you love (or who).

Check Your General Health

Talk to your doctor about your overall health. As we mentioned, heart disease, high cholesterol, and several other underlying conditions may cause ED without you even realizing it.

Now, there are some things you can notice for yourself without the help of your doctor, including your current diet, lifestyle, substance use, and others. If you know something is bad for you, you don't need a doctor's permission to stop unless it will put you in danger (drug withdrawal, etc.).

If you live a sedentary lifestyle or eat a poor diet, then this is another concern. Obesity is another known cause of ED, and losing weight may help with that.

Of course, there are always options for help with overcoming health challenges. You can contact your doctor, consult with a personal trainer or nutrition coach, or you can work with a specialist to overcome your specific condition.

Regardless, a check-up with your doctor and an honest audit of your current lifestyle will go a long way.

If you try a few lifestyle changes, get yourself in decent health, and still have performance issues, there is always help available.

Ask Your Doctor About Other Options

When all else fails, it's a good idea to ask your doctor if any other options are available to you. 

If you try a few lifestyle changes, get yourself in decent health, and still have performance issues, there is always help available.

Your doctor will be able to answer any questions you have about medication options and give you the proper guidance about what may be able to help you feel more like yourself. From there, you can get back to your life without any unwanted interruptions.

Key Takeaways

Now that you know a little more about how ED works and what you can do about it try some of these tips out for yourself. If you're going to remember anything from this, remember that you're not alone!

Is erectile dysfunction a normal part of aging? In many cases, yes, but it doesn't always have to be.

ED is nothing to be ashamed of, and it affects the majority of men who live long enough. Fortunately, as we mentioned, there are ways to address the problem! Talk to your doctor today to get more details.