What age do men stop getting hard ons?

While it is possible for men to get hard well into their later years, that doesn’t always make for plain sailing in the bedroom. Erectile difficulties can become more common with age.

But if these one-off occurrences are becoming a regular pattern, there might be something else going on down there––namely, erectile dysfunction (ED).

What is erectile dysfunction?

ED is characterised by persistent difficulty getting or maintain an erection that’s firm enough for sex. The condition is common, with an estimated 4.3 million men in the UK currently experiencing it.

Erections and age explained

Aspects of your body may naturally change over time. And in the same way, your penis and erections might change too.

During puberty

During puberty, your body releases hormones that trigger the production of testosterone––the hormone responsible for sexual maturation in men. This also brings with it some of the awkward puberty changes, from voice changes to penis and pubic hair growth, and more.

Your teens-40

From there, testosterone levels tend to peak around your late teens to early twenties, and levels remain high for the next two to three decades. Though, psychological contributors, like anxiety and depression, may still cause ED to occur in younger men.

Your 40s-50s

At about the age of 40, most men will experience a gradual decline in testosterone levels, averaging around 1% a year. Other biological factors can also contribute to the lowering levels of testosterone in your body. As you age, the sensitivity of your penis may also decrease.

Your 60s and beyond

While it’s true that ED can rear its head at any age, it becomes much more likely as you get older. It is estimated that almost half of men experience ED symptoms regularly by the time they’re in their 60s, according to some sources.

But ED doesn’t have to spell the end of your sex life. If ever it arises, there are plenty of available treatments and therapies to help––plus, it’s a great time to start exploring intimacy that goes beyond penetration with a partner.

What are the reasons for ED at different ages?

ED isn’t picky when it comes to age, but there are certain risk factors that can make it most common in men over the age of 40.

It is estimated that in 90% of cases, there is at least one underlying physical cause behind These estimates also indicate that cardiovascular (heart) disease and diabetes can account for 40% and 33% of ED cases respectively. Beyond that, other physical causes may include:

• Hormone problems, like low testosterone
• Pelvic surgery or trauma
• Peyronie’s disease (causing abnormal penile curvature)
• Side effects from medication such as antidepressants

While such physical factors can affect penis-owners at any point in their life, some of these risk factors can increase with age. For example, cardiovascular disease is most common in people over 50 years old, while Type 2 diabetes is more common in those aged 45-plus.

Psychological or psychogenic ED, however, can occur in men of all ages, often being attributed to:

• Performance anxiety
• Depression
• Anxiety

One study found that in men under 40, 85.2% of ED cases had a primarily psychogenic cause, while in men over 40, the same figure was more than halved. Beyond the physical and psychological causes, however, ED may be exacerbated at any age by several lifestyle factors:

• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Physical inactivity

When to seek support

Even the highest-performing engines need an oil change from time to time. And if things under the hood start to get rusty, it’s important to bring in an expert.

While erectile issues are a common issue that can occur at any age, you should seek support from a healthcare professional if your symptoms persist.

We know that opening up about what’s going on below the belt can sometimes feel embarrassing. But trust us, your doctor or healthcare provider will be best placed to guide your treatment going forward.

Beyond getting medical support, though, it can be helpful to talk to your partner or a trusted friend about what’s happening––or not happening––in between the sheets. You may find that they’ve got their own intimate experience with ED too.

How to help keep an erection as you age

There are some everyday changes you can make to address any contributing lifestyle factors, which your healthcare professional may point you towards. For example:

• Increase exercise
• Lose weight
• Maintain a healthier diet
• Limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels
• Quit smoking

Once you consult a healthcare professional about ED, their chosen course of action to treat ED might be medication. They may suggest sildenafil to help you get hard by supporting a temporary increase in blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal.

Flying the flag at full mast may feel different in your 50s compared to your 20s. But remember, some erection changes may occur as you age––and while addressing the cause of your ED can help you maintain a fulfilling sex life, it’s important to learn to feel comfortable in your body, at any age.

Getting past ED

Some things can get better with age. Blue cheese, classic art, denim jeans… and even sex. While ED can be inconvenient, it is common and can often be treatable.

The right treatment can help you get your sex life back on track. And in the meantime, try getting creative in the bedroom with the help of our range of products, or speak to your GP if you suspect ED might be at play.

Durex Sildenafil 50mg film-coated tablets. For erectile dysfunction problems in adult men. Always read the label. Ask your pharmacist if this medicine is suitable for you.

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