It’s a fair question—and one a lot of men (and their partners) wonder about but don’t always feel comfortable asking.

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Here’s the short answer: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common as men get older, but it’s not something that’s “normal” or inevitable. Just because you’re aging doesn’t mean you have to accept ED as a part of life.

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What Actually Is ED?

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Erectile dysfunction means you’re having trouble getting or keeping an erection that’s firm enough for sex. Maybe it happens occasionally, or maybe it’s more frequent. Either way, if it’s getting in the way of your sex life—or causing stress or frustration—it’s worth looking into.

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Now, it’s totally normal for things to not always work perfectly. Stress, being overly tired, drinking alcohol, or even performance anxiety can cause a temporary issue. But if it’s happening consistently, it’s time to take it seriously.

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Why Does It Seem to Happen More with Age?

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As we get older, a few things naturally change in the body:

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• Blood vessels can become less flexible.

• Testosterone levels tend to drop a bit.

• Nerves may not be as responsive.

• You’re more likely to have health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.

• You might also be taking medications that affect sexual function.

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So yes, age brings changes—and those changes can contribute to ED. But here's the important part: age doesn’t cause ED. There are plenty of men in their 60s, 70s, even 80s who have healthy, satisfying sex lives.

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Don’t Let “It’s Just Aging” Be an Excuse

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Here’s the problem with thinking ED is just a normal part of getting older: it stops people from getting help. And that’s a big deal, because ED isn’t just about sex—it can be an early sign of something else going on in the body, especially problems with blood flow or heart health.

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In other words, ED can be like a check-engine light. Ignoring it could mean missing the chance to catch and treat other health issues early.

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The Good News: ED Is Treatable—At Any Age

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No matter how old you are, there are solutions. ED is one of the most treatable conditions in men’s health. Depending on what’s causing it, treatment options might include:

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• Getting more exercise, improving your diet, or cutting back on smoking or alcohol

• Talking with a therapist (stress and anxiety are major players in ED)

• Taking medications like Viagra or Cialis

• Shockwave Therapy

• Hormone testing and treatment if testosterone is low

• Devices or procedures, in more advanced cases

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The key is figuring out why it’s happening—and that starts with a conversation with your doctor.

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Bottom Line

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Getting older doesn’t mean your sex life has to slow down—or stop. Yes, ED becomes more common with age, but it’s not something you just have to accept. It’s a medical issue, and it’s usually treatable.

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If you’re dealing with ED, don’t brush it off as “just getting old.” Talk to someone about it. You might be surprised at how many options are out there—and how much better you can feel.