What are the common causes of erectile dysfunction in older men?

As men age, many changes happen in their bodies that can make it harder to get or keep an erection. The blood vessels that carry blood to the penis may become less flexible or narrow because of heart disease or high blood pressure, which means less blood flows when it's needed to create an erection. Nerve signals that tell the body to start an erection might also not work as well because of natural aging changes.

Hormone levels, especially testosterone, tend to drop, which affects sexual desire and performance. Other health conditions common in older age, such as diabetes and obesity, can further make it difficult as they impact blood flow and nerve function. Some medicines that help with other health issues can also have side effects that lead to erectile dysfunction.

All these reasons together explain why erectile dysfunction is more common in older men. If you're experiencing any concerning symptoms, you can use a free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be happening with your health, though it's important to talk with a doctor who can help figure out the best way to manage them.