Erectile dysfunction (ED), once called impotence, occurs when the penis does not receive enough blood to produce an erection for satisfactory intercourse.

ED is very common — most people with a penis experience difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection at some point. According to some estimates, ED affects 30 to 50 millionTrusted Source people in the United States alone.

Many people think of erectile problems as an older adult’s issue, but they can affect younger people, as well.

A 2024 studyTrusted Source examined ED data from the 2021 National Survey of Sexual Wellbeing. It highlights the following rates of ED in various age groups:

Prevalence rates in scientific literature may notTrusted Source always be entirely accurate, since people may feel reluctant to tell healthcare professionals when they experience ED or other erectile issues.

Many factors that contribute to ED can occur at any age. These include physical and emotional factors — both of which are important for sexual activity. Some contributing factors include:

• having anxiety, depression, or feelings of shame or guilt about sexual activity
• experiencing significant stress about sex or something else
• smoking
• drinking alcohol in excess
• using recreational drugs
• having overweight or obesity
• having a lack of physical activity
• using workout supplements, testosterone boosters, or over-the-counter erectile aids
• underlying health issues

At any age, making adjustments such as lowering levels of stress and exercising more frequently may help improve erectile problems and boost overall health.

Age is a mainTrusted Source risk factor for ED. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, ED affects 40%Trusted Source of men at the age of 40. By the age of 70, this increases to 70%.

While people are more likely to develop ED as they get older, aging does not directly cause it. ED is not a natural part of aging — some people with penises are sexually active into their 80s.

However, as people get older, they are more likely to develop medical conditions that increase the risk of ED. These includeTrusted Source:

• diabetes
• high blood pressure, or hypertension
• a buildup of plaque in the arteries, called atherosclerosis
• low testosterone levels, or hypogonadism
• obesity
• sleep apnea

Erectile problems can also be a side effect of medications that people are more likely to take as they get older, such as blood pressure medications, tranquilizers, and ulcer medications.

The main definition of ED is trouble getting or maintaining an erection that is firm enough or lasts long enough for intercourse. The symptoms of ED do not vary depending on a person’s age.

A person with ED may:

• be able to get an erection, but not every time they want to
• have erections that do not last as long as they want
• be unable to have an erection

It is important to note that occasional trouble with erections is natural for males. However, if these issues happen regularly or are getting progressively worse, it can signal ED, and the person may benefit from treatment.

Physical complications of ED are generally mild. However, ED may indicate a more serious health problem, such as heart disease.

Meanwhile, the emotional effects of ED can be significant. People may experience:

• stress or anxiety about sexual activity
• low self-esteem
• emotional distress
• relationship problems

Younger adults may find ED particularly uncomfortable to manage or talk about due to the misconception that it only affects older people. In actuality, ED is relatively commonTrusted Source in younger people.

The best ED treatment approach varies from person to person. Some find that changing lifestyle factors is enough to resolve their ED, while others require professional treatment, such as medication.

When treating ED, a doctor or another medical professional may suggestTrusted Source the following:

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes can reduce many factors linked with ED. A person might benefit from:

• quitting smoking
• drinking less alcohol
• maintaining or achieving a moderate weight
• getting regular exercise
• following a balanced diet
• improving the quality and amount of sleep

Counseling

If a person feels that anxiety, stress, depression, or relationship problems are interfering with daily life — including sex — talking with a mental health professional may help.

Medication

A doctor may prescribe medication that stimulates blood flow to the penis, helping to achieve an erection.

There are many ED drugs available, and each can cause side effects. Common options include:

• sildenafil (Viagra)
• avanafil (Stendra)
• tadalafil (Cialis)

Changes to current medications

If a doctor determines that ED is a side effect of an ongoing medication, they may recommend switching medications or changing the dosage.

Do not make any changes without talking with a doctor first.

Devices to help with an erection

Vacuum devices are mechanical pumps that create an erection by drawing blood into the penis.

ED rings are bands that go around the base of the penis to keep blood in it, helping maintain an erection.

Natural remedies for ED are increasingly available over the counter. But little, if any, scientific evidence suggests that they work.

Also, some remedies can produce side effects or react negatively with medications. Before trying any over-the-counter treatment, it is important to consult a doctor.

In addition, these natural remedies and supplements may worsen erectile function in the long term, even if they help in the short term.

It is also worth noting that they work differently from ED medications such as Viagra and Cialis, which do not affect function beyond the time that the medication is in effect.

ED becomes more of a risk with age, but it can still occur in younger males. Stress, anxiety, and factors such as smoking can contribute to ED at any age, while physical factors, such as high blood pressure, may be more likely to contribute to ED in older adults.

As a result, ED may be more straightforward to treat in younger adults, though treatments can be effective at any age.

For many people, lifestyle changes, including stress reduction strategies, exercising more, and eating a balanced diet, improve or resolve ED symptoms.