A man can get erectile dysfunction (ED) at any age, but his likelihood of developing symptoms increases as he gets older. Each person’s idea of ED might be different, but authoritative sources can provide a more accurate understanding of the issue.
Having ED means being unable to get an erection that is firm and lasts long enough to engage in sexual intercourse, according to the Cleveland Clinic health page on erectile dysfunction. They estimate that about 10 percent of American men experience ED as an ongoing condition.
Cleveland Clinic also warns against thinking of ED as normal, no matter what age a man is. Every man who has ED should consult a healthcare professional to check for other medical issues because ED can be a symptom of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and other significant concerns.
What Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction
When looking for an answer to what causes an individual’s ED, you must first determine whether the ED is an occasional issue or a long-term situation. Although there is overlap, a few of the things that can trigger chronic ED are different than short-term triggers.
Cleveland Clinic reports that if a man experiences the inability to have an erection less than one time out of five, a doctor might not consider the situation abnormal or in need of treatment. At this frequency, the cause may be something like extreme fatigue or stress, and other contributing factors can include the occasional overconsumption of alcohol or intimacy problems.
A man who cannot achieve or maintain a firm erection for sexual activity more than half the time, however, might have a medical condition and should get evaluated for possible treatment. Remember, for anyone asking, “Can you get erectile dysfunction at any age?” the answer is yes. According to the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) erectile dysfunction symptoms and causes page, some factors that can cause ED in young or older men include the following.
An Injury to the Groin Area
Injuries of this type can damage nerves, blood vessels, and other penile tissue. The ED could become permanent if the harm is not treated appropriately and does not heal correctly. Even with treatment, scar tissue from the trauma could make the ED worse in the future.
Insufficient Blood Flow to the Penis
If the blood vessels that supply blood to and within the organ have a blockage or are narrowed from vascular disease, the penis might not be able to maintain enough blood flow for an erection.
Nervous System Dysfunction
Sometimes the nerves that send instructions to the penis don’t function correctly. A spinal cord injury or stroke could lead to this situation. Some medical conditions like diabetes or multiple sclerosis can also cause neurological damage that leads to ED.
Peyronie’s Disease
Men with Peyronie’s disease, which causes curvature of the penis, develop tiny amounts of plaque just under the skin of the penis. Over time, the man can develop lumps or bumps on the organ that can lead to severe curvature. This can make it impossible to achieve an erection, or too painful to engage in sexual activity.
Adverse Medical Side Effects
Some medical treatments — like surgery for cancer of the colon, bladder, or prostate — can leave a man impotent. Certain prescription drugs can also cause ED, for instance:
- Medication for high blood pressure
- Antidepressants
- Diuretics
- Antihistamines
- Drugs for irregular heart rhythm
- Anti-seizure medication
- Muscle relaxants
- Chemotherapy
Some other medications can also affect a man’s sexual function.
Psychological Deterrents to Arousal
Some people say that the most important sexual organ is the brain. When a man experiences depression, high levels of stress, performance anxiety, or other emotional issues, his penis might not be able to function as desired.
For anyone wondering, “Can you get erectile dysfunction at any age?” the above list can be discouraging. Thankfully, now there are other treatments for ED that were not available to men in the past.
How GAINSWave® Therapy Can Treat Erectile Dysfunction
GAINSWave therapy is an innovative way to treat ED without pills, surgery, or uncomfortable sexual gadgets. It utilizes high frequency, low-intensity soundwaves to improve blood flow to the penis, remove micro-plaque, and stimulate the growth of new blood vessels.
Whether your ED is from inadequate blood flow, Peyronie’s disease, or some other cause, GAINSWave treatment could be the answer. The therapy doesn’t use drugs or invasive procedures. Medical providers in the GAINSWave network perform the treatment in their office, with no downtime. There are little to no known side effects.
Biohackers have used this soundwave therapy to optimize their sexual performance, even if they don’t have ED. The soundwaves can help to:
- Break down scar tissue to reverse the damage from diseases like Peyronie’s
- Release the body’s growth factors so that new tissue and blood vessels can grow within the penis
- Increase blood flow to the penis, leading to stronger and longer-lasting erections
It could not be simpler to get started. GAINSWave has medical providers all across the United States. Find a GAINSWave therapy provider near you. This treatment may help men of any age achieve optimal sexual performance.
