How to Fix Erectile Dysfunction at Age 50: Causes & Treatment Options

Whether you think 50 is the new 40 or you’re embracing the arrival of your silver fox era, there’s a chance some parts of your body aren’t working the way they used to.

According to some research, by the time a man is in his 40s, he has around a 40 percent chance of having some form of erectile dysfunction (ED) — and this risk increases by about 10 percent every subsequent decade. But you can learn how to fix erectile dysfunction at 50 or at any age you start experiencing symptoms with the right medication and lifestyle adjustments.

Being unable to achieve or maintain an erection long enough for satisfying sex doesn’t have to come with the territory of getting older. Like trading in your minivan for a flashy Corvette, the idea that midlife brings bad sex is mostly a myth.

Below, we’ll outline some of the most common causes of ED in your 50s, plus the latest ED treatment options so you can start having the best sex of your life.

Erectile dysfunction is a form of sexual dysfunction in which a man is unable to achieve or maintain a rigid erection suitable for satisfying sexual intercourse.

Though it can happen to men of various ages, research does indicate there’s a link between aging and ED, with the condition becoming more common after 40.

ED often co-occurs with other health conditions, like:

• Cardiovascular disease

• Diabetes

• High cholesterol

• High blood pressure (hypertension)

ED doesn’t just affect your sex life. If left unaddressed, this all-too-common men’s health condition can cause stress, relationship conflict, and low self-confidence.

If you’re Googling “erectile dysfunction age 50,” you’re not alone. ED affects around 30 million American men of all ages. However, the prevalence is higher in older men.

Data from the 2001–2002 National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) showed that ED prevalence increased from eight percent among men 40 to 49 years old to nearly 78 percent for those 75 and older. 

While these stats sound defeating, having ED isn’t an inevitable part of getting older. It’s a multifactorial condition with numerous physical and psychological influences. 

Like popping a tire while cruising down the highway, sudden ED can instantly disrupt a joy ride.

The first time it happens can be jolting. But ED could be a result of other health problems or medical conditions that have been building up for a while. 

Common Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction at 50+

Let’s be clear: Aging isn’t the actual cause of ED.

So then, what are the causes of erectile dysfunction in your 50s?

Older men experience ED more often because the risk of other health conditions that can impact sexual function increases with age.

We may hate to admit it, but our bodies undergo changes with age that interfere with how we’re used to doing things.

And we’re not talking about no longer being able to do 50 push-ups or eat whatever you want without gaining weight. We’re referring to underlying physical issues that start to derail activities that used to be easy — like sex.

The risk of having these health issues increases with age:

• High blood pressure

• Type 2 diabetes

• Atherosclerosis (build-up of plaque in the arteries from high cholesterol)

• Heart disease and vascular disease

• Low testosterone levels

• Peyronie’s disease, or penile curvature

These conditions aren’t confined to the heart and blood vessels. They can be physical causes of ED, impairing blood flow to the penis and making sexual performance more challenging.

Research from 2005 estimated that atherosclerosis accounts for 40 percent of ED in men over 50.

Obesity can further increase the risk of these health conditions. Overweight is also prevalent among middle-aged adults, affecting nearly 45 percent of men between 40 and 59 years old.

Lifestyle Factors That Can Cause ED at 50

Everyday habits can impact your sexual health and performance. These include:

• Not getting enough exercise

• Smoking

• Excessive drinking

• Illicit drug use

These habits promote inflammation, which could result in blood vessel dysfunction and reduced blood flow to your tissues — including those in your penis.

Medications That Contribute to ED

Medication use, in general, increases with age. Unfortunately, ED can be a side effect of certain over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs. 

Some of the most common culprits include antidepressants and blood pressure medications. Cancer treatments for prostate cancer can also interfere with erectile function.

This doesn’t mean you should stop using the medications prescribed to you (please, don’t do that). Instead, speak with your healthcare provider about switching medications or adjusting your dosage.

Psychological Factors That Cause ED

Not everyone with erectile dysfunction has an underlying physical ailment. In many cases, there are psychological causes of ED to consider.

After all, the mind is a powerful thing. Your thoughts and mental health may be interfering with your sexual performance more than you realize. 

Many men experience performance anxiety that can trigger ED or make existing symptoms worse. Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, stress, excessive pornography use, and relationship problems can all contribute to ED.

Neurological Issues That Contribute to ED

Another possibility is neurological ED caused by a nervous system impairment.

Arousal and stimulation trigger the brain to release impulses to the tissues in the penis. These impulses are also necessary to sustain increased blood flow for an erection.

In other words, proper erectile function is interrupted when there’s a neurological impairment.

This could include:

• Spinal cord injury

• Nerve damage from prostate or bladder surgery

• Parkinson’s disease

• Multiple sclerosis

• Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage from diabetes)

• Epilepsy

So, what can you do about it? Keep scrolling for answers.

Now that you know what may be causing your ED, you probably have one question: Can ED be reversed? And if so, you might wonder how to fix erectile dysfunction at 50 or older.

Remember, ED is common, meaning medical professionals have had many years to find solutions. As a result, most cases of erectile dysfunction are treatable. 

The first step in the quest of how to fix erectile dysfunction in your 50s is to get medical advice from your healthcare provider or a board-certified urologist.

We get it — discussing your sex life with someone you hardly know can feel uncomfortable. But the longer you put off medical treatments for ED, the longer you put off having satisfying sex.

A combination of medication and lifestyle changes is often prescribed to help with the physical and mental health aspects of ED.

ED Medications

ED medications are commonly prescribed — but not to treat the underlying condition. Instead, they help alleviate symptoms of sexual dysfunction while you focus on addressing the cause(s).

Still, ED medications are highly effective for symptom management. The most common are phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (or PDE5 inhibitors for short). These drugs increase blood flow to your penis by blocking an enzyme called PDE5, which is known to slow blood flow.

The result is a firmer, longer-lasting erection.

The most common PDE5 inhibitors prescribed for ED are: 

• Viagra®, the original “little blue pill”

• Sildenafil, generic for Viagra

• Cialis®  

• Tadalafil, generic for Cialis 

• Stendra®, brand-name avanafil

• Staxyn® (and generic vardenafil)

Looking for something a little different than traditional ED pills? Consider our chewable hard mints ED meds. Personalized to fit your needs, they can be made with the active ingredients in Cialis, Levitra, and Staxyn at different dosages.

Healthy Habits and Lifestyle Changes for ED

Addressing ED requires taking a good look at your whole lifestyle and identifying areas where positive changes could be made.

We mentioned earlier that having overweight or obesity can interfere with your ability to maintain an erection. Research shows that men with obesity are three times more likely to experience sexual dysfunction than those who fall within a healthy weight range.

Obesity is also a significant risk factor for other health conditions that can affect sexual function, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and clogged arteries.

Maintaining a healthy weight may reduce your risk of ED, improve the erection problems you currently have, and boost your overall health.

Consider making some intentional lifestyle changes, like: 

• Staying physically active. Aerobic exercise has been shown to help reduce symptoms of ED. Moving your body helps promote a healthy weight, supports cardiovascular health, and boosts sexual function. Exercising can also elevate your self-confidence. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity most days. This could be anything from swimming and biking to playing tennis, walking, or strength training.

• Following a nutritious diet. Eating nutritious foods (most of the time) can help promote erectile function and overall wellness. A healthy diet for ED emphasizes foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean protein. Keep ultra-processed snacks and sugary beverages to a minimum.

• Not smoking. Research shows that men who smoke cigarettes have a higher risk of developing ED than non-smokers. Why? Smoking narrows blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the penis. Men who quit smoking often see improvements in ED.

• Not drinking excessively. Frequent, heavy drinking can lead to sexual dysfunction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends men have no more than two alcoholic drinks a day.

What about not getting ED in the first place? How can an older man prevent ED?

The habits listed above to treat ED are the same things that can help prevent ED. Whether you have erectile dysfunction or think you’re at risk for developing it, striving for a healthy lifestyle is a good place to start.

Surgery, Injections, and Penis Pumps

If you’re not responding well to ED medications, there are still other options you can explore. They include:

• Alprostadil, an FDA-approved injection inserted directly into the urethra to improve erectile function

• Penis pumps and vacuum devices that manually increase blood flow to the penis

• Penile implants, a surgical option usually considered as a last resort

If you’re interested in any of these treatments, consult a healthcare provider specializing in urology.

Struggling with sexual arousal or sexual activity performance is a real let-down (literally) for everyone involved.

If you’re facing ED in your 50s, you don’t have to accept it as a normal part of aging. There are actions you can take to help realign your performance with your sex drive.

As you navigate the next steps, remember:

• Erectile dysfunction is multifactorial. ED at 50 can be caused by many things, including obesity, high blood pressure, hardening of arteries, smoking, alcohol use, low testosterone, antidepressants, cancer treatments, stress, anxiety, depression, and even physical deformities.

• It’s treatable. Having ED probably wasn’t the midlife change you were anticipating, but it’s common, and treatment options are available. Medication and lifestyle changes can be very successful. Erectile dysfunction treatments might include weight loss, smoking cessation, counseling, and prescription drugs like PDE5 inhibitors. 

• It requires medical support. Any “I can do it myself” energy you have is better used to fix the lawnmower. Have your healthcare provider do a comprehensive assessment for ED. Once the cause is identified, you can form a plan to address the issue.

Not everything has to slow down in your 50s (or at any age, for that matter). If you want to be sexually active well into your 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond, we say go for it. Take the first step toward improving your sex life with our free ED assessment.

Want to learn more about how to have better sex no matter how old you are? Check out these ED cures for seniors and browse sex tips for older men.