What happens to a man’s erections as he ages?

Men get erections because of what they think (called psychogenic erections) and because of physical stimulation of the penis. As men age, they will notice that they have fewer psychogenic erections and that it takes more physical stimulation to get and maintain an erection. Men will also notice that their orgasms may not be as strong and that it takes longer to have an erection once they have ejaculated. All these changes are a normal part of aging.

According to the International Journal of Impotence Research, studies indicate that up to 20 percent of men between ages forty and seventy will have some erectile problems. It’s one reason we see so many ads for erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs on television today. These drugs can help, but consult your doctor so that he or she can determine what your particular problem is and what the best treatment is for you.