ED after 60

Creator: Aspire Health Community Care
Published: 2026-11-07T21:06:19-06:00

Erection problems become more common as men get older. But ED is not a routine part of aging, and you don’t have to just live with it. Help is available at any age.

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By Aspire Health Community Care · Updated November 2026 · General education, not medical advice.

Closeness and connection matter at every age.

More common, but not just aging

About 70% of men report having ED by age 70. Even so, health experts say ED is not a routine part of getting older. In older men, the cause is more often physical, so there is often something specific to look for and treat.

With age, an erection may not be as firm as it used to be. If problems happen now and then, that’s not a worry. If they happen often, talk with your doctor.

Common causes after 60

To get an erection, your brain, nerves, hormones and blood vessels all have to work together.

Heart and blood vessel disease: narrowed, hardened arteries keep blood from flowing freely, including to the penis.
Diabetes: one of the most common causes. Over time it can damage blood vessels and nerves.
High blood pressure and stroke: both can affect erections.
Prostate treatment: surgery to remove all or part of the prostate can cause ED, often from nerve damage.
Medicines: some blood pressure, heart, depression, sleep, allergy and ulcer medicines can cause ED.
Hormones: low testosterone or a thyroid problem.
Mood: depression, stress, or feeling isolated or lonely.
Habits: too much alcohol, smoking, extra weight and not moving enough.

Why it’s worth telling your doctor

ED may be a sign of a health problem that should be treated, such as clogged blood vessels or nerve damage from diabetes. Bringing it up can lead to better care for your heart and your overall health.

It may feel awkward. Remember that these are things your doctor needs to hear to treat you well.

Safety first

Tell your doctor about every medicine you take, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements. Some combinations can cause serious side effects.

Heart conditions: ED pills may not be right for you after a recent heart attack or stroke, or with severe heart disease, severe heart failure, or very low or uncontrolled blood pressure.
Heart medicines: some heart medicines must never be combined with ED pills, because blood pressure can drop too low.
Buying online: don’t order an ED medicine online before talking with a health care professional.
Get help right away: if an erection lasts longer than 4 hours, or you have vision or hearing loss after taking an ED medicine.

Treatment options at any age

ED can often be managed with medicines or other treatments. Your doctor may start by treating the cause or changing a medicine that could be playing a role. Don’t stop any medicine on your own.

Pills: they improve blood flow and work well for many men.
Other medicines: a small injection or a tiny suppository placed in the urethra.
Vacuum devices: a tube and pump that draw blood into the penis.
Testosterone: for men with low levels, after testing and a talk about risks.
Surgery: an implant, usually only if other options haven’t helped.
Counseling: alone or with a partner.

Stay active and connected

Being active helps blood flow through your whole body, including the penis, and helps you keep a healthy weight. Work toward about 150 minutes of moderate activity, like brisk walking, each week, as your doctor advises.

If you have a partner, talk openly about the changes you’re noticing, and try not to blame yourself or each other. Many older couples find more satisfaction in their sex lives than when they were younger. When you’re ready to look for care, read about how to choose an ED provider.

Common questions

Am I too old to be treated for ED?

No. ED is not a routine part of aging, and it can often be managed with medicines or other treatments.

Is sex safe if I have heart disease?

Sexual activity is generally safe, even for many people who have had a heart attack. Always follow your doctor’s advice, and ask whether an ED treatment is safe for your heart.

Can prostate surgery cause ED?

Yes. Surgery to remove all or part of the prostate can cause ED. If you need this surgery, talk with your doctor beforehand about your concerns and your options afterward.

Do supplements for ED work?

None have been proven to treat ED. Some may have dangerous side effects or interact with your prescription medicines, so always check with your doctor first.

Ready for next steps? Read how to find ED care in New Orleans and Metairie, including what a good first visit looks like and the questions worth asking.

Not sure where to start? We list trusted places to get checked in Louisiana, from community health centers to men’s health clinics. See where to get care.

Sources

Where to get care

Any of these is a good next step. Pick the one that fits you.

Aspire Health and Wellness†. A men’s health clinic in Metairie specializing in erectile dysfunction and weight loss, with free private visits and a range of treatment options. Visit aspireneworleans.com.
Your primary care doctor. A good first stop. They can check your heart, blood sugar, and hormone levels.
A urologist. A doctor who specializes in men’s urologic and sexual health.
A community health center. Fees are based on income, with or without insurance. Find a community health center.
Louisiana Medicaid. If you qualify, it covers doctor visits and prescriptions. See if you qualify.
Veterans. Southeast Louisiana VA Health Care offers men’s health care for enrolled veterans.

† Affiliated with Aspire Community Care. We’re a nonprofit and don’t provide medical care; choose any provider that fits you.

Not sure where to start? Tell us what’s going on and we’ll help you find a next step. What you share stays private.