What are some erectile dysfunction cures for older adults?

Key takeaways

• While there’s no definitive cure for erectile dysfunction (ED), various effective treatments can help older adults manage the condition and improve their sexual health.
• Prescription medications like PDE5 inhibitors and alprostadil can improve blood flow to the penis, but they may have side effects and interact with other medications.
• Beyond medication, nonmedical treatments such as vacuum erection devices, constriction bands, penile prosthesis surgery, and regular physical activity can also help manage ED.

Overview

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common health condition, and it becomes even more common as you get older due to expected changes in the body.

These changes may include the way your blood flows around your body, as this may become more ineffective with age. Because getting an erection relies on the blood flowing to the penis, if there are blood flow restrictions, it may cause ED.

While there are no direct cures for ED, there are effective medical and nonmedical treatments that are well-researched, and some may be better for older adults than others.

Need a prescription or refill for ED medication? You can get discreet and expert on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes through Optum Perks. For $29, answer a few questions online and get a treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.

Medications for ED in seniors

ED is defined as the inability to get or maintain an erection for the purpose of sexual intercourse. It’s a very common condition, and its prevalence increases with age, with over half of all males ages 40 to 70 experiencing some form of ED.

Occasional ED can occur in anyone at some time in their life, caused by various short-term factors, but with age, it’s more often an ongoing concern.

ED is also significantly linked with conditions like cardiovascular disease (CVD) that are also more prevalent in older adults. In fact, ED is often the first symptom of otherwise undetected CVD. Therefore, while ED doesn’t exclusively affect seniors, it’s more common among an older age group.

There is no permanent cure for ED. Treatment options depend on the cause behind ED, but there is a range of prescription medications that work to increase blood flow to the penis. Some of the most commonly prescribed ED medications include phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, such as:

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

These drugs still require sexual arousal and stimulation to be effective.

If oral medications do not work for you, another drug a doctor may recommend is alprostadil (Edex, MUSE). Alprostadil (Edex) is an intracavernosal injection (ICI) that a urologist will typically prescribe and manage. Alprostadil (MUSE) is a suppository that you insert into the urethra.

Unlike PDE5 inhibitors, sexual stimulus is not absolutely necessary but will help produce the best results. This drug immediately increases the blood flow to the penis, helping you get an erection.

It’s important to note that these medications aren’t exclusively used in older adults. They may be prescribed to anyone experiencing ED, and there are no medications specific to older adults.

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Possible drug interactions

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), some of these medications may interact negatively with others.

For example, a doctor will not typically recommend PDE5 inhibitors if you also take nitrates for a heart condition because the combination could lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Alpha-blockers, which doctors often use to treat an enlarged prostate in older males, can also cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when combined with ED medications. 

Nonmedical treatments for ED

There are also nonmedical methods and devices for improving ED.

Lifestyle changes

Certain lifestyle factors can contribute to ED development, particularly amongst an older population. Therefore, healthcare professionals will often recommend some lifestyle changes to manage the condition:

• quitting smoking, if you smoke
• limiting alcohol intake, if you drink
• increasing physical activity
• eating a balanced, heart-healthy diet
• maintaining a moderate weight

These lifestyle measures may also manage underlying conditions that can contribute to ED, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Devices and wearables

One such device is a vacuum erection device (VED), also known as a penis pump. This device holds the penis and triggers an erection by a change in air pressure. According to some 2025 research, the efficacy of these devices in people with ED caused by mixed factors is 82.9%.

In people treating ED caused by a radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer (which older adults have a higher risk of developing), the success rate can be as high as 84.5%.

Another option is a venous constriction band, like Eddy by Giddy. Eddy is a registered, class 2 medical device with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and it works by constriction. It is important to note that being FDA-registered is not the same as being FDA-approved.

You can also use wearables alongside medications to enhance your experience.

Penile prosthesis surgery

In severe ED cases, doctors may recommend penile prosthesis surgery. These surgeries involve placing an implant into the penis or into the penis and scrotum, depending on the type you choose after your consultation.

Inflatable options typically see a pump inserted into the scrotum that you can squeeze to release saline solution into two cylinders inside the penis. The two cylinders filling will mimic an erection.

Another option is for a doctor to insert two flexible rods into the penis. This allows you to bend the penis into an upright position when you want to have sex.

As with any surgery, there are benefits and risks that you can discuss with a doctor. They will be able to offer the best advice for your specific circumstances.

Why is ED more prevalent in older adults?

The changes bodies go through during the natural aging process can lead to ED.

• Blood flow: A sustained erection requires blood flow to the penis. In older age, it is often harder for blood to flow throughout the body, and in males, this can block blood flow to the penis. 
• Cardiovascular disease: ED is also linked to cardiovascular disease, and one out of every eight people with ED reporting a history of cardiovascular disease. This is the reason experts consider lack of exercise, obesity, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome to be ED risk factors.
• Decreased testosterone: Testosterone levels generally decrease with age, starting at around 35. Low testosterone is a potential contributing factor to ED.

What are the most common ED symptoms?

According to the NIDDK, the symptoms of erectile dysfunction include:

• being unable to get an erection
• being able to get an erection, but not every time you want to have sex
• being able to get an erection, but the erection does not last long enough to have sex

Online care for ED

It is understandable that sensitive subjects like ED can feel embarrassing to discuss, but it’s best to contact a doctor or healthcare professional about this type of health topic as soon as possible. Having open lines of communication about all health topics, including sexual health, is important for overall wellness.

Keep in mind that ED is very common and treatable, and healthcare professionals can help you find a solution that suits your needs.

Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.

Summary

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in older adults, but treatments are available to help this health condition.

Treatments include prescription medications, wearable devices, and important lifestyle adaptations.

Speak with a doctor or healthcare professional to determine the right treatment option for you and your partner’s needs.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.