Dr. Dean Elterman, MD, MSc, FRCSC Urological Surgeon

Duration: 1 minute 51 seconds

In terms of risk, erections are very similar to an enlarged prostate. We know that about 50% of men by the time they reach age 50 will have an enlarged prostate and erectile dysfunction. Many men will develop erectile dysfunction with age. Younger men can as well, but it's often, more psychological in nature. As we start to age, it shifts more towards that vascular component and by the time you're in your 60s, 70s, 80s it's almost entirely a blood flow issue.

There are two things with erectile dysfunction that are important to remember. One is that over the last 20-30 years, it's become far less of a taboo issue. The introduction of Viagra and Cialis has really opened up the conversation about having ED and it's now a much more commonly accepted part of life and aging. In fact, these medications work regardless of the underlying cause. They work in almost all situations. And the other really important thing to remember is that a man's erections are almost a barometer for their overall health. If you are having problems with erections, especially in your 40s 50s and 60s, it may be an early warning sign that you could have some other serious issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, or cardiovascular disease. It's important to bring any symptoms of ED up with your family doctor. It may end up just saving your life.

Presenter: Dr. Dean Elterman, Urologist, Toronto, ON

Local Practitioners: Urologist