How to handle ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Things flagging in the bedroom? Most men struggle with erections to some degree as they get older, but help is available

- TANYA PEAREY

If your man is struggling to get or keep an erection, it needn't sound the death knell for your sex life. 'It's a very common problem,' says consultant urologist and andrologist Professor Suks Minhas, from men's sexual health clinic London Andrology. 'At some stage in their lives, most men will face a degree of erectile difficulty or some form of sexual dysfunction.

The older he gets, the more likely it becomes. Prof Minhas explains: 'It increases from about 30% of men at 30 years of age, to 50% by 50 years and much higher around 70-80% - in the 70s and 80s. But the good news? There's plenty that can be done. Just don't let him ignore it and potentially store up other problems in the future.

Why it happens

The reasons for what's medically termed erectile dysfunction (ED) are many and varied, but general ageing plays a part. 'Testosterone levels start to fall around the age of 40, which can affect erections,' says Prof Minhas. Other issues, such as furring of the arteries and cardiovascular disease, plus conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol and blood pressure, have a major impact.

'They affect the mobility and the muscle of the penis,' explains Prof Minhas. Further culprits include medical treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy), medication (including beta blockers and antidepressants) and lifestyle (weight, alcohol and smoking).

Psychological issues can have an impact too - stress, depression and previous negative sexual experiences.

As a main cause of ED, these are more common in younger men, explains