Risk factors

Age is the risk factor most closely associated with erectile dysfunction. Researchers estimate that 50 percent of men over 60 years old experience ED. For lifestyle risk factors such as smoking and obesity that increase your chances of erectile dysfunction, see also the section on [[prevention.]]

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In addition, men who smoke, drink alcohol to excess, use illegal drugs, are overweight, and fail to exercise regularly are more likely to develop health problems such as atherosclerosis that put them at higher risk of ED. Men who have chronic illnesses such as diabetes and kidney disease are more likely than the general population to experience ED, particularly if they are not very careful to keep their illnesses under control.