Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule your body makes that relaxes the smooth muscle lining your blood vessels. That relaxation is what allows healthy blood flow, and it plays a central role in blood pressure. Low nitric oxide is linked to erectile changes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Good erections require good blood flow
As men age, blood flow can diminish, partly because of changes in nitric oxide. Production of NO tends to decline over the years, and so does the body's ability to convert other compounds into it.
On top of that, the muscle in blood vessel walls can become insulin resistant. When that happens, nitric oxide has less effect on the vessel, and the vessel doesn't relax as it should. A vessel that can't dilate well either stays constricted, with low blood flow, or carries too much pressure. That's why high blood pressure and erectile concerns so often go hand in hand.
What can help
At AgeWell, we support healthy blood flow in several ways, which may include:
- Nutrition and lifestyle changes that support vascular health
- Addressing insulin resistance
- Hormone therapy when testosterone is a factor
- Prescription medication when appropriate
- In-office treatments such as GAINSWave® acoustic wave therapy and the P-Shot®
The goal is healthier blood flow and blood pressure, with care that looks at everything contributing to erectile changes. Learn more about sexual health care at AgeWell.
This article is educational and not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Talk with a qualified clinician about your specific situation.
