Already after 30 years a gradual extinction of sexual function begins in a man. Every year, the level of testosterone in his body drops by an average of 1%. As a result, potency in men by the age of 60 is significantly weakened. All sexual functions deteriorate - libido decreases, difficulties with erection appear, and sensations during sex weaken. But even after 60 years, with medical support, a man can lead a full-fledged sex life.
Potency in men after 60 years
Consider the main causes of natural or pathological deterioration in potency after 60 years. Let's sort them by frequency in descending order. However, do not forget that the listed reasons can be combined, which requires an integrated approach to eliminating sexual dysfunction. These are the factors:
Decreased testosterone levels
In young men, this condition is called hypogonadism and is considered pathological. However, in men after 60 years, this phenomenon is of a physiological nature and is associated with the aging process of the body. With a decrease in testosterone levels, a person notices not only sexual weakness, but also other changes:
- hair loss;
- skin laxity;
- palpitations and pain in the heart;
- Depression;
- quick fatigue;
- decrease in muscle strength;
- fragility of bones;
- weight gain;
- Sweat.
None of these symptoms can clearly indicate a decrease in the level of testosterone in the body. However, their combination should be alarming.
With a decrease in the concentration of the male sex hormone, a person is diagnosed with "age-related androgen deficiency". This is not a pathology, but a normal state of the body after 60 years. The diagnosis is made after a blood test for hormones. Deficiency can be detected with the help ofmedication (hormone replacement therapy) can be compensated.
Vasculogenic erectile dysfunction
Vascular erectile dysfunction in men after the age of 60 is very often associated with a testosterone deficiency. The essence of the problem is that the blood filling of the penis worsens. Therefore, even if the libido is preserved and the testosterone level in the blood is normal, there is no sexual intercourse. In this condition, men take medication to temporarily restore sexual function.
Neurogenic erectile dysfunction
A man over 60 can have many diseases. One of the most common pathologies is diabetes mellitus. This disease is manifested by polyneuropathy. Peripheral nerves throughout the body are affected, including those located in the penis. The erectile function suffers as a result of the disturbed stimulus conduction. There are other neurological diseases that affect potency through a similar pathogenetic mechanism.
Violation of potency of iatrogenic origin
After 60 years, a man is often forced to take a handful of pills every day, since by this time his somatic health is deteriorating significantly. Some medications can adversely affect sexual functions. These include drugs to treat high blood pressure (beta blockers) and prostate adenomas (antiandrogens), which are often prescribed to men over the age of 60.
Pathology of the organs of the reproductive system
Previous operations, injuries, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia - all these diseases and conditions can affect the potency of a man of any age. The older the person, the higher the risk of pathology of the organs of the reproductive system.
Increase in male potency after 60 years
An increase in potency in men after 60 years is possible only after determining the cause of the injury. Self-medication is undesirable because:
- The medications you prescribe for yourself can irreparably worsen your health - after all, you are not a boy anymore and many medications threaten you. Men with heart disease should be especially careful.
- Medications can be ineffective if the cause of the erectile dysfunction is not clear. For example, it makes no sense to take pills if you suffer from neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Testosterone preparations do not help if potency is impaired due to a deterioration in the blood supply to the penis.
Therefore, the action algorithm should look like this:
- Visit to a urologist or andrologist.
- Passing exams and passing instrumental studies.
- Get prescriptions from the doctor. Their use usually leads to a significant improvement in erectile function.
Let's briefly describe how the restoration of impaired potency is carried out:
- Age-related androgen deficiency. A man is prescribed hormone replacement therapy with testosterone preparations. They are usually given by injection, although there are other forms of administration of these hormonal drugs. The treatment is carried out as long as the man wants to have sex. The dose is selected by the doctor based on the results of laboratory tests.
- Vascular erectile dysfunction. Treatment depends on the severity of the disorders. In the early stages, drugs from the group of PDE-5 inhibitors or LOD therapy (a pump that creates negative pressure and blood circulation in the genitals ensures the onset of an erection) are sufficient. With moderate pathology, it is necessary to administer drugs directly into the penis. At the last stage of the injuries, only surgical intervention can help.
- Neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Treatment is carried out in collaboration with an endocrinologist (if a man has diabetes) and a neurologist. Typically, alpha lipoic acid supplements are prescribed for life. They not only improve erection, but also reduce the risk of other diabetic complications and prolong the life of the patient. Depending on the clinical situation, the cause and the extent of the peripheral nerve involvement, other drugs can also be used.
- Violation of potency by drugs. Whenever possible, medications are replaced with other medications that do not have the side effect of worsening erections. It is not possible to stop taking medication on your own – this can lead to a deterioration in well-being.
- Diseases of the organs of the reproductive system. The restoration of potency depends on the pathology that led to its deterioration. The underlying disease is treated.
A man wishing to maintain sexual function into old age should do the following:
- avoid excessive weight gain;
- lead an active lifestyle;
- refuse from bad habits;
- be constantly observed by a urologist or andrologist;
- monitor the state of physical health.
You must have sex regularly. After 60 years, the absence of sexual intercourse for several months can lead to a complete loss of potency and interest in sexual relations.