Already after 30 years, the gradual extinction of male sexual function begins. Every year, testosterone levels in your body drop by an average of 1%. As a result, by the age of 60, the potency of men is significantly weakened. All sexual function deteriorates - libido decreases, erectile dysfunction occurs and feelings from sex weaken. However, even after the age of 60, a man can live a full sex life with medical help.
Potency in men after 60 years
Consider the main reasons for the natural or pathological deterioration of potency after 60 years. Arrange them in descending order of frequency. But let’s not forget that the causes listed can be combined, which requires an integrated approach to eliminating sexual dysfunctions. These factors are:
Decreased testosterone levels
In young men, this condition is called hypogonadism and is considered pathological. In men, however, after 60 years, this phenomenon is physiological in nature and is related to the aging process of the body. With a decrease in testosterone levels, a person not only notices sexual weakness, but also other changes:
- hair loss;
- looseness of the skin;
- palpitations and pain in the heart;
- depression;
- rapid fatigue;
- decrease in muscle strength;
- fragility of bones;
- weight gain;
- sweating.
None of these symptoms can clearly indicate a decrease in testosterone levels in the body. However, their combination should be alarming.
A person is diagnosed with "age-related androgen deficiency" when a person's sex hormone levels fall. This is not a pathology, but a normal condition of the body after 60 years. The diagnosis is made after a blood test for the hormones.
Vasculogen erectile dysfunction
Vascular erectile dysfunction in men over the age of 60 is very often associated with testosterone deficiency. The problem is that the filling of the penis with blood deteriorates. Therefore, even with preserved libido and normal testosterone levels, sexual intercourse does not occur. In this condition, men are taking medication to temporarily restore their sexual function.
Neurogenic erectile dysfunction
A man over the age of 60 can have a number of illnesses. One of the most common pathologies is diabetes mellitus. This disease is manifested in polyneuropathy. The peripheral nerves of the whole body are affected, including the nerves in the penis. Erectile dysfunction suffers from impulse conduction. There are other neurological diseases that impair 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 tablets a day, as his somatic health deteriorates significantly by this time. Some medications can have a negative effect on sexual function. These include medicines for high blood pressure (beta blockers) and prostate adenoma (antiandrogens), which are often prescribed to men after the age of 60.
Pathology of the organs of the reproductive system
Past surgeries, injuries, inflammation of the prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia - all of these diseases and conditions can disrupt the potential of men of any age. The older a person is, the greater the risk of pathology of the organs of the reproductive system.
Increasing the potential of men after 60 years
Increasing the effectiveness of men after 60 years is only possible after finding out the cause of the violation. Self-medication is not desirable because:
- The medications you prescribe can cause irreversible deterioration in your health - after all, you’re no longer a boy, and many medications pose a danger to you. Men with heart disease need to be especially careful.
- Medications may be ineffective if the cause of the potency disorder is not determined. For example, there is no point in taking pills if you have a neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Testosterone preparations do not help if the potency deteriorates due to a deterioration in the blood supply to the penis.
Therefore, the operation algorithm must be:
- Visit to a urologist or andrologist.
- Successful completion of exams and instrumental studies.
- Obtaining prescriptions from a doctor. Their implementation usually leads to a significant improvement in erectile function.
Here is a brief description of how reduced potency is restored:
- Age-related androgen deficiency. A man is prescribed hormone replacement therapy with testosterone preparations. It is usually given by injection, although there are other dosage forms of these hormonal drugs. The treatment is done for as long as the man wants to have sex. The dose is selected by your doctor based on the results of laboratory tests.
- Vascular erectile dysfunction. Treatment depends on the severity of the disorder. In the initial stage, medications from the PDE-5 inhibitor group or LOD therapy (a pump that provides negative pressure and blood flow to the genitals to get an erection) are sufficient. In the case of moderate pathology, the drugs should be administered directly into the penis. In the last stage of the violations, only surgery can help.
- Neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Treatment is done with an endocrinologist (if a man has diabetes) and a neurologist. As a general rule, alpha-lipoic acid preparations are prescribed for life. Not only do they improve erections, but they also reduce the risk of other complications of diabetes, prolonging the patient’s life. Other medications may be used depending on the clinical situation and the cause and extent of peripheral nerve involvement.
- Violation of potency due to medication. If possible, medications should be replaced with other medications that have no side effects from erectile dysfunction. Medications alone cannot be discontinued - this can lead to a decline in well-being.
- Diseases of the reproductive system. Restoration of potency depends on the pathology that led to its deterioration. The underlying disease is being treated.
A man who wants to maintain his sexual function until old age should do the following:
- avoid excessive weight gain;
- to lead an active lifestyle;
- refuse bad habits;
- constant monitoring by a urologist or andrologist;
- monitor physical health.
You need to have sex regularly. After 60 years, a lack of sexual intercourse for several months can lead to a complete loss of potency and interest in sexual intercourse.