Already after 30 years, men begin to gradually lose their sexual function. Every year her testosterone levels drop by an average of 1%. As a result, potency in men over 60 is significantly weakened. All sexual functions deteriorate - libido decreases, erection difficulties arise and sex sensations weaken. However, even after the age of 60, a man can have a full sexual life using medical care.
Potency in men after 60 years
Consider the main causes of natural or pathological deterioration of potency after 60 years. Let’s sort them in descending order of frequency. But we must not forget that the reasons listed can be combined, which requires an integrated approach to the elimination of sexual dysfunction. These are the factors:
Decreased testosterone levels
In young men this condition is called hypogonadism and is considered abnormal. However, in men after the age of 60, this phenomenon is physiological in nature and is associated with 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;
- Skin weakness;
- Palpitation and pain in the heart;
- Depression;
- Rapid fatigue;
- Decrease in muscle strength;
- Bone weakness;
- Weight gain;
- Sweating.
None of these symptoms can uniquely indicate a decrease in testosterone levels in the body. However, their combination should be alarming.
By lowering the concentration of the male sex hormone, a person is diagnosed with "age-related androgen deficiency. "This is not a pathology, but a normal condition of the body after 60 years. The diagnosis is made after a blood test for hormones. Deficiency can be compensated with the help of medication (hormone replacement therapy).
Vasculogenic erectile dysfunction
Vascular erectile dysfunction in men over 60 is very often combined with testosterone deficiency. The essence of the problem is that the filling of the penis with blood is getting worse. Therefore, even with normal libido and normal levels of testosterone in the blood, sexual intercourse will not occur. It is in this condition that men take medication to temporarily restore sexual function.
Neurogenic erectile dysfunction
Men over the age of 60 can have many diseases. One of the most common pathologies is diabetes. This disease is manifested by polyneuropathy. Damaged peripheral nerves throughout the body, including the penis. Erectile function is impaired as a result of impaired conduction of impulses. There are other neurological diseases that disrupt potency by a similar pathogenetic mechanism.
Impairment of potency of iatrogenic origin
After the age of 60, a man is often forced to take a handful of pills daily, as by this time his somatic health is significantly deteriorating. Some medications can adversely affect sexual function. These include treatments for high blood pressure (beta-blockers) and prostate adenoma (antiandrogens), which are often prescribed to men over 60 years of age.
Pathology of the organs of the reproductive system
Past surgeries, injuries, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia - all of these diseases and conditions can disrupt the potential of men of any age. The older a person is, the higher the risk of pathology of the organs of the reproductive system.
Increase male potency after 60 years
Increase in potency in men after 60 years is possible only after determining the cause of its disorder. Self-medication is undesirable because:
- Medications that you prescribe yourself can irreversibly worsen your health - after all, you are no longer a boy and many medications pose a threat to you. Men with heart disease should be especially careful.
- Medications may be ineffective if the cause of the potency disorder is not established. For example, taking pills makes no sense if you have neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Testosterone preparations will not help if potency is impaired due to a deterioration in the blood supply to the penis.
Therefore, the algorithm of operations should be as follows:
- Visit with a urologist or andrologist.
- Passing tests and passing instrumental studies.
- Get prescriptions from your doctor. Their implementation usually leads to a significant improvement in erectile function.
Briefly describe how impaired potency is restored:
- Age-related androgen deficiency. Men are prescribed hormone replacement therapy with testosterone preparations. They are usually given by injection, although there are other dosage forms of these hormonal preparations. The treatment is carried out until the man wants sex. The dose is chosen by the doctor based on the results of laboratory tests.
- Erectile dysfunction of blood vessels. Treatment depends on the severity of the disorders. Initially, a group of PDE-5 inhibitors or LOD therapy (a pump that provides the start of an erection with the formation of negative pressure and the formation of blood flow to the genitals) is sufficient. In case of moderate pathology it is necessary to inject the drug directly into the penis. Only surgery can help you in the last stage of disorders.
- Neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Treatment is with an endocrinologist (if the man has diabetes) and a neurologist. Alpha-lipoic acid preparations are usually prescribed for life. They not only improve erections, but also reduce the risk of other complications of diabetes, prolonging the life of the patient. Other drugs can be used depending on the clinical situation, the cause and extent of peripheral nerve involvement.
- Impairment of potency due to medication. If possible, medications should be replaced with other medications that do not have side effects of erectile dysfunction. It is impossible to discontinue medication independently - this can lead to a deterioration in well-being.
- Diseases of the organs of the reproductive system. Restoration of potency depends on the pathology that led to its deterioration. The underlying disease is treatable.
A man who wants to maintain sexual function until old age should do the following:
- Avoid gaining extra weight;
- Live an active lifestyle;
- Giving up bad habits;
- Constantly monitored by a urologist or andrologist;
- Monitor your physical health.
You should have sex regularly. After 60 years, the absence of sexual intercourse for several months can lead to complete loss of potential and interest in sexual intercourse.