After 30 years, male sexual function gradually begins to decline. Each year, his testosterone levels drop by an average of 1%. As a result, the potential is significantly weakened in men under 60 years of age. All sexual functions deteriorate - libido decreases, erection problems occur and sexual feelings weaken. However, even after 60 years, men can still have full-fledged sex life using medical care.
Potential in men over 60 years of age
Consider the main causes of natural or pathological deterioration of potential after 60 years. Let's sort them in descending order of frequency. But keep in mind that these causes can be combined, which requires a comprehensive approach to the elimination of sexual dysfunction. These are:
Decreased testosterone levels
In young men, this condition is called hypogonadism and is considered pathological. However, in men after the age of 60, this phenomenon has a physiological 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 coagulation;
- heart palpitations and pain;
- depression;
- rapid fatigue;
- decrease in muscle strength;
- fragility of bones;
- gain weight;
- sweating.
None of these symptoms can unequivocally indicate a decrease in testosterone levels in the body. However, their combination should be exciting.
With a decrease in the concentration of male sex hormones, a person is diagnosed with "age-related androgen deficiency. "This is not pathological, but a normal state of the body after 60 years. Diagnosis is made after a blood test for hormones. Deficiency can be compensated with medication (hormone replacement therapy).
Vasculogenic erectile dysfunction
Vascular erectile dysfunction in men over the age of 60 is often associated with testosterone deficiency. The essence of the problem is that the blood supply to the genitals deteriorates. Therefore, such sex will not occur with protected libido and normal testosterone levels in the blood. It is in this situation 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 mellitus. This disease manifests itself in polyneuropathy. Peripheral nerves throughout the body, including those in the penis, are affected. Erectile function suffers as a result of impaired impulse conduction. There are other neurological diseases that impair the potential by a similar pathogenetic mechanism.
Violation of iatrogenic potential
After 60 years, a man is often forced to take a few pills every day, because by this time his somatic health is significantly deteriorating. Some medications can adversely affect sexual function. These include medications for high blood pressure (beta-blockers) and prostate adenoma (antiandrogens), which are often prescribed to men over the age of 60.
Pathology of the organs of the reproductive system
Past surgeries, injuries, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia - all these diseases and conditions can impair the potential of a man of any age. The older a person is, the higher the risk of pathology of the organs of the reproductive system.
Increasing the potential of men after the age of 60
After 60 years, the increase in potency in men is possible only after learning the cause of its violation. Self-medication is undesirable because:
- Medications that you prescribe can make your health irreversibly worse - you're no longer a boy, and many medications pose a threat to you. Men with heart disease should be especially careful.
- When the cause of a potential disorder is not identified, medications may be ineffective. For example, if you have neurogenic erectile dysfunction, there is no point in taking pills. Testosterone drugs will not help in case of impaired capacity due to deterioration of blood supply to the penis.
Thus, the algorithm of actions should be as follows:
- See a urologist or andrologist.
- To pass tests and instrumental researches.
- Obtaining prescriptions from a doctor. Their implementation usually leads to a significant improvement in erectile function.
Let's briefly describe how the damaged potential is restored:
- Age-related androgen deficiency. A man is prescribed hormone replacement therapy with testosterone. Although there are other dosage forms of these hormonal drugs, they are usually given by injection. 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 disorder. In the initial stage, drugs of the PDE-5 inhibitor group or LOD therapy (a pump that provides the onset of an erection by creating negative pressure and blood flow to the genitals) are sufficient. In the case of pathology of moderate severity, the drug should be administered directly into the penis. In the final stages of the disorder, only surgery can help.
- Neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Treatment is performed in conjunction with an endocrinologist (if a man has diabetes) and a neurologist. As a rule, alpha-lipoic acid preparations are prescribed for life. They not only improve erection, but also reduce the risk of other diabetic complications and prolong the patient's life. Depending on the clinical condition, the cause and degree of peripheral nerve entrapment, other medications may be used.
- Potential impairment due to medication. If possible, medications should be replaced with other medications that do not have side effects of erectile dysfunction. Medications cannot be discontinued on their own - it can lead to poor well-being.
- Diseases of the organs of the reproductive system. Restoration of potency depends on the pathology that caused its deterioration. The main disease is treated.
A man who wants to maintain sexual function until old age should do the following:
- prevent excessive weight gain;
- lead an active lifestyle;
- to give up bad habits;
- be constantly monitored by a urologist or andrologist;
- to monitor the state of physical health.
You need to have sex regularly. Abstinence for several months after 60 years can lead to a complete loss of potency and interest in sex.