We are all familiar with the well-known saying, “Wisdom comes with age.” But the human body undergoes numerous other changes as we age. Men suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED), which disturbs them and interferes with their sex life, while women go through menopause. Although change is a normal aspect of growing older, it’s crucial to come up with strategies to manage it so that it has as little impact as possible on our lives. Here, we discuss erectile dysfunction and its relationship to aging.
If you’re struggling with ED, consulting an online ED doctor can provide convenient and discreet solutions. In this article, we explore the connection between erectile dysfunction and aging, along with available treatment options.
Understanding Erectile Dysfunction
The inability of a man to obtain or sustain an erection for fulfilling sexual activity is known as erectile dysfunction. Impotence is known medically as erectile dysfunction. Males over 75 years of age are generally more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. But it can happen at any age.
How Testosterone Levels Change with Age
Over the course of a man’s lifetime, the blood mechanism and tissue elasticity in the penis undergo numerous changes. The levels of the hormone testosterone or a number of other health issues can affect these changes. Although testosterone production begins at birth, it increases dramatically around puberty (adolescence), and male secondary sexual characteristics also develop as a result. The late teens and early 20s are when the hormone is at its highest. Between your late 20s and early 40s, there is a slight but noticeable decline in testosterone levels. The body produces more of a protein known as sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) as people age past their 40s.
Your penis’s nerves become less sensitive as testosterone levels decline, making it harder to become aroused and experience an orgasm. A decline in testosterone levels may be the direct cause of ED. A man loses his ability to maintain an erection when his body can no longer hold blood in the penis. A man may require more stimulation (touching and stroking) to achieve an erection as he ages, or he may need more time in between erections.
Signs and Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
The hallmark of ED is the persistence of any of the symptoms listed below:
- Having trouble achieving an erection
- Having trouble keeping an erection
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction? Key Factors to Know
Male erectile dysfunction is caused by a number of factors. A few of these are mentioned below:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- Alcohol and smoking
- Anxiety, stress, or depression
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Certain medications, e.g., antidepressants
- Radiation therapy to the testicles
- Some forms of prostate or bladder surgery
- Excessive weight or obesity
- Peyronie’s disease
Effective Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
If erectile dysfunction is not treated, it can have a negative impact on a man’s life. The good news is that there are a lot of treatment options for this condition these days.
- Medication: To treat ED, there are injectable and oral medications available. Injectable medications are more beneficial for certain men because they can be injected straight into the penis, resulting in an erection, even though oral medications are very effective at enhancing sexual function.
- Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): The treatment known as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be administered as a wearable patch, gel that is applied directly to the skin, or an injection. If you don’t intend to get pregnant and have low testosterone, this method is very helpful.
- Devices: Male sexual function can be restored by using a penis pump or cock ring, or by surgically implanting a penile implant to treat erectile dysfunction.
Self-Care Tips for Managing Erectile Dysfunction
Because erections are most effective when you are in good health, self-care involves changing your lifestyle. Simple lifestyle adjustments like eating a balanced diet, exercising more, drinking less alcohol, and giving up smoking will make a big difference in your ability to stay fit and healthy. If you have high blood pressure or high blood sugar, it’s critical to manage these conditions with medication and frequent checkups.
Men are also being greatly impacted by natural ED treatment options. When taken as supplements, certain natural sources like DHEA, ginseng, L-arginine, and L-carnitine may help treat erectile dysfunction, but the evidence is not very strong.
Summing Up!
In conclusion, erectile dysfunction can be a disorder that lowers your sexual ability and damages your confidence. Talking to your healthcare provider about the potential causes of ED and coping mechanisms can help you get past these obstacles. Although aging is an irreversible process, we can still manage the changes it brings, such as erectile dysfunction.
