After 30 years, the man begins the gradual disappearance of sexual function. Every year, the level of testosterone in his body decreases by an average of 1%. As a result, by the age of 60, male potency is significantly reduced. All sexual functions deteriorate - libido decreases, there are difficulties with erection, and the sensations of sex become weaker. However, even after 60 years, a man can lead a full sexual life with the help of medical care.
Potency in men after 60 years
Think about the main causes of natural or pathological deterioration of potency after 60 years. Let's sort them by frequency in descending order. But keep in mind that the reasons listed 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 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;
- sagging skin;
- palpitations and heart pain;
- depression;
- rapid fatigue;
- reduction of muscle strength;
- bone fragility;
- weight gain;
- sweating.
None of these symptoms can unequivocally indicate a decrease in testosterone levels in the body. However, their combination must be worrying.
When the concentration of the male sex hormone decreases, 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. The deficiency can be compensated byof drugs (hormone replacement therapy).
Vasculogenic erectile dysfunction
Vascular erectile dysfunction in men over 60 is often combined with testosterone deficiency. The crux of the problem is that the blood supply to the penis is deteriorating. Therefore, even with preserved libido and normal testosterone levels in the blood, sexual intercourse will not take place. It is in this condition that 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. This disease is manifested by polyneuropathy. Peripheral nerves throughout the body, including those located in the penis, are affected. As a result of impaired impulse conduction, erectile function suffers. There are other neurological diseases that impair potency by a similar pathogenetic mechanism.
Impaired potency of iatrogenic origin
After the age of 60, a man is often forced to take a handful of pills every day, as his physical health deteriorates significantly during this time. Some drugs 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 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 potency of a man of any age. The older a person is, the higher the risk of pathology of the organs of the reproductive system.
Increased potency in men after 60 years
Increasing potency in men after 60 years is possible only after determining the cause of its violation. 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 identified. For example, it makes no sense to take pills if you have neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Testosterone supplements will not help if potency is impaired due to impaired blood supply to the penis.
Therefore, the algorithm of actions should be as follows:
- Visit to a urologist or andrologist.
- Taking tests and passing instrumental research.
- Getting prescriptions from a doctor. Their application usually leads to a significant improvement in erectile function.
Let's briefly describe how to restore the damaged potency:
- Age-related androgen deficiency. A man is prescribed hormone replacement therapy with testosterone. They are usually given by injection, although there are other dosage forms of these hormonal drugs. The treatment is carried out while the man wants to have sex. The dose is chosen 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 from the group of PDE-5 inhibitors or LOD therapy (a pump that ensures the onset of an erection by forming negative pressure and blood flow to the genitals) are sufficient. In the case of moderate pathology, it is necessary to apply drugs directly to the penis. In the last stage of disorders can only help surgery.
- Neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Treatment is carried out in conjunction with an endocrinologist (if the 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 by prolonging the patient's life. Other drugs may be used, depending on the clinical situation, the cause and the degree of peripheral nerve involvement.
- Impaired potency due to medication. If possible, drugs are replaced with other drugs that do not have the side effect of worsening an erection. It is impossible to cancel the medication yourself - this can lead to a deterioration 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 sexual function until old age must do the following:
- avoid excessive weight gain;
- to lead an active lifestyle;
- to give up bad habits;
- be constantly monitored by a urologist or andrologist;
- monitor the state of physical health.
You need to 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 intercourse.