Already after 30 years, a man begins a gradual extinction of sexual function. Every year, the level of testosterone in his body decreases by an average of 1%. As a result, at the age of 60, potency in men is significantly weakened. All sexual functions worsen: libido decreases, erection difficulties arise, sensations of sex weaken. However, even after the age of 60, a man may well lead a full sexual life with the use of medical support.
Potency in men over 60 years of age
Consider the main causes of natural or pathological deterioration of potency after 60 years. Let's sort them by frequency in descending order. But do not forget that the listed reasons can be combined, which requires an integrated approach to the elimination of sexual dysfunctions. These are the factors:
Decreased testosterone levels
In young men, this condition is called hypogonadism and is considered pathological. However, in men over 60 years of age, this phenomenon is physiological in nature and is associated with the aging process of the body. With a decrease in testosterone levels, a person notices not only sexual weakness, but also other changes:
- Hair loss;
- skin laxity;
- palpitations and pain in the heart;
- depression;
- rapid fatigue;
- decreased muscle strength;
- brittle bones;
- weight gain;
- perspiration.
None of these symptoms can unequivocally indicate a decrease in testosterone levels in the body. However, their combination should be alarming.
With a decrease in the concentration of the male sex hormone, a person is diagnosed with "age-related androgen deficiency. "This is not a pathology, but a normal state of the body after 60 years. Diagnosis is made after a blood test for hormones. The deficiency can be compensated with the help of medication (hormone replacement therapy).
Vasculogenic erectile dysfunction
Vascular erectile dysfunction in men over 60 years of age is very often combined with testosterone deficiency. The essence of the problem is that the blood filling of the penis is deteriorating. Therefore, even with a preserved libido and a normal level of testosterone in the blood, sexual intercourse will not take place. It is in this condition that men take drugs to temporarily restore sexual function.
neurogenic erectile dysfunction
A man over 60 years of age can have many diseases. One of the most common pathologies is diabetes mellitus. This disease is manifested by polyneuropathy. Peripheral nerves throughout the body are affected, including those in the penis. As a result of impaired impulse conduction, erectile function suffers. There are other neurological diseases that violate potency by a similar pathogenetic mechanism.
Violation of potency of iatrogenic origin
After 60 years, a man is often forced to take handfuls of pills every day, since his somatic health at this time is significantly deteriorating. Some drugs can have a negative effect on sexual functions. These include drugs for high blood pressure (beta blockers) and for prostate adenoma (antiandrogens), which are often prescribed for men over 60 years of age.
Pathology of the organs of the reproductive system.
Past operations, injuries, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia - all these diseases and conditions can impair the potency of a man of any age. The older the person, the greater the risk of pathology of the organs of the reproductive system.
The increase in potency of men after 60 years
An increase in potency in men after 60 years is possible only after finding out the cause of its violation. Self-medication is not desirable because:
- Medications that you prescribe yourself can irreversibly worsen your health; after all, you are no longer a child, 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 determined. For example, there is no point in taking pills if you have neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Testosterone preparations 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 a urologist or andrologist.
- Passing tests and overcoming instrumental studies.
- Get prescriptions from a doctor. Its application usually leads to a significant improvement in erectile function.
Let us briefly describe how the restoration of impaired potency is carried out:
- Androgen deficiency related to age. A man is prescribed hormone replacement therapy with testosterone preparations. They are usually given by injection, although there are other dosage forms of these hormonal drugs. The treatment is carried out as long as the man wants to have sexual intercourse. The dose is selected by the doctor based on the results of laboratory tests.
- Vascular erectile dysfunction. Treatment depends on the severity of the disorders. At the initial stage, drugs of the PDE-5 inhibitor group or LOD therapy (a pump that ensures the onset of an erection by forming negative pressure and blood flow to the genitals) are enough. In the case of pathology of moderate severity, it is necessary to administer drugs directly into the penis. At the last stage of violations, only a surgical operation can help.
- Neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Treatment is carried out together with an endocrinologist (if a man has diabetes) and a neurologist. As a general rule, alpha-lipoic acid preparations are prescribed for life. They not only improve the erection, but also reduce the risk of other diabetic complications, prolonging the life of the patient. Other drugs may be used, depending on the clinical situation, cause, and extent of peripheral nerve involvement.
- Violation of potency due to medication. If possible, the drugs are replaced with other drugs that do not have the side effect of worsening the erection. It is impossible to cancel medications on your own; this can lead to impaired well-being.
- Diseases of the organs of the reproductive system. The 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 into old age should do the following:
- avoid excessive weight gain;
- live an active lifestyle;
- refuse for bad habits;
- be constantly observed by a urologist or andrologist;
- monitor physical health status.
You need to have sex regularly. After the age of 60, the absence of sexual intercourse for several months can lead to a complete loss of potency and interest in sexual intercourse.