Already after 30 years, a man begins a 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 weakened. All sexual functions deteriorate - libido decreases, erection difficulties arise and feelings from sex become weaker. However, even after 60 years, a man can have a full sex life with the use of medical support.
Potency in men after 60 years
Consider the main causes of natural or pathological deterioration of strength 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 people, this condition is called hypogonadism and is considered pathological. However, in men after 60 years, this phenomenon is of 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 weakness;
- palpitations and heart pain;
- depression;
- rapid fatigue;
- decrease in 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 should be alarming.
With a decrease in male sex hormone concentration, 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 with the help of medication (hormone replacement therapy).
Vascular erectile dysfunction
Vascular erectile dysfunction in men after 60 years is often combined with testosterone deficiency. The crux of the problem is that the filling of the penis with blood is getting worse. Therefore, even with a maintained libido and a normal level of testosterone 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 mellitus. This disease is manifested by polyneuropathy. Peripheral nerves are affected throughout the body, including those located in the penis. As a result of impaired conduction of impulses, erectile function suffers. There are other neurological diseases that impair power by a similar pathogenetic mechanism.
Violation of power of iatrogenic origin
After 60 years, a man is often forced to take a handful of pills every day, as his somatic health by this time is deteriorating significantly. Some drugs can have a negative effect on sexual function. Among them are medicines for high blood pressure (beta-blockers) and prostate adenoma (antiandrogens), which are often prescribed to men after the age of 60.
Pathology of the organs of the reproductive system
Past surgeries, injuries, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia - all of these diseases and conditions can disrupt the strength of a man of any age. The older the person, the higher the risk of pathology of the organs of the reproductive system.
Increase in male potency after 60 years
An increase in power in men after 60 years is possible only after the cause of its violation is discovered. Self-medication is undesirable because:
- The medications 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 need to be especially careful.
- Medications may be ineffective if the cause of the power disorder is not determined. For example, it makes no sense to take pills if you have neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Testosterone preparations will not help if the power is impaired due to a deterioration of the blood supply to the penis.
Therefore, the action algorithm should be as follows:
- Visit a urologist or andrologist.
- Passing tests and passing instrumental studies.
- Getting prescriptions from a doctor. Their implementation usually leads to a significant improvement in erectile function.
Let us briefly describe how the restoration of damaged power is performed:
- Age-related androgen deficiency. A man has been prescribed hormone replacement therapy with testosterone preparations. They are usually administered by injection, although there are other dosage forms of these hormonal drugs. The treatment is performed as long as 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 disorders. In the initial stage, medications of the PDE-5 inhibitor group or LOD therapy (pump that ensures the onset of an erection by forming negative pressure and blood flow to the genitals) are sufficient. In case of pathology of moderate severity, it is necessary to administer the medication directly to the penis. In the final stage of violations, only a surgical operation can help.
- Neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Treatment is performed together 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 erections, but also reduce the risk of other diabetic complications, prolonging the patient's life. Other drugs may be used, depending on the clinical situation, the cause and the extent of the peripheral nerve involvement.
- Violation of power due to medication. If possible, medications are replaced with other medications that do not have the side effect of worsening the erection. It is impossible to cancel medications on your own - this can lead to a deterioration in well-being.
- Diseases of the organs of the reproductive system. Restoration of strength 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 should do the following:
- avoid excessive weight gain;
- to live an active lifestyle;
- rejection of 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, lack of sex for several months can lead to a complete loss of power and interest in sex.