Erectile Dysfunction and Age

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection for satisfactory sexual activity. The ability to achieve “ erection stiffness sufficient for penetration and intercourse ” decreases with age. Of men aged 50-80 years, 30% suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). In the age group 70-80 years, approximately 50% are unable to achieve erection sufficient for intercourse without treatment. As a result, many men, wrongly accept Erectile Dysfunction as a normal part of the ageing process and do not seek or receive adequate advice or treatment.

Researchers have found that while sexual prowess gradually diminishes with age, men should expect to be able to enjoy sex well into their later years. All men experience temporary periods of ED at some time in their lives, and these need not cause alarm. A large number of men (10 million) suffer from more long-lasting impotence.

As ageing increases, desire may not always result in sexual excitement. The triggers for sexual excitement become more specifically sexual and may require intimate body contact and manual stimulation. The intensity of sexual fantasies decreases and it may take a man longer to achieve an erection and following ejaculation more time before an erection is possible. Men often notice some distinct changes, like

In addition, older men experience anatomical changes, including thinning of the pubic hair, laxity of scrotal tissue, atrophy of the perineal muscles, loss of collagen tissue and occasionally weight gain. The phase of ejaculation undergoes changes which result in a decline in the intensity of orgasm and in the propulsive force of ejaculation. The volume of the ejaculate may be reduced by 50%. Sex drive and performance vary widely between individuals of the same group and the maintenance of sexual activity depends on factors such as regular sexual activity, the presence of a willing sexual partner, the absence of a major physical illness and the integrity of the relationship

Although the incidence of erectile dysfunction increases in old age, this is primarily related to the increased rate of health problems, rather than old age per se.  Ageing is associated with an increase in the prevalence of chronic illnesses, (such as cardiovascular problems, particularly hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, cancer), in the number of prescribed drugs and also in the likelihood of surgical procedures which have distressing physical and psychological effects on a man's ability to produce an erection.

 At any age, a man's lifestyle is important to both preventing and correcting erectile dysfunction. That includes controlling all the factors related to developing fatty-cholesterol deposits that cause heart attacks and strokes. Not smoking, getting adequate exercise, avoiding obesity, and following a proper diet low in fat, low in saturated fat, and low in cholesterol all help to protect the arterial system that supplies the penis. Several recent studies have looked at the prevalence of erectile dysfunction. Although age was the variable most strongly associated with erectile dysfunction, following adjustment for age, a higher probability was noted with heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and associated medications.

Erectile Dysfunction is very treatable at any age and a wide variety of treatment options exist. They include everything from medications and simple mechanical devices to surgery and psychological counselling. The cause and severity of your condition are important factors in determining the best treatment or combination of treatments for you.

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This information has been brought to you by Firstmed.co.uk, the UK ' s leading online impotence clinic.

If you wish to discuss any of the above issues in more detail, do not hesitate to contact us by email on info@firstmed.co.uk or call +44 (0)870 199 5287

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