After only 30 years, a man begins to gradually extinguish 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, potency in men is significantly weakened. All sexual functions deteriorate - libido decreases, erection difficulties occur, and feelings of sex become weaker. However, even after the age of 60, a man can lead a full sexual life with the use of medical support.
Potency in men after 60 years
Consider 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 these reasons 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 the age of 60, 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;
- sagging skin;
- 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 the concentration of male sex hormone, a person is diagnosed with "androgen deficiency related to aging". 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 medication (hormone replacement therapy).
Vasculogenic erectile dysfunction
Vascular erectile dysfunction in men after the age of 60 is very often combined with testosterone deficiency. The crux of the problem is that the blood supply to the penis is getting worse. Therefore, even with preserved libido and normal testosterone levels in the blood, sexual intercourse will not occur. In this condition, men take medication to temporarily restore sexual function.
Neurogenic erectile dysfunction
A man over the age of 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 impulse conduction, erectile function suffers. There are other neurological diseases that impair potency by a similar pathogenetic mechanism.
Violation of potency of iatrogenic origin
After the age of 60, a man is often forced to take a handful of pills every day, because his somatic health has significantly deteriorated by then. Some medications can adversely affect sexual function. Among them are drugs for high blood pressure (beta-blockers) and for prostate adenoma (antiandrogens), which are often prescribed to men after 60 years.
Pathology of the reproductive system
Previous surgeries, injuries, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia - all these diseases and conditions can disrupt the potency of men of any age. The older a person is, the higher the risk of pathology of the reproductive system.
Increased potency of men after 60 years
Increasing potency in men after the age of 60 is possible only after discovering the cause of its violation. Self-medication is undesirable due to:
- 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 determined. For example, it makes no sense to take pills if you have neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Testosterone preparations will not help if the potency is disturbed due to the worsening of the blood flow to the penis.
Therefore, the action algorithm should be as follows:
- Visit to a urologist or andrologist.
- Taking tests and taking instrumental studies.
- Getting a prescription from a doctor. Their use usually leads to a significant improvement in erectile function.
Let's briefly describe how to restore the disturbed potency:
- Age-related androgens. The man was 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 sex. The dose is selected by the doctor based on the results of laboratory tests.
- Vascular erectile dysfunction. Treatment depends on the severity of the disorder. In the initial phase, drugs from the group of PDE-5 inhibitors or LOD therapy (a pump that ensures the beginning of an erection by creating negative pressure and blood flow to the genitals) are sufficient. In the case of pathology of moderate severity, it is necessary to give drugs directly into the penis. In the last stage of the violation, only surgery can help.
- Neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Treatment is carried out in collaboration 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, prolonging the patient's life. Other drugs may be used, depending on the clinical situation, the cause, and the extent of peripheral nerve involvement.
- Violation of potency due to taking medication. If possible, medications are replaced with other medications that do not have the side effect of worsening an erection. It is impossible to cancel medications on your own - 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 exacerbation. 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;
- lead an active lifestyle;
- reject bad habits;
- be under the constant supervision of 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.