Already after 30 years, a man begins a gradual extinction of sexual function. Each 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 worsen - libido decreases, erection difficulties appear, and sexual sensations weaken. However, even after 60, a man can lead a full-fledged sex life very well with the help 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 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 after 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 not only notices sexual weakness, but also other changes:
- hair loss;
- sagging skin;
- heart palpitations and pains;
- the Depression;
- rapid fatigue;
- decreased muscle strength;
- bone fragility;
- weight gain;
- sweat.
None of these symptoms can unambiguously 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. 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 60 is very often associated with testosterone deficiency. The essence of the problem is that the blood filling of the penis deteriorates. 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 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 throughout the body are affected, including those located in the penis. Due to impaired conduction of impulses, erectile function suffers. There are other neurological diseases that violate potency through a similar pathogenetic mechanism.
Violation of potency of iatrogenic origin
After the age of 60, a man is often forced to take handfuls of pills every day, because his somatic health deteriorates considerably at this time. Some medications can have a negative effect on sexual function. Among them are drugs for high blood pressure (beta-blockers) and for prostate adenoma (anti-androgens), which are often prescribed to men after 60 years.
Pathology of the organs of the reproductive system
Past operations, injuries, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia - all these diseases and conditions can disturb the potency of a man of any age. The older the person, the higher the risk of pathology of the organs of the reproductive system.
Increase male potency after 60
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:
- The drugs you prescribe yourself can irreversibly worsen your health - after all, you are no longer a boy and many drugs threaten 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 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.
- Take tests and pass instrumental studies.
- Get prescriptions from a doctor. Their implementation usually leads to a significant improvement in erectile function.
Let's briefly describe how the restoration of impaired potency is carried out:
- Age-related androgen deficiency. 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 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. At the initial stage, drugs from the group of PDE-5 inhibitors or LOD therapy (a pump that provides 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 drugs directly into the penis. At the last stage of violations, only 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 rule, alpha-lipoic acid preparations are prescribed for life. They not only improve erection, but also reduce the risk of other diabetes complications, thus 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 making the erection worse. 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 potency depends on the pathology that led to its deterioration. The underlying disease is treated.
A man who wants to maintain his sexual function well into old age should do the following:
- avoid excessive weight gain;
- lead an active lifestyle;
- refuse 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 relations.