Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED, refers to the inability to have or maintain a firm erection long enough for sexual intercourse. A few individuals could assume that this increases with old age. The truth is that not all ED cases are associated with aging (1). Growing old does not necessarily imply that you must develop erectile dysfunction.
While aging can increase the probability of having ED, there are several treatment methods including penile implant advancements.
Sexual Ability, ED and the Common Link With Age
Medical Causes for Erectile Dysfunction
There are several physical explanations for ED, such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, sleep disorders, Parkinson’s disease, enlarged prostate, and multiple sclerosis. Any of these factors could interrupt the series of psychological alterations that result in having an erection. The hormone testosterone impacts the energy levels and sex drive of a man.
These are the factors that control arousal impulses in the brain. Your physician could conduct a nerve damage test associated with low testosterone and diabetes. Diabetes could destroy the nerves that direct the increased flow of blood to the genital region (2). Any tightening of blood circulation from a heart condition and the arteries would interfere with an erection.
Potential Additional Causes
Erectile dysfunction isn’t wholly associated with age or preexisting conditions. Some of the other common factors include
- Depression and Anxiety
- Using certain prescription drugs
- Heavy Alcohol Intake
- Lifestyle habits such as smoking
Alcohol is known to inhibit swift brain coordination, which could impact the nervous system. This has a pronounced effect on physical stimulation and arousal. On the other hand, tobacco is an infamous product that causes limited blood flow to several organs. It also leads to other chronic diseases that interfere with the sexual aspect of your body (3). Taking medications could also be a factor, although that varies from one person to another.
On the mental aspect, having intense psychological stress could interfere with your sexual performance. Perhaps you are about a work presentation exercise, or you have disagreements with your spouse on a sensitive issue. All these things can inhibit your sexual performance and libido. It is also worth noting that failure to maintain an erection could emanate from deeply seated issues that have a lot to do with anxiety or personal doubts. Thus, these situations have the potential to lower your sexual morale.
Changes in Lifestyle
The upside is that you can cope with the emotional and physical causes of erectile dysfunction. You could try:
- Losing weight
- Practicing healthy reactions to stress
- Improving your communication and relationship with your partner
- Quit smoking
These strategies may require some research and an experimental method to find out what suits you. Speak to your physician regarding any possible causes for your erectile dysfunction.
Implants As Remedy for Sexual Ability in Old Age
There is an increased risk of having ED with old age due to the naturally declining testosterone levels. However, there are more factors that go into erection capability than just age and testosterone. Thus, penile implants are continuously being optimized to help aging patients maintain their sexual performance. This treatment option has attracted positive feedback from those who have used them for a long time (4).
Links to Sources Used:
- Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence) https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=85&ContentID=P01482
- Diabetes and erectile dysfunction https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/diabetes-and-erectile-dysfunction
- Smoking and erectile dysfunction: findings from a representative sample of Australian men https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2563576/
- Clinical Outcome: Patient and Partner Satisfaction after Penile Implant Surgery https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6872984/