Already after 30 years, a man begins a gradual extinction of the 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, the potency in men is significantly weakened. All sexual functions worsen: libido decreases, erection difficulties arise and sexual sensations become weaker. However, even after 60, a man can lead a full-fledged sex 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 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:
Reduced 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 notices not only sexual weakness, but also other changes:
- hair loss;
- skin laxity;
- palpitations and pain in the heart;
- depression;
- fast fatigue;
- decreased muscle strength;
- fragility of the bones;
- 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 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 for with the help of drugs (hormone replacement therapy).
Vascular erectile dysfunction
Vascular erectile dysfunction in men over the age of 60 is most often associated with testosterone deficiency. The essence of the problem is that the blood filling of the penis is deteriorating. 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 drugs to temporarily restore sexual function.
Neurogenic erectile dysfunction
A man over 60 can have many diseases. One of the most common diseases 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 impulse conduction, erectile function suffers. There are other neurological diseases that violate potency with a similar pathogenetic mechanism.
Violation of potency of iatrogenic origin
After 60 years, a man is often forced to take handfuls of pills every day, as his somatic health is deteriorating considerably at this point. Some medications can have a negative effect on sexual function. These include drugs 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 operations, injuries, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia - all these diseases and conditions can disrupt the potency of a man of any age. The older the person, the greater the risk of pathology of the organs of the reproductive system.
Increase the potency of men after 60 years
An increase in potency in men after 60 years is possible only after finding out the cause of its violation. Self-medication is undesirable because:
- The drugs you prescribe can irreversibly deteriorate your health - after all, you are no longer a boy and many drugs pose a threat to you. Men with heart disease should be especially careful.
- Medicines may be ineffective if the cause of the potency disorder is not determined. For example, there is no point in taking pills if you have neurogenic erectile dysfunction. Testosterone preparations do not help if potency is reduced due to a deterioration in the blood supply to the penis.
Therefore, the algorithm of actions should be as follows:
- Visit to a urologist or andrologist.
- Passing the tests and passing the instrumental studies.
- Get prescriptions from a doctor. Their implementation usually leads to a significant improvement in erectile function.
We briefly describe how the reset of reduced power is performed:
- Age-related androgen deficiency. A man is prescribed hormone replacement therapy with testosterone preparations. They are usually given by injection, although other dosage forms of these hormonal drugs exist. The treatment is carried out 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 complaints. In the initial phase, drugs from the PDE-5 inhibitor group or LOD therapy (a pump that ensures the initiation of an erection by forming negative pressure and blood flow to the genitals) are sufficient. In the case of a pathology of moderate severity, it is necessary to administer drugs directly into the penis. At the last stage of violations, only a surgical operation can help.
- Neurogenic erectile dysfunction. The treatment is carried out in collaboration 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 diabetic complications, extending the patient's life. Other medications may be used, depending on the clinical situation, cause, and extent of peripheral nerve involvement.
- Violation of potency due to drugs. If possible, the drugs are replaced with other drugs that do not have the side effect of worsening the erection. It is impossible to cancel drugs on your own - this can lead to a deterioration in well-being.
- Diseases of the organs of the reproductive system. The restoration of potency depends on the pathology that led to its deterioration. The underlying disease is being treated.
A man who wants to maintain sexual function into old age should do the following:
- avoid excessive weight gain;
- live an active lifestyle;
- reject bad habits;
- being constantly observed by 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.