There are numerous physical and psychological conditions that can cause erectile dysfunction – no matter what your age. However, a significant number of these conditions tend to be more prevalent in older men. This is simply because as we age, our general health tends to get worse meaning we become more susceptible to illness. Cardiovascular disease cardiovascular disease is a term referring to a collection of diseases related to the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular disease can result from smoking , obesity, poor diet and lack of exercise. It often leads to impotence because it affects blood flow to the penis, either through blood clots or the hardening and narrowing of the arteries.

Considerably higher rates of erectile dysfunction are found in men with neurological and vascular problems. Ed is most commonly traced to one of five etiologies: medication-related, neurological, vascular, hormonal, or psychological (table 1). Many medications have been linked to ed, and drug side-effects are thought to be responsible for up to 20% of cases. Nerve damage from diabetes mellitus can cause ed, as can local damage to the pudendal nerve that sometimes occurs with chronic pressure from activities such as long-distance bicycle riding. Decreased arterial flow from vascular illness can also lead to ed, as can hormonal imbalance, and an array of psychological issues including anxiety, stress, depression, mental illness, or dementia.

For some men, depression can accompany the condition of erectile dysfunction (ed). It is common for men with ed to feel angry, frustrated, sad, unsure of themselves, or even less “manly. ” such feelings may lead to a lack of self-esteem and, in severe cases, to depression. Depression that accompanies ed is treatable. The first step in addressing your concerns about ed-related depression is to be honest with yourself, your partner, and your doctor. After depression has been brought out into the open, coping with it will be easier and less stressful.

Low Testosterone: How to Tell

Testosterone is a hormone with several important functions within the body. It helps with various aspects of sexual health in males, including: regulating sex drive maintaining the tissues that supply blood to the penis a person’s testosterone levels typically decrease as they age. This could lead to a reduction in sex drive, which may contribute to ed. It may also increase scarring in the vein network within the penis, impeding blood flow to that area. Managing any underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes improving sleep habits a lack of sexual desire can also influence ed in older males. According to a 2020 review, an estimated 82.

Probably not. Most cases of ed are caused by physical problems alone or in combination with emotional ones. Just about any medical condition that affects your nerves or blood vessels could hurt your ability to have erections. High blood pressure, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, kidney disease, and diabetes can all lead to ed. In fact, over 50% of men with diabetes find themselves in that situation. Hormonal issues such as low testosterone levels can also factor in, more often for older men. Prostate cancer treatments including surgery and radiation may be the culprit. If you have erections in the morning or while sleeping, the problem probably isn't physical.

While ed itself is primarily a result of a lack of blood flow to the penis, there are multiple causes of the condition. Heart disease, high cholesterol, obesity, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, low testosterone levels, kidney disease, and prostate cancer are the most common risk factors of ed.

Flaccid and erect penis

Somewhere between half and 90 percent of men over 65 suffer some level of erectile dysfunction. Chronic health conditions, not psychological problems or relationship issues, are the main causes of sexual dysfunction in men over 75. With enough penile massage and/or fellatio, men with semi-firm or even flaccid penises can still have orgasms. As i write this, i’m pushing 70. That’s the younger side of old as demographers define it. But sexually, i’m elderly—and familiar with the changes that afflict aging men, notably gradual erection loss. This problem is more prevalent than many men admit. Fortunately, with a few adjustments, elder sex can feel as fulfilling as ever—maybe even better.

For men with ed who don't tolerate or respond to other treatments, a penile prosthesis offers an effective yet more invasive alternative, requiring surgery. Prostheses come in either a semirigid form or as an inflatable device. Most men prefer the inflatable prosthesis because it permits a more natural appearance when the penis is flaccid. Patients are under general anesthesia (completely asleep) for surgical placement of the prosthesis. An incision is made in the skin at the penis-scrotum junction. The spongy tissue of the penis is exposed and dilated; the prosthesis is sized; and then it's placed inside the erectile tissue.

People who have certain health conditions, including heart disease, shouldn’t take these medications. People who take certain medications to manage another health condition shouldn’t take pde5 inhibitors either. This includes nitrates and alpha-blockers. Older men are more likely to have heart disease or take nitrates for blood pressure. Your doctor will take into consideration your overall health and lifestyle when prescribing an ed medication.

Natural remedies for ed are increasingly available over the counter. But little, if any, scientific evidence suggests that they work. Also, some remedies can produce side effects or react negatively with medications. Before trying any over-the-counter treatment, it is important to consult a doctor. In addition, these natural remedies and supplements may actually worsen erectile function in the long term, even if help in the short term. It is also worth noting that they work differently from ed medications such as viagra and cialis, which do not affect function beyond the time that the medication is in effect. Read more about natural treatments for ed here.

No matter what type of ed men suffer with, the first step is going to the doctor—the earlier, the better. This can be especially difficult for younger men. “the social stigma is stronger,” says dr. Walker. “much of their identity is connected to their sexuality, and ed can have a profound effect on their relationships. They must admit to their partner that they have a problem and then they have to seek help. That’s intimidating. ” while most partners are understanding, some react with feelings of inadequacy or even distrust. “i’ve had patients with ed say their girlfriend or wife thinks they’re cheating on them.