Can ageing men avoid sexual health problems? A doctor weighs in
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Sex is often an important part of a healthy, fulfilling life. As we age, however, it's normal to experience changes in our sex lives.But are issues with erectile function an inevitable part of the ageing process for men? GP Dr Martin Scurr is here to help answer this question.
For the past 15 years or so, David (68) had been unable to get regular erections. Understandably, he was concerned—wondering whether this was just a part of getting older.
He wrote to Dr Scurr, saying: ‘For the past 15 years or so, I've not been able to get the erections I used to. Is this simply an age thing? I am 68, but lean and very fit. I exercise regularly (sit-ups, weights, etc.), play a lot of badminton and I eat extremely well.’
Here’s what the doctor had to say.
Dr Scurr noted that a decline in erectile function is very common—one in two men between the ages of 40 and 70 will experience this to some degree. He continued, saying, ‘men are often too embarrassed to seek help, so there will be many readers grateful for your letter’.
According to Dr Scurr, there can be other causes at play, too, including an issue with vascular function.
To maintain an erection, it is necessary for there to be an increased flow of blood into the penis. The chemical messenger nitric oxide (which relaxes the muscles that control the blood vessels of the penis) comes into play. There are certain risk factors that can upset this fragile balance.
Smoking, high cholesterol, and a dropping testosterone level are all possible culprits. Moreover, other conditions like diabetes can also make matters worse; due to high levels of cholesterol, the blood vessels found in the penis can become clogged up. High blood pressure can also reduce blood flow. This is why erectile dysfunction is now considered a marker for detecting coronary artery disease.
Interestingly, diet doesn’t seem to have a huge impact. ‘I know of no data confirming that there are any food or drink choices, apart from alcohol, that lead to erectile failure,’ explained Dr Scurr.
He continued, ‘You clearly have a healthy lifestyle, but I would still recommend seeing a doctor who can arrange blood tests to look for signs of diabetes and low testosterone (testosterone levels decline with age, but that decline is accelerated in men with type 2 diabetes—a third of men with type 2 have low testosterone).’
So if you have the same concerns as David, blood tests are a great starting point.
According to Dr Scurr, an ultrasound scan may as be needed to look at the blood vessels supplying the penis. This will tell your doctor if narrowed arteries are blocking the flow of blood.
Key Takeaways
- A decline in erectile function is a common problem affecting around half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70.
- Lifestyle changes such as cessation of smoking and managing diabetes can help improve erectile function, as these conditions can disrupt blood flow essential for maintaining an erection.
- Testing can be beneficial for diagnosing potential causes of erectile dysfunction. This can include blood tests to measure testosterone levels or look for signs of diabetes and an ultrasound to examine blood flow in the penis.
So, members, take heart—age may not necessarily mean sexual health problems.
Ageing is as natural as the setting sun, and so are some of the problems that accompany it. But with today’s medical advances and awareness, many issues that your fathers or grandfathers might have suffered in silence can now be effectively managed or even overcome.
Make sure to speak to your GP if you have any concerns, and ensure that you get the proper medical advice and guidance for any issues you might be facing.
And remember, health is wealth.
You might also be interested in reading: Sex After Prostate Treatment: How To Restart Your Sex Life.
We hope this article has shed some useful light on this topic. If you have further questions, you can ask them in the comments section below or email them to us at [email protected].