As men get older, their likelihood of experiencing sexual dysfunction increases. In general, the younger a man is, the better his sexual function, as well as reproductive health, will be. Sexual dysfunction encompasses various issues that prevent them from indulging in sexual activity, one of which is erectile dysfunction (ED). It is commonly known as an impotence condition and it also refers to an inability to attain or sustain an erection despite persistent efforts.
According to several studies conducted across the world, erectile dysfunction does not necessarily have to be a part of getting older. But we cannot deny the fact that as men age they may need more sexual stimulation comparatively for experiencing physical and emotional changes via stroking or touching to attain an erection.
How Age Is Linked To Erectile Dysfunction?
Some studies show that the majority of men start to encounter erection problems between the ages of 50 to 59, while others claimed it started at 60 to 69 years of their age. Chronic disease and other risk factors majorly contribute to erectile dysfunction, too.
As per estimates, about 40% of men get erectile dysfunction at age 40, and nearly 70% of men get affected by it by the time they turn 70.
However, symptoms of erectile dysfunction are controllable to some extent, irrespective of age. If you take proper care of your health by following a good diet, and refraining from bad lifestyle habits. And maintaining a regular exercise routine, you can certainly lower your chances of getting affected by erectile dysfunction no matter what your age is. These habits will not only lower your risk of impotence, but they would also help stay safe against other health problems too.
How does Erectile Dysfunction happen?
Erectile dysfunction or impotence is an inability to attain and sustain an erection for indulging in sexual intercourse. It mostly results due to an insufficient supply of blood to the penile that directly degrades the quality of erections. This insufficient blood supply in the penile is a result of clogging and narrowing of the blood vessels of the penile.
Some enzymes present in the walls of the blood vessels clog and narrow the passages of the blood vessels that circulate blood throughout the penile shaft. These blockages stop the supply of blood to the penile chambers which prevents them from achieving the natural erection for indulging in sexual activity despite attaining absolute sexual arousal after ample sexual stimulation.
Factors That Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Trouble in achieving an erection on an occasional basis is common among men and it is nothing to worry about as it can be corrected. However, it becomes bothersome when takes the form of an ongoing issue. Which affects the quality of life by causing stress, lowering self-confidence, and adding to relationship problems.
Struggling to get an erection from time to time may happen due to several factors such as drinking excessive alcohol, smoking, tobacco, drug abuse, medicinal side reactions, etc. These erectile difficulties can be controlled by managing these factors.
In addition, severe erection difficulties can be an indication of a chronic medical condition. Several physiological, as well as psychological conditions, or sometimes a combination of both, can play a part in worsening sexual troubles even more.
Psychogenic erectile dysfunction can be a result of several psychological problems that may include
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Guilt
- Fear
- Trauma, and
- Low self-esteem
Also, some physiological illnesses like
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular diseases
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Kidney or liver dysfunction, and
- High blood pressure
They can be the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction.
Also, one of the main reasons older men are more certain to have erectile problems than their younger counterparts is that they are more likely to have health conditions that can impact things like blood flow to the penis. Which is essential for an erection and nerve functioning.
Smoking And Erectile Dysfunction
Smoking exacerbates erectile function through vascular mechanisms. The chemicals released in the bloodstream after smoking is responsible for the degradation of the walls of the penile blood vessels along with the depletion of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a powerful substance that relaxes the smooth muscles in the penile, overcomes blockages in the blood vessels, and instigates proper blood flow to the penile for promoting an erection.
Furthermore, the hazardous chemicals present in cigarettes or tobacco damage the lining or walls of the blood vessels and affect their normal function. These chemicals can also harm major organs including the heart, kidneys, brain, and other tissues throughout the body.
Alcohol And Erectile Dysfunction
Alcohol has psychoactive properties that impact the nervous system. It interferes with the messengers in the brain that signals the nerves in the penile to fill the penile chambers with blood. Alcohol can also lower the production of testosterone resulting in low libido. Therefore, it is essential to limit or completely avoid the consumption of alcohol to maintain sexual health in good order.
Is It Normal To Experience Erectile Dysfunction At Young Age?
Erectile dysfunction is often associated with aging. While it is not common for young, healthy men to have ED, it can still happen. Young men can have health conditions. In addition, they may also have some injuries in their spinal cord or brain that impairs sexual performance and restricts them from having sexual interaction.
Discuss Your Sexual Problems With Your Partner
Sometimes your feelings and perspective can interfere with normal sexual function, including performance anxiety or low self-esteem, work or home-related stress, and relationship strains. In these cases, you need to have honest communication with your sexual partner and resolve your issues. It is necessary to address these issues otherwise one episode of failure, regardless of cause, may propagate further psychological distress, leading to more incidences of erection failures.
Ask A Doctor
A doctor can certainly help you with alleviating your erectile troubles depending on your age. In this case, treatment incorporating psychological counseling along with your sexual partner may be beneficial. Doctors can help you identify the underlying causes of your condition according to the severity. Based on many factors they will suggest some suitable treatment options employed for alleviating erectile conditions. There are many treatment options available in the market including prescription medications, supplements, herbal methods, vacuum pumps, and surgical implants.
Similarly, it is necessary to keep a tab on your eating habits and consume a healthy nutritious diet. Also, some sort of regular physical activity such as running, walking, etc. can help improve your sex life by driving symptoms of ED away.
