Everything about the ED problems in the 60s you should know
Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence in men, is a medical condition that affects one’s self-confidence and also pushes them into severe depression apart from spoiling relationships with partners. This is not just a simple sexual problem but can also be a sign of some other underlying health issues that require immediate attention. Again, treating an underlying condition can also reverse ED symptoms in some patients.Â
Sexual Health of Men in their 60s
Aging is definitely one of the predominant reasons that affect the sexuality of a man. Although his sexual response begins to slow down once crossing the age of 30 years, his sexual drive is more likely to be affected by his health and habit towards intimacy than by his age.Â
Hence, by the time a man reaches his 60s, his age coupled with other medical issues makes it harder for him to achieve and maintain a strong penile erection. Some common erection issues faced by them are:
- Erections are less strong and longer.
- Decreased amount of ejaculation.
- Quicker loss of erection.
- Very short-lived orgasms.
- Erection taking too much time.Â
- Also, some men may find that they need more foreplay.
Some of their erection problems can also be categorized as changes in the stages of sexual response due to aging, such as:
- Delayed erection
- Decreased tensing of the scrotal sac
- Loss of testicular elevation during the excitement phaseÂ
- Prolonged plateau stageÂ
- Decreased pre-ejaculatory secretion is decreased
- Diminished duration and intensity of orgasm, characterized by decreased quantity and force of seminal emissionÂ
- Rapid detumescence and testicular descent during the resolution phaseÂ
- Much prolonged waiting period in between erectionsÂ
- The frequency of sexual intercourse and the prevalence of engaging in any sexual activity also decreases.Â
Stats on Men’s Sexual Activeness
Apparently, younger men report having intercourse about two to three times per week.Â
On the other hand, hardly 7% of men aged between 60 to 69 years and 2% of those aged 70 years and older report the same frequency.Â
About 50% to 80% of men age 60 to 70 years engage in any sexual activity, a prevalence rate that declines to 15 to 25% among those aged 80 years and older.
Why is ED common among men in the 60s?: Causes of Erectile Dysfunction in the 60sÂ
Almost 50% of men over age 40 years have some sort of sexual dysfunction, but only one-third of them report ED. By 70 years of age, two-thirds of men have ED. ED can be a result of a wide range of causes; which can be broadly categorized as the followings:Â
- Physiologic changes of agingÂ
- Cultural, social, and psychological factors like relationship conflicts, performance anxiety, childhood sexual abuse, fear of sexually transmitted diseases, and widower’s syndromeÂ
- Health status including physical limitations
- Chronic diseases
- Side effects from certain medicationsÂ
Further ED might also arise out of a combination of two or more of the above-mentioned factors. Of these, it is very important to discuss about the chronic diseases that are associated with ED.Â
Chronic Diseases Associated with ED in Men
About one-fifth of worldwide ED cases might be rooted in some sort of psychological factors like stress, depression, anxiety, or apathy; while about three-fourths of such cases might be because of some chronic medical conditions such as vascular, neurological, or other systemic diseases.Â
a. Vascular Diseases
Vascular disease is one of the most common causes of ED in older men, and its chances of occurrence go up with the regular habit of smoking, apart from having hypertension, atherosclerotic disease, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. ED can be a sign of peripheral vascular disease which might lead to major vascular problems such as stroke or myocardial infarction.Â
b. Neurological DisordersÂ
Neurological causes including stroke, spinal cord injuries, and Parkinson’s disease are also quite common reasons behind ED. These medical conditions are known to affect the parasympathetic sacral spinal cord or the peripheral efferent autonomic fibers to the penis, impair penile smooth muscle relaxation and prevent the vasodilation that is necessary for a strong penile erection.Â
c. Common health problemsÂ
Some of the common health problems such as diabetes mellitus, stroke, parkinson’s disease, or surgical procedures such as radical prostatectomy, transurethral prostatectomy, cystoprostatectomy, and proctocolectomy may also end up causing autonomic dysfunction that leads to ED symptoms.Â
Other diseases that might also lead to ED are hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and hyperprolactinemia.Â
How to Maintain Optimal Sexual Wellness in Your 60sÂ
- Quitting smoking or alcohol consumptionÂ
- Getting rid of any substance abuseÂ
- Eat healthy and maintain a regular healthy dietÂ
- Including some physical exercise or activities in the daily routineÂ
- Talk to authorized doctors and avoid self-diagnosisÂ
- Most importantly, work through relationship issues with the partner.