Erectile Dysfunction in Men Over 50 Years: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) presents itself as a significant and frequent medical issue among men most especially those above fifty years. In this age group it is mostly caused by physical and emotional factors including lifestyle choices. If one understands how it starts, what are its symptoms and the best management options available; this will show that we can be sexually healthy while our overall well-being can be supported.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
ED is also known as impotency, or difficulty getting and maintaining an erection during sex. Every man experiences some trouble with their erection at some point in life but continuous occurrence might indicate other illnesses. This issue affects different aspects of life and it negatively impacts on “self-esteem”, mental health as well as interpersonal relationships.
Why Does Erectile Dysfunction Increase After 50?
Aging brings with it various physical and lifestyle factors that expose one to higher chances of erectile dysfunction. Here are some of the leading causes of ED among men who are above 50 years old:
- Reduced Blood Transmission: An average male needs appropriate blood flow to be able to get an erection. However, with aging there is the possibility of stiffening of arteries and inflexibility of blood vessels which consequently affects the supply of blood to the area thus making it difficult for him to keep his erection intact.
- Reduced Testosterone: As years go by, advances in age eventually and greatly reduce testosterone, responsible for sex drive and sexual function, hence the falling rate of libido and erection disorders.
- Comorbid Health Disease: The increasing prevalence with aging of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity is associated with ED. Circulation, nerve function, and hormone balance-all so crucial for maintaining a proper erection-are affected by all these conditions.
- Medication Side Effects: A majority of elderly men experience nagging diseases that compel them to take a pill or two. These hypertensive, antidepressant and prostatic medicine have been attributed adversely for erectile dysfunction.
- Psychological Factors: Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can also have psychological causes like anxiety, stress and depression together with physical ones. For instance among those who are fifty years old and above in this group, life events such as job loss, financial troubles and marital discord amongst others could lead to mental deterioration eventually translating into poor sex performance.
Erectile Dysfunction is Usually Seen in Male Above 50 Years
The sexual impotence among the older men is normally a complication that exists from synchronization of different factors such as the body, the mind and the way of living. Some of the essential causes of erectile dysfunction among aged men are outlined below:
Cardiovascular Diseases
Erectile dysfunction in men over 50 is often due to cardiovascular diseases. A narrowing or hardening of the heart arteries that supply blood to the penis can result in decreased amounts of blood flowing into it thus making it impossible for a man to either maintain or get an erection at all. The other contributing factors leading to this problem are constrictions in the blood vessels present in both the pelvic area and the heart.
Diabetes
Diabetes elevates risk of sexual impotence by up to thrice than individuals without it do. Not only does diabetes lead to damage on blood vessels but also nerve impairment which are essential for normal erectile function. You can halt negative impacts caused by diabetes on your sexual health through controlling sugar levels well.
Hormonal Changes
As one advances in age, the testosterone level also falls, and thereby, the libido is reduced and is accompanied by problems in erection. Sometimes TRT or testosterone replacement therapy can be of help, but that too should be done under the care of a professional.
Obesity
Compared to other guys who are not overweight, men who are overweight or obese have a higher likelihood of getting E.D. Usually it is associated with heart problems and diabetes, which also cause E.D. also like Kenyan gentlemen. Additionally, excess fats in the body can lead to reduction of testosterone amount thus aggravating poor sexual performance.
Medications
Some medicine used to treat high blood pressure, depression and prostate disorders leads to sexual problems. Talk to your doctor on what to do if you suspect your medication is the cause of ED.
Psychological Effects of ED on Men Aged over 50
Besides the physical discomfort, erectile dysfunction also puts an emotional strain on men over 50 years of age. The common results of ED include:
- Loss of Confidence: Failure to successfully attain an erection can promote a loss of confidence in sexual performance capabilities among individuals with ED, therefore creating more anxiety while decreasing sexual interest.
- Emotional Burden on Relationships: ED can put stress on a relationship. Poor communication along with a lack of intimacy can foster feelings of rejection or frustration provided by both partners.
- Mental Health Issues: ED leads to anxious thoughts and depressed mood as a result of feeling emotionally hurt by it; hence, it serves as self-fulfilling prophecy that deteriorates things further.
Helpful Approaches Towards Men Over 50 Years Who Suffer from Erectile Dysfunction
Men over fifty years old who have erectile dysfunction have multiple treatment options at their disposal. Depending on the reason for impotence some of them would fit best among such treatments.
1. Lifestyle Changes
The approach to treating ED normally begins with changes in lifestyle. The most important of these are:
- Exercise: An erection requires optimum blood flow, something exercise generally improves by strengthening the cardiovascular system.
- Healthy Diet: The secret to overall health is a proper diet, and sex life is no exception. Foods that benefit cardiac health are found particularly helpful.
- Weight Management: Weight loss has been seen to highly significantly improve ED, especially among diabetic or cardio patients.
- Stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake. Sexual dysfunction has been related to the use of tobacco and excess in alcohol consumption, and reducing these promotes optimal sexual health.
2. Oral Medications
Prescription drugs like Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), and Levitra (vardenafil) facilitate blood flow in the penis. Oral medications are presumptive first-line treatments for men with ED.
3. Testosterone Replacement Therapy
In cases of low testosterone, sometimes testosterone replacement therapy may enhance sexual desire and erectile function. TRT is nothing to take lightly, though, and should only be considered under the care of a medical professional.
4. Psychological Counseling
Due to the psychosocial nature of ED, therapies and counseling can help deal with root causes of ED like performance anxiety, depression, or relationship problems.
5. Medical Devices and Surgery
Other interventions could be the use of vacuum erection devices or penile implants. Surgical intervention is usually recommended in cases when a patient has severe erectile dysfunction, which has not responded to other modes of intervention.
Conclusion
This is, however, an easily manageable condition for men over 50 years. In fact, it is possible to restore sexual confidence in men and improve their quality of life by treating the physical and psychological causes of ED. Anyhow, whether it be by change of lifestyle or medication or some kind of therapy, there are effective treatments available.
At Elevate Men America, we have the most professional personalized treatment plans that help men recover from their ED state. For this reason, in case one has any feelings of ED, we welcome your call today to discuss options toward the regaining of sexual health and confidence.
