Erectile Dysfunction | Effects of Aging

Did you know that

– Research data also indicates that after 80th birthday, serum testosterone (Hormonal Imbalance Learn More) secretion in the male decreases to pre-puberty levels.

– According to latest estimates, global prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED Treatment Learn More) in males is more than 152 million

– By year 2025, the global prevalence is expected to be more than 322 million

Part of this high prevalence is also attributed to an increase in the average life expectancy of males due to improved healthcare services and preventive care. Physiological aging is a recognized risk factor in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction.

Physiological Aging Pathogenesis of ED

Various factors may contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED Screening Learn More) with physiological aging; such as

– With advancing age, the blood vasculature gradually thickens (with a substantial decrease in vessel caliber) that directly affects erection.

– The risk of several health issues increase with aging (such as hypertension, diabetes (ED & Diabetes Learn More), atherosclerosis) can also increase the risk of erectile dysfunction by affecting the normal functioning of different organs.

– Hormonal imbalance (absence or deficiency of testosterone) that is also known as Andropause may also present with erectile dysfunction.

– With advancing age, the increasing rate of muscle and nerve degeneration and other aging related changes makes it difficult to achieve and maintain normal erection as compared to a young individual.

Traditionally, the secretion of testosterone by testis decreases with advancing age and other co-morbid medical conditions.  For example, the risk of ED is 3 times higher at the age of 70 as compared to 40 years (1).

Associated Factors of Aging Contributing to Erectile Dysfunction

With advancing age, some other factors may also affect the ability of a man to achieve orgasm (Male Orgasm Learn More), get sexually stimulated or achieve/ maintain full erection.  These include

– Urinary problems (higher rate of urinary tract infections (UTI Learn More), incontinence)

– Enlarged prostate (Enlarged Prostate Learn More) and related issues

– Age related decrease in sex drive due to reduction in testosterone secretion (Testosterone Replacement Learn More)

– Low energy levels and declining stamina

– Depression (ED & Depression Learn More) and other psychological issues

– Allergies

– Propensity to gain weight that also affects the sexual drive and normal sexual activity

– Osteoporosis

Manage Age Related Erectile Dysfunction

It has been observed that all significant male hormones (Male Impotence Learn More) that are required for optimal functioning of male reproductive system declines with advancing age. This includes testosterone (from testis), human growth hormone (from pituitary), and androstenedione and DHEA (from adrenal gland).

Bioidentical Hormonal Restoration Therapy

Doctors usually prefer BHRT (Bioidentical Hormonal Restoration Therapy) for treating hormonal imbalance as it can control erectile dysfunction and further male sexual dysfunction (Impotence Prevention Learn More) as well. Some other benefits of BRHT include

– BHRT has the capacity to control irritability and mood swings

– It also improves mental focus and clarity

– Optimally manage other age related disorders and health issues as well such as insomnia and night sweats

– Speeds up the process of burning fats of body, elevates ability of losing weight and helps in retaining body shape

– Improve memory lapses and foggy thinking

– Can calm anxiety (ED & Anxiety Learn More) and helps in the optimal management of depression symptoms

– Helps in restoring sexual function like demolishing erectile dysfunction effects and amplify libido (Libido Control Learn More)

Helpful Strategies for Aging & ED

– Over the counter phosphodiesterase inhibitors (like Viagra, Cialis etc)

– Vaccum devices

– Alprostadil penis suppository

– Alprostadil self-injection

– Penis implants (Penile Enlargement Learn More) and other related devices

If you are experiencing aging related ED, speak to a healthcare professional to ascertain the cause and to identify helpful remedies and solutions to manage ED.

References

Montorsi, F., Briganti, A., Salonia, A., Rigatti, P., Margonato, A., Macchi, A., … & Montorsi, P. (2003). Erectile dysfunction prevalence, time of onset and association with risk factors in 300 consecutive patients with acute chest pain and angiographically documented coronary artery disease. European urology, 44(3), 360-365.