Male potential, the causes of its deterioration, methods of recovery are constantly being studied. Erectile dysfunction has long been a problem for people in their 60s. A 1993 study found that half of men over the age of 40 had reduced potency. Improving an erection requires a number of measures to identify and eliminate the cause of problems in bed.
Potential in men over 40: the first signs of impotence
Men have always equated strength with power. As a result, the slightest sign of erectile dysfunction is a serious concern. Single errors do not indicate erectile dysfunction.
Symptoms of erectile dysfunction in men after the age of 40:
- penile discharge - inability to achieve a strong erection;
- spontaneous or decreased erection at the entrance to the vagina;
- lack of genital response due to fear of failure;
- the onset of ejaculation for orgasm with a partner;
- sexual intercourse is prolonged, the man can not reach orgasm for a long time;
- decreased sexual desire;
- prolonged recovery after ejaculation, lack of more than one sexual intercourse in one night.
If a man has more than two symptoms, it indicates a decrease in potency.
Causes of problems in bed
Men over the age of 40 have many physical changes that negatively affect their erections. However, the natural aging process is not the only cause of bed problems. The correct definition of the factors that lead to impotence will allow to determine the appropriate treatment.
Inflammatory diseases of the genital area
Inflammatory diseases can be infectious or non-infectious. Infectious diseases are divided into viral, fungal and bacterial according to the type of pathogen and cover the following pathologies:
- urethritis;
- infectious prostatitis;
- frequent sexually transmitted infections;
- prostatocystitis;
- balanoposthitis;
- vesiculitis;
- epididymis.
- pyelonephritis.
Non-communicable diseases occur without the presence of pathogenic microorganisms. These include:
- non-infectious prostatitis;
- BPH;
- Malignant and benign neoplasms of the genitourinary system (prostate cancer, penis, urethral polyps, etc. ).
Diseases affect not only sexual function, but also the functioning of all organs of the genitourinary system.
Hypodynamics
Hypodynamics is a condition characterized by poor physical activity. It is also called the "disease of civilization. "In people with physical inactivity, overweight, reduced muscle strength. Disorders of neuromuscular regulation lead to deterioration of the contractility of all muscle fibers.
The "disease of civilization" has a negative impact on the functioning of all organs. People have psycho-emotional disorders, libido decreases, and men suffering from this disease do not enjoy sex.
Cardiovascular diseases
There is a strong link between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Decreased potency is caused by diseases that affect the blood vessels. These pathologies include atherosclerosis, hypertension, high cholesterol.
These diseases, which account for about 70% of the physical causes of ED, limit blood flow to the cavernous organs of the penis.
Obesity
Excess weight is both a psychogenic and a physiological factor in the development of sexual disorders in men. Obese people have low self-esteem, they are more prone to depression and stress, which leads to a decrease in sexual desire and desire.
With obesity, blood vessels are damaged due to a large load. Overweight is associated with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and inflammatory processes that interfere with normal blood circulation.
In men, belly fat converts testosterone to estrogen, causing hormonal imbalances. Deficiency of testosterone leads to cavernous insufficiency, erectile dysfunction.
Bad habits
Tobacco and alcohol damage blood vessels and restrict blood flow to the penis. Nicotine resins settle on the walls of blood vessels, the risk of hyperlipidemia and arterial hypertension increases, blood circulation deteriorates.
Ethanol enters the bloodstream and "sticks" to platelets, causing blood vessels to become clogged. The resulting thrombosis disrupts the nutrition of organ tissues, especially those with high concentrations of arteries and veins, such as the brain and penis.
Stress and psychological problems
Stress is the body's adaptive response to psychological stimuli. Constant nervous tension increases the production of adrenaline and cortisol - hormones in high concentrations that adversely affect all body systems, including the reproductive system.
The first mistakes in bed drastically reduce men's self-esteem. Fear and uncertainty contribute to the development of psychogenic impotence. Over time, the sensitivity of the cavernous tissue to neurotransmitters decreases, the blood supply to the cavernous bodies deteriorates, and as a result, an erection occurs.
How does a doctor treat erectile dysfunction?
Treatment of ED depends on the underlying cause. Modern andrology offers a wide range of therapeutic regimens and methods. Their choice is determined by the andrologist based on the acceptability of use for a particular patient.
First of all, the doctor must make sure that the man is receiving therapy for pathologies that cause or adversely affect sexual function. Medication is indicated for both psychogenic and physiological factors of ED disorders. Psychotherapy is used for psychogenic and neurogenic impotence. In extreme cases, surgical treatment is prescribed.
Consequences of erectile dysfunction in men
Deterioration of potency is caused by various pathological changes, and as a rule, there are several of them. In the absence of therapeutic measures, a person has mental disorders: depression, psychosis, nervous breakdowns.
Spontaneous impotence leads to disruption of spermatogenesis, ejaculation and infertility. However, the list of consequences that lead to ED is much broader. Infectious and chronic pathologies become chronic, hormonal disorders cause dysfunction of most organs, pathologies of the vascular system are life-threatening. But if a man sees a doctor on time, he will avoid complications and improve his potential.
Methods of treatment of erectile dysfunction after 40 years
Treatment of impotence involves various methods. Often, an integrated approach is required, first and foremost, including lifestyle changes, daily regimens, and nutritional adjustments. The goal of complex therapy is to eliminate the causes of erectile dysfunction and prevent complications.
Immediate medication
In the absence of serious abnormalities, drugs that stimulate erection are prescribed. The action of the drug is based on relaxing the muscles of the penis and increasing blood flow to the cavernous bodies.
Immediate medications include:
- preparations containing the active substance sildenafil;
- Based on avanafil;
- Tadalafil-based funds.
Means require compliance with the dosage regimen.
Ointments and sprays
Topical agents have a local effect and are considered safer than oral preparations. Some have a broader, others a narrower pharmacological activity.
The following are considered effective:
- cream based on vegetable oils;
- cream containing alprostadine;
- cream based on plant extracts;
- spray - a complex of plant extracts and aphrodisiacs.
Most creams and sprays are natural and sold without a prescription.
The biological product in the form of a spray, thanks to a special dosage form, provides a rapid supply of biological substances with the following effects:
- activates testosterone synthesis, increases libido;
- increases the strength and duration of blood filling of cavernous bodies;
- increases the tone of the smooth muscles of the penis;
- improves the condition of blood vessels;
- eliminates inflammatory processes.
The spray is used immediately before sexual intercourse. The contents of the vial are sprayed on the genitals, wait 5-7 minutes for the substances to penetrate the tissues. The procedure is repeated every day.
Folk recipes and dietary supplements
Men over the age of 40 have had bed problems for centuries. Before the advent of medicine, people increased their potential with the help of folk recipes that are now successfully used:
- Musk tincture (beaver flow). Pour 200 g of dry musk in a liter of vodka and infuse for 30 days. Take one teaspoon three times a day.
- Tea with deer horns. Sliced horns are crushed with a knife. Take 2 teaspoons. raw, pour a glass of boiling water, insist half an hour. The filtered drink is divided into 3 parts and drunk during the day.
You can also use dietary supplements.
They, like folk remedies, belong to alternative methods of treating impotence, but are no less effective than traditional medicines.
Dietary supplements should be taken in courses.
Doctors prescribe dietary supplements for men suffering from the following diseases:
- prostatitis of any origin and indifference;
- erectile dysfunction due to various reasons;
- short contact;
- low libido;
- premature ejaculation;
- disorders of the genitourinary system;
- inability to achieve orgasm or weak feelings during intimate intercourse.
vacuum treatment
Erection is provided due to the blood filling of cavernous bodies. A vacuum erection pump helps improve blood flow in the veins of the penis. The device is a cylinder with a pump at the end. The penis is placed inside a cylinder and then the air inside is sucked in by a pump. This creates a vacuum and increases blood flow.
hormone therapy
If erectile dysfunction is associated with decreased androgen levels, testosterone replacement therapy is prescribed. The duration of androgen replacement therapy is at least 3 months. Androgen and luteinizing hormone levels should be monitored regularly during treatment. The drugs can be taken intravenously, parenterally or in the form of subcutaneous implants.
Taking testosterone medications can cause the prostate to grow and swell
Surgical intervention
When other treatments fail, surgical treatment options are used. Phalloprosthetics - implantation of a bioinert silicone prosthesis. The procedure is indicated for congenital anomalies, deformities after organ injuries, atherosclerosis, persistent metabolic disorders. Disadvantages of the method are the need for surgical intervention, the risk of infection, in case of a failed operation, it is almost impossible to use other methods of ED treatment.
Therapeutic gymnastics and massage
Exercise is important to maintain vascular and muscle health. Regular moderate physical activity helps increase potential. The most effective are:
- Kegel gymnastics - exercises aimed at activating the muscles of the pelvic floor;
- a "bicycle" lying on its back or in a simulator;
- circular movements of the pelvis;
- escapes on the spot
- "scissors"
Massage helps to relieve tension and improve blood circulation. Light strokes are exciting, they can be used as foreplay.
Principles of nutrition
Proper nutrition helps to lose weight, restore hormonal balance and improve overall well-being. Since the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction is based on circulatory disorders in the penis, it is advisable to follow a diet for diseases of the cardiovascular system (Table № 10).
Power features:
- consume 2500-2600 kcal per day, the basis of the diet (60%) is animal protein;
- limit salt intake;
- low-fat meat and fish, cereals, dairy products, boiled vegetables and fresh fruits are preferred;
- Smoked meat, sausages, pickles and pickled vegetables, tea, coffee are excluded from the diet.
Alcohol and any foods and beverages that irritate the vascular and nervous systems in general should be excluded.
Prevention of potential problems for 40 years
There are several steps to prevent ED.
Most of them aim to change their lifestyle and improve their overall health:
- regular exercise;
- maintain a healthy weight;
- avoid stress when possible and learn to deal with it;
- abstinence from alcohol, smoking;
- regular sex life;
- undergo regular medical examinations for heart and endocrine diseases.
In most cases, men over the age of 40 can easily regain their potential. To do this, you should consult a doctor at the first symptoms. The specialist will help to get rid of fears and strengthen self-confidence, because the key to a favorable treatment prognosis is confidence that the problem will be overcome.