They are constantly looking at male potency, the causes of its deterioration, and ways to heal. Erectile dysfunction has long been considered a problem in the 60s. Studies conducted in 1993 show that half of men over the age of 40 reduce their potency. Improving an erection requires measures to identify and eliminate the cause of the problems in bed.
Potency in men at age 40: first signs of impotence
Men have always equated potency with strength. As a result, even the slightest sign of a decrease in erection is a matter of serious concern. Single misfires do not indicate erectile dysfunction.
Signs of erectile dysfunction in men after 40 years:
- penile flaccidity - inability to get a solid erection;
- spontaneous decline in erection or at the entrance to the vagina;
- inadequacy of the genital response due to fear of failure;
- onset of ejaculation to orgasm with a partner;
- sexual intercourse is prolonged, the man does not reach orgasm for a long time;
- decreased sexual desire;
- long recovery after ejaculation, inability to have more than one sexual intercourse per night.
If a man has more than two signs, it indicates a decrease in potency.
Causes of bed problems
There are a number of physical changes in the body of men over the age of 40 that negatively affect an erection. But the natural aging process is not the only cause of problems in bed. Proper identification of the factors that bind impotence allows appropriate treatment to be prescribed.
Inflammatory diseases of the genital area
Inflammatory diseases can be infectious or non-infectious. Infectious diseases are viral, fungal and bacterial in nature, and include the following pathologies:
- urethritis;
- infectious prostatitis;
- common sexually transmitted infections;
- prostate cystitis;
- balanoposthitis;
- vesiculitis;
- sinusitis.
- pyelonephritis.
Non-communicable diseases occur without the involvement of pathogenic microorganisms. These include:
- non-infectious prostatitis;
- BPH;
- malignant and benign tumors of the organs of the urogenital system (prostate cancer, penis, urethral polyps and others).
Diseases affect not only sexual function but also the work of all organs of the urogenital system.
Hypodynamics
Hypodynamics is a condition characterized by poor physical activity. It is also called a "disease of civilization. " In physically inactive, overweight, impaired people. Violation of neuromuscular regulation leads to deterioration in the contractility of all muscle fibers.
The "disease of civilization" negatively affects the work of all organs. People have psycho-emotional disorders, have decreased libido, men with such illness do not enjoy sex.
Cardiovascular diseases
There is a strong link between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. The decrease in potency is caused by diseases affecting the blood vessels. These pathologies include atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol.
These diseases, which account for about 70% of the physical causes of ED, restrict blood flow to the cavernous body of the penis.
Obesity
Being overweight is a psychogenic and physiological factor in the development of sexual disorders in men. Obese people have low self-esteem, are more prone to depression, stress, which contributes to a decrease in sexual desire and desire.
Obesity causes damage to the blood vessels due to the high load. In overweight, high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, and inflammatory processes are observed that interfere with normal blood circulation.
In men, abdominal fat converts testosterone to estrogen, which causes hormonal imbalances. Lack of testosterone leads to cavernous insufficiency, disruption of the erectile mechanism.
Bad habits
Tobacco, alcohol damages blood vessels, restricts blood flow to the penis. Nicotine resins settle on the walls of arteries, the risk of hyperlipidemia and arterial hypertension increases, and blood circulation deteriorates.
Once in the blood, ethanol "sticks" to the platelets, leading to blockage of the blood vessels. The resulting thrombosis impairs 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 that, in high concentrations, have a negative effect on all body systems, including the sexual system.
The first misfire in bed dramatically lowers men’s self-esteem. Fear and insecurity contribute to the development of psychogenic impotence. Over time, the sensitivity of cavernous tissue to neurotransmitters decreases, the filling of cavernous bodies with blood deteriorates, and as a result, erections.
How does a doctor treat erectile dysfunction?
Treatment of ED depends on the cause. Modern andrology offers a wide range of therapeutic procedures and techniques. Their choice is determined by the andrologist based on the acceptability of the application to the particular patient.
Initially, the doctor should make sure that the man is being treated for pathologies that cause or negatively affect sexual function. The use of drugs 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 a variety of pathological changes, and there are usually several. In the absence of therapeutic measures, a person has mental disorders: depression, psychosis, nervous breakdown.
Impotence alone impairs spermatogenesis, ejaculation, and infertility. But the list of consequences for ED is much broader. Infectious and chronic pathologies become chronic, hormonal disorders lead to dysfunction of most organs, and vascular pathologies are life-threatening. But if a man sees a doctor in time, he avoids complications and improves potency.
Methods for treating erectile dysfunction after 40 years
There are different ways to treat impotence. An integrated approach is often needed, including, above all, lifestyle changes, daily routines and dietary adjustments. The goal of complex therapy is to eliminate the causes of erectile dysfunction and prevent complications.
Instant drugs
In the absence of significant differences, erection-promoting drugs are prescribed. The effect of the drugs is based on relaxing the muscles of the penis and increasing blood flow in the cavernous bodies.
Immediate medications include:
- sildenafil preparations;
- Avanafil based;
- Tadalafil based funds.
The devices require adherence to the dosing schedule.
Ointments and sprays
Topical agents have a topical effect and are considered safer than oral formulations. Some have broader, others have narrower pharmacological activity.
The following are considered effective:
- vegetable oil based cream;
- cream containing alprostadine;
- cream based on plant extracts;
- spray - a complex of plant extracts and aphrodisiacs.
Most creams and sprays are natural and available without a prescription.
Thanks to a special dosage form, a biological product in the form of a spray provides a rapid supply of biological substances which have the following effect:
- activates testosterone synthesis, increases libido;
- increases the strength and duration of filling cavernous blood;
- increases the tone of the smooth muscles of the penis;
- improves the condition of blood vessels;
- eliminates inflammatory processes.
The spray is used just before sexual intercourse. The contents of the vial are sprayed on the genitals, waiting 5-7 minutes for the substances to penetrate the tissues. The procedure is repeated daily.
Folk recipes and food supplements
Men over the age of 40 have had problems in bed for centuries. Before the advent of the drug, people increased their effectiveness with the help of folk recipes successfully used today:
- Musk tincture (beaver stream). Pour 200 g of dry musk with one liter of vodka and infuse for 30 days. Take a teaspoon three times a day.
- Maral antler tea. The sliced antlers are crushed with a knife. Take 2 tsp. raw materials, pour a glass of boiling water, insist half an hour. The strained drink is divided into 3 portions and consumed throughout the day.
You can also use dietary supplements.
Like folk remedies, they 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 who:
- inflammation of the prostate of any origin and neglect;
- erectile dysfunction associated with various causes;
- short intercourse;
- low libido;
- premature ejaculation;
- violation of the function of the urogenital system;
- inability to reach orgasm or weak feelings during intimate contact.
vacuum treatment
An erection is provided by filling the cavernous bodies with blood. The vacuum erection pump helps to improve blood flow in the blood vessels of the penis. The device is a cylinder with a pump at the end. The penis gets into the cylinder and the air inside is sucked out using a pump. This creates a vacuum and increases blood flow.
hormone therapy
If erectile dysfunction is associated with a decrease in androgen levels, testosterone replacement therapy is prescribed. The duration of androgen replacement therapy is at least 3 months. Androgen and luteinising hormone levels should be monitored continuously during treatment. The drugs can be taken orally, parenterally or subcutaneously in the form of implants.
Taking testosterone medications can cause prostate enlargement and swelling
Surgical intervention
Surgical treatment options are used if other treatments fail. Phalloprotection - implantation of a bioinert silicone prosthesis. The procedure is recommended in case of congenital disorders, deformities after organ injuries, atherosclerosis, permanent metabolic disorders. The disadvantages of this method are the necessity of the surgical procedure, the risk of infection, and in case of unsuccessful surgery it is almost impossible to use other ED treatment methods.
Physiotherapy and massage
Exercise is important in maintaining the health of your blood vessels and muscles. Regular moderate physical activity increases potency. The most effective are:
- Kegel gymnastics - exercises aimed at activating the muscles of the pelvic floor;
- "bicycle" lying on its back or on a simulator;
- circular movement of the pool;
- runs locally
- "scissors"
Massage helps relieve tension and improves blood circulation. The light punches are exciting and can also be used as a foreplay.
Principles of nutrition
Proper nutrition helps in weight loss, restoring hormonal balance and improving general well-being. Because the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction is based on penile circulatory disorders, diet is warranted for cardiovascular disease (Table 10).
Performance features:
- consume 2500-2600 kcal per day, the basis of the diet (60%) is animal protein;
- limits salt intake;
- preference is given to low-fat meats and fish, cereals, dairy products, cooked vegetables and fresh fruit;
- smoked meats, sausages, pickled and pickled vegetables, tea and coffee are excluded from the diet.
Alcohol and, in general, all foods and beverages that irritate the vascular system and nervous system should be excluded.
Preventing Potential Problems in 40 Years
There are several steps to prevent ED.
Most of them are aimed at changing lifestyles and improving general health:
- Regular exercise;
- maintaining a healthy weight;
- avoid stress where possible and learn to deal with it;
- quitting alcohol, smoking;
- regular sex life;
- participate in routine medical examinations for heart and endocrine diseases.
In most cases, men over the age of 40 can easily restore their potency. You should see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms. A specialist helps to get rid of fears, strengthens self-confidence, because the key to a favorable treatment prognosis is the belief that the problem will be solved.