Erectile dysfunction and age are heavily linked because studies have shown that those who are over the age of 45 are much more likely to experience this condition than those who are younger. This is caused by a variety of factors, including lowered testosterone levels, stress, and sometimes illness. Those who are older are also more likely to suffer from a severe case of erectile dysfunction known as impotence. This is a condition in which sexual function is impaired on more than three occasions per month.
There are variety of reasons why erectile dysfunction and age may occur simultaneously. One possible explanation is that men in their later years have lower levels of testosterone. This hormone triggers and maintains sexual desire in both men and women, but men produce higher quantities. Lowered levels can result in a lack of sexual interest or the inability to have and maintain an erection.
Although stress can occur in any age group, the connection between erectile dysfunction and age may also involve the fact that middle aged and elderly men are under additional stress when compared to their young counterparts. They may worry about job stability as they age, retirement, health concerns, and goals which haven’t been accomplished yet. Stress is one of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction in men of any age, but when combined with other issues faced by older men, symptoms can be more severe.
Sometimes illness can cause erectile dysfunction. Prostate problems, for instance, occur primarily in older men and can lead to decreased sexual function. Hypertension is another common condition which often leads to erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems.
Many times, several of these issues compound one another. For example, when erectile dysfunction and age-related illnesses occur together once or more, men may become stressed about whether or not it will happen again. Anxiety about past sexual performance issues can lead to prolonged problems. Additionally, men may be hesitant to seek treatment because they do not like to discuss embarrassing problems or feelings of fear or anxiety.
For most men, medication can help improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Men who have psychological causes may find that therapy is most beneficial, and additional medications may be stopped once they have learned coping mechanisms for anxiety. There are some prevention methods men may also implement. For example, men who engage in sexual activities several times per week are much less likely to encounter sexual problems as they age.