Men who have passed the age of 50 are still full of zest for life. They have often built up beautiful memories, but from the age of fifty they are more often confronted with challenges and ailments. An example of this is erectile dysfunction. This often has a negative impact on the quality of life.
This may be a sensitive topic for many men, but it is very important to know that erectile dysfunction is common in men over 50. In this blog, we will discuss the causes, different treatments and also some tips to help men with erectile dysfunction over 50 to breathe new life into their sex lives.
Erectile dysfunction over 50
First of all: erectile dysfunction over 50 is very normal! You are far from alone. Many men over 50 experience this. As you get older as a man, the blood supply to your penis decreases. This makes it less active and it can take longer to get an erection.
In addition to age, factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, constant stress and some medications are also a cause of erectile dysfunction. Fortunately, there are sufficient treatments for people with erectile dysfunction over 50.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction in Men Over 50?
Why do men over 50 experience more erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction occurs more often at a later age, because there are many factors that affect the health of the penis. Before we give you some useful tips for your erectile dysfunction, we will delve a little deeper into the cause.
One of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction is a lack of testosterone. Testosterone production decreases in men between the ages of 30 and 40.
Testosterone is an important hormone that is responsible for all kinds of sexually related functions, such as stimulating sperm production and stimulating 'desire' for sex. The decrease in testosterone levels in older men therefore often leads to a reduced desire for sex and a less effective functioning of the penis. The genitals will therefore erect less often and for a shorter period of time.
A second factor that increases erectile dysfunction in men over 50 is the rise of various health conditions such as: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, alcohol and smoking. Each of these conditions has a negative effect on blood flow. It is therefore logical that this will consequently lead to erectile dysfunction, because an erection depends on the blood flow to the penis.
What can you do about erectile dysfunction over 50?
There may be several other factors causing your erectile dysfunction, in addition to getting older. Below we have listed some tips for you to tackle your erectile dysfunction efficiently and healthily.
- Talk to your doctor
If you find that you are having trouble getting an erection, you should discuss this thoroughly with your doctor. He or she can check and determine if there are any underlying health-related conditions that are contributing to your erection problems. Your doctor can give you appropriate advice about possible medications, therapy, or other treatments that can help you reduce your erection problems.
- Adjust your lifestyle
Changing your lifestyle often helps to reduce erectile dysfunction. And no, you really don't have to drastically change your entire life. Think about following a healthier diet, going to the gym every now and then, banishing cigarettes from your life for good or avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. Should work, right?
- Medication for erectile dysfunction
Fortunately, there are several medications available that can help you solve erectile dysfunction. These aids work quickly and effectively to increase blood flow to your penis. This makes it easier to get an erection. It is important to only use erectile dysfunction drugs after consulting your doctor.
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises
Have you ever heard of pelvic floor exercises? They are highly recommended, because training your pelvic floor muscles really helps to improve blood flow to your penis. You will quickly see the quality of your erections improve! There are various exercises online that you can perform to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
Erectile dysfunction in men over 50: not always a physical problem!
Yes, it is true that erectile dysfunction often has a physical cause, but it can also be caused by emotional, psychological or social factors. This is because 'desire' for sex and erections are a complex combination of different components, such as: physical, psychological, cognitive and emotional factors.
Emotional factors include: stress, anxiety, depression, excessive fatigue or relationship problems. These factors can play an important role in causing erectile dysfunction. Cognitive causes such as: negative and dark thoughts, extreme insecurity or fear of failure also lead to erectile dysfunction in older men.
Finally, various social factors – such as social pressure or uncertainty about one's own sexual performance – can also contribute to erectile dysfunction. This is especially common in older men, as they are more likely to worry about their own ability to perform well sexually.
All of the above factors can cause men to experience increased production of stress hormones. This in turn leads to reduced blood flow to the penis and ultimately to erectile dysfunction. It is therefore important to not only look at the physical factors, but also at emotional, psychological and social factors when you want to treat your erectile dysfunction.
So don't be discouraged and know that you are not alone! With the help of the right treatment and (small) adjustments to your lifestyle, you can once again control your erection problems and enjoy a healthy and exciting sex life like before.