Erectile dysfunction in men over 50 (otherwise known as ED or impotence) is a very common health condition. Although it can affect all age groups. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to maintain or achieve an erection during sexual intercourse. The main risk factors associated with this condition include:
- Hypertension
- Dyslipidaemia
- Atherosclerotic heart disease
- Diabetes mellitus
While erectile dysfunction is more common in older men, this doesn’t mean that it’s a natural or inevitable part of ageing. Instead, it usually develops alongside other chronic diseases that might develop with age. Keep reading below to find out how to reduce your chances of suffering with erectile dysfunction as you get older.
Atherosclerosis is the Main Cause of Erectile Dysfunction
Research has shown that atherosclerosis is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction in men over 50. Atherosclerosis simply means hardening of the arteries. As we age, our arteries become less flexible. This means that our arteries are no longer able to expand as easily to let more blood flow when we need it e.g. when we get an erection.
Not only do our arteries harden as we get older, but plaque can also start to build up inside them. This means that less blood is able to flow around our bodies. This reduction in blood flow is bad for our health. Not only can it cause men to suffer with erectile dysfunction, but it can also increase your chances of having a stroke or heart attack.
Other Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction isn’t always caused by cardiovascular issues. In fact, there are a number of other physical and mental factors that can contribute to your chances of suffering with this condition. Some of these factors include:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Anxiety and depression
- Parkinson’s disease
- Relationship problems
- Stress
- Peyronie’s disease
- Sleep disorders
- Stress
How to Reduce Your Chances of Suffering from Erectile Dysfunction
People who are fit and healthy are less likely to suffer with erectile dysfunction as they get older. In order to stay fit and healthy, you should consider making some of these simple lifestyle changes:
- Exercise on a regular basis
- Eat healthy meals
- Make sure you get enough sleep
- Stop smoking
- Reduce your alcohol intake
Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction in Men Over 50
If you’re suffering with erectile dysfunction then there are a number of highly effective treatments available to you. Oral medications such as Sildenafil, Tadalafil and Viagra are brilliant at improving sexual function. You can find out everything you need to know about these oral medications at Chemist Click. While there is currently no cure for erectile dysfunction, these tablets allow you to achieve an erection that lasts long enough and is hard enough for you to engage in sexual intercourse.
Another option you could look into is herbal remedies. Some research has shown that supplements like ginseng, DHEA, L-arginine, Yohimbe and L-carnitine may be helpful.
Erectile dysfunction is fairly common in men over the age of 50 with the most common cause of it being atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet and reducing your alcohol consumption can reduce your chances of suffering with this health condition, but if you’re already suffering then you should look into oral medications that can help you engage in sexual intercourse once more.
