At What Point In Life Does ED Become Normal?

Though you’ll find people that would argue that ED should not be considered “normal” by men of any age, nearly all health professionals are in agreement that the presence of some erectile dysfunction symptoms by age 50 is common. The explanations for this evaluation include, but aren’t limited to, an increased drop in testosterone levels (i.e. andropause), atrophy of the corpora cavernosa muscle that is responsible for gaining and sustaining erections and psychological changes linked to the aging process.

A short review of each of the above factors in impotence among aging men follows.

The Onset of Andropause (a.k.a. Male Menopause)

The male equivalent to women’s menopause, andropause is known to develop in some men in their early 40s, but more often begins near the age of 50. The condition is characterized by progressively decreasing testosterone amounts (a yearly decrease of 1.0 to 1.5 percent is typical), depression symptoms, low energy and listlessness, weight gain and impotency. It’s also quite normal for men experiencing andropause to experience fatigue and irritability – each of which contributes to erectile dysfunction.

The treatment of andropause remains a topic of significant disagreement in the professional medical community since there are those who remain unconvinced of the condition’s existence (it is often pointed out that men in their 70s father children which, in their belief, removes the possibility of a male menopause). The ones who do endorse the idea of andropause are likewise split between the camp that prescribes pharmaceuticals as treatment, and the one that recommends hormone replacement therapy.

Deterioration of Sexual Organs

By the time a man reaches middle age, the corpora cavernosa muscle that makes the penis rigid during an erection normally has begun to weaken and atrophy. The degree to which the muscle deteriorates will vary somewhat from one man to another, but by the age of 50 there has typically been enough atrophy of the organ that the man has noticed a reduction in the hardness and duration of his erections.

Fortunately, atrophy of the corpora cavernosa is a problem that can be reversed with Kegel exercises and other erectile dysfunction exercises that are sometimes prescribed by therapists. As is the case with any other muscle, regular use of the corpora cavernosa appears to reverse the atrophy and make the organ strong and healthy much later in life.

Interestingly, recent research suggests that the easiest way to do this is by having sex. In other words, if you continue to be sexually active during your later years, the decline of your reproductive function because of aging will be slower.

Psychological Issues Related to Aging

Sadly, there is a perception in Western culture that it is inappropriate, strange or just flat out wrong for the elderly to continue to be sexually active. As any physician can tell you, this could not be any further from the truth.In fact, there is far more information supporting the notion that staying sexually active into your Golden Years in truth helps you stay vibrant and prolongs your life.

Nonetheless, due to social pressures and attitudes that individuals take with them in their advanced years, research projects have shown that approximately 50% of men develop unhealthy perceptions of their own sexuality once they get to the age of 60. Researchers from Finland additionally learned that nearly a quarter of males beyond the age of 70 view sex at their age as “sinful and shameful”, owing mostly to the previously mentioned view perpetuated by society.

From a psychologist’s perspective, there is a strong correlation between this transition in the way a man regards sex as he becomes older, and the point that an estimated 36% of men are afflicted by erection problems by the time they reach age 70. In light of what is known about the corpora cavernosa and many other organs, the decision to avoid intercourse in later life undeniably accelerates the decline of the sexual organs.

Conclusion – Is There a Time in Life When ED Becomes Normal?

Depending on which study you listen to, the percentage of males who experience erectile dysfunction symptoms climbs to nearly 18% among men in their 40s and as high as 40% among men in their 60s. Obviously this would seem to indicate that there is some connection between age and the appearance of ED. On the other hand, as pointed out in this article, apart from illness, none of the culprits that contribute to erectile dysfunction in seniors are irreversible. As a matter of fact, they are quite manageable, so succumbing to erectile dysfunction is in no way unavoidable and should not be accepted as “just a part of the aging process.”

If you’d like to find out more about erectile dysfunction symptoms in older men, or comprehensive reviews on erectile dysfunction remedies, look for future articles from Darin Mendanor.

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