Erectile dysfunction (or ED) is a common problem among a considerable percentage of older men, and one that can be quite difficult for those suffering from the condition, as well as their intimate partners. The inability to maintain a firm erection can lead to embarrassment, shame and a loss of interest in sex, which can then have reverberations into other facets of an interpersonal relationship.
Some facts about ED
A man may experience ED at any age, yet it is more likely to be found in men over 40. The University of Washington Health Men’s Health Program reports the following:
Mild and moderate erectile dysfunction affects approximately 10 percent of men per decade of life (i.e., 50 percent of men in their 50s, or 60 percent of men in their 60s, etc.). Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, but it is more common in men that are older. Older men are more likely to have health conditions that require medication, which can interfere with erectile function. Additionally, as men age, they may need more stimulation to get an erection and more time between erections.
There can be psychological causes of ED, including depression, anxiety and stress. Physiological causes may include:
- Certain prescription medications
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Obesity
- Alcoholism
- Diabetes
- Sleep disorders
- High blood pressure
- Low testosterone
Treatment for ED most commonly consists of …