Gifts of Aging
There are many gifts of aging. Increased self-awareness, wisdom, and understanding of what really matters in our lives are some of the best parts of getting older. There are harder parts, too. Our physical condition may be harder to maintain, or it may be difficult to achieve the vitality and vigor we once had. There may even be difficulties in our sex lives. Both men and women experience changes in their sexual drive and function as they mature. Men may even experience ED, or erectile dysfunction.
What Is ED?
Erectile dysfunction is a common issue that affects men, particularly as they grow older. It is characterized by the inability to achieve or sustain an erection suitable for sexual activity, and can have a significant impact on a man’s quality of life. While occasional difficulties are normal, persistent problems may indicate an underlying health condition.
Aging plays a substantial role in the prevalence of ED. Studies show that approximately 40% of men at age 40 and nearly 70% of men at age 70 experience some form of erectile dysfunction. Although it was previously thought that ED was primarily psychological, that’s no longer the case. As our understanding of health and aging has increased, we understand that there are numerous physical causes for ED. Some of them are:
- Hormonal changes such as decreasing testosterone
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Chronic kidney disease
- Some autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis
- Nerve damage due to illness or injury
Lifestyle factors may also play a role in erectile dysfunction. Unmanaged stress or mental health concerns can impact erectile function. It’s also been found that a sedentary lifestyle contributes significantly to ED while even moderate exercise leads to improved outcomes. However, many men experiencing ED still need some kind of medical treatment to continue having a fulfilling sex life.
Treatment Options
Erectile dysfunction is a treatable condition, and many men can regain satisfactory sexual function with the right approach. The first step is to identify and address underlying health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or hormonal imbalances. Integrating healthy practices including:
- Regular exercise
- Eating a healthy diet
- Losing weight if needed
- Quitting smoking
- Managing stress
can improve overall health, which often translates into better sexual performance.
Summit Lifestyle Medicine
We know that talking to a medical professional about erectile dysfunction can be uncomfortable. If you’re in Maryville, IL or the surrounding areas, Summit Lifestyle Medicine is here to help you find solutions to revitalize your sexual function. We will help you address any underlying health conditions that may impair your function. We will also determine whether testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) might help.
If managing medical conditions and/or TRT aren’t a complete solution, we may also suggest:
- Medications including Viagra
- Tri-Mix injections
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy using your body’s plasma
Our medical team, including Phil Dudak, family nurse practitioner and chiropractic physician, will do a comprehensive examination of you and your medical history, allowing us to present the most effective options for you. Our goal is to help you regain the vigor and vitality you had as a younger man so you can continue to enjoy the richness of your life now.
Disclaimer: The information contained here was not written by a medical doctor and is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice.
