Dealing With Impotence As We Age: A Guide For Modern Men

ED is something that, unfortunately, affects a lot of men throughout their life. While it is certainly more common for men to develop erectile dysfunction as they get older, impotence can affect men at any age.

Although impotence is a common occurrence, a lot of men are too afraid to speak up about it as they may feel shame that they can’t perform. However, there should never be any shame regarding the inability to get an erection and, in fact, the sooner you speak up about it, the sooner you can find a treatment. 

There are many things that can cause impotence and while some are pretty common causes, sometimes erectile dysfunction can be a result of a deeper issue.

In this article, we will explore what are the main causes of erectile dysfunction and what treatments are available. If you are someone who frequently suffers from erectile dysfunction, then this article is for you.

Keep on reading to find out more. 

What Are Some Common Causes?

One of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction is alcohol. When we drink a lot of alcohol, it can have some serious negative effects on the way our body performs.

Sex is just one example of this, when we try to have sex after drinking lots of alcohol, our body is unable to perform basic functions which can lead to things like erectile dysfunction. A lot of people mistakenly assume that alcohol will work in their favour when it comes to sex, but this is often not the case.

So, if you are experiencing erectile dysfunction frequently after drinking, then try and cut back on the alcohol and see if it makes a difference. If you are planning on a big night out, then perhaps alternate between drinking alcohol and drinking water, so that you can maintain a good level of soberness throughout the night.

Another common cause of erectile dysfunction is smoking or generally living an unhealthy lifestyle. In order for your body to function properly, you must eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and ensure that you are looking after your body.

Doing things like smoking or taking drugs can both have a severe impact on how your body performs and it is likely that you may suffer from erectile dysfunction as a consequence. Taking care of your body is so important, so if you are noticing that your body is not performing the way it should be, then it could be time to make some changes.

Perhaps consider quitting smoking and taking up some light exercises, to see if you notice any positive changes. It doesn’t mean you need to start running marathons, but simple switches in your lifestyle and your diet can help you perform better overall. 

Are There Any Deeper Issues That Can Contribute?

While the common causes of erectile dysfunction like alcohol and an unhealthy lifestyle can be easily addressed, there are also deeper issues that can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Because these issues are deeper and often have a lot of emotion involved with them, it can sometimes be a bit more difficult to treat. However, that doesn’t mean it is completely untreatable, instead it just may take a bit more for you to open up and talk about what you are feeling. 

As mentioned in the introduction, there is often a lot of shame that comes with erectile dysfunction as men’s pride can be knocked when they are unable to perform. If you are already suffering from something like anxiety or depression, then these feelings can get amplified when you are unable to perform in the bedroom. It ends up becoming a cycle of the feelings of shame and depression, which can prevent you from getting any help. It would be a good idea for you to keep a record of every time you experience erectile dysfunction and also take note of your overall mood as well. Tracking both of these can help you to understand your emotions a bit better and you can start to figure out if there is a direct correlation between your feelings and the times you experience impotence. 

What Treatments Are Available?

Once you understand the cause of your erectile dysfunction, you can start looking for ways to treat it. As mentioned above, if the cause is over-consumption of alcohol, then the best way to treat it is by reducing the alcohol you drink. If you believe your erectile dysfunction is triggered by stress or anxiety, then it is always best to get some therapy to deal with those issues. Even if you intend to seek treatment through medication, you should still take some time to talk to a therapist to address the emotional issues you are facing. Your therapist will be able to talk you through your feelings and try to come up with some helpful coping mechanisms.

In terms of actual medication for erectile dysfunction, there are a few options available. The most common erectile dysfunction treatment that most people would have heard of is Viagra, which is a pill that men can take to help them keep an erection for longer. While Viagra is an effective treatment, it doesn’t necessarily work for everyone, so you may want to consider some other options. 

Sildenafil is an alternative treatment to Viagra in that it helps you maintain an erection for a longer period of time. Sildenafil is an effective treatment and the effects of this medication should last between four to eight hours. Having a big window of time like this can be helpful as it takes off the pressure to perform, meaning you can relax and have sex when you are properly comfortable. While there are a few side effects to taking Sildenafil, most people will experience no side effects and can continue to use Sildenafil without any issues.

It should go without saying, but if you experience severe side effects like nausea, impaired vision, or dizziness, you should always seek medical attention. 

Summary

Studies show that 50-55% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 years old suffer from erectile dysfunction. This is why it is so important to remember that although you may feel shame from experiencing erectile dysfunction, you are not alone. Impotence is something that most men will experience throughout their life and although it can be a bit embarrassing at the moment, if you talk about your issues with your partner and seek medical advice, when necessary, you will be able to overcome it.

Because erectile dysfunction is such a common issue amongst men, it means that there are plenty of treatments available that can help you. The first thing you need to do though, is acknowledge when you are experiencing these issues.

Dealing with the issue when it first occurs will mean that you can seek treatment straight away and hopefully get the treatment you need. While there are plenty of medications that can help you achieve an erection, you may also need emotional help to overcome your impotence.

If you regularly suffer from anxiety or depression, make sure you seek professional help and continue to work on bettering your mental health.