Senior Sex: How to Maintain or Improve Intimacy

Sex in the Senior Years

By Mark Stibich, PhD | Updated on August 13, 2023
Medically reviewed by Isaac O. Opole, MD, PhD

This article is a repost which originally appeared on verywell health

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Key takeaways:

‧ People in their 70s and 80s and beyond can continue to enjoy sex.

‧ Striving for optimal physical and mental health can allow one to continue to enjoy sex in older age.

‧ Issues you cannot resolve on your own should be brought to the attention of a qualified medical professional.

Many people in their 70s and 80s are not only sexually active, but satisfied with their senior sex lives.1 Though the frequency or ability to perform sexually may decline with age due to physiological changes, these don’t necessarily affect how a person experiences or enjoys sex.

Aging-related problems like erectile dysfunction (ED), vaginal dryness, or urinary incontinence can affect sex. But their impact can also be minimized by using medication, managing chronic conditions, seeking individual or couples counseling, and changing sexual practices.2

This article explores the sex lives of adults 65 and over and the problems that can interfere with sex as the body ages. It also discusses the various treatment options and ways to maintain—or even jumpstart—your senior sex life.

Sexual Activity in Older Adults

Studies suggest that men are almost twice as likely as women to still have sex or masturbate in their later years. A British study found close to 60% of men ages 70 to 80 and 31% of men ages 80 to 90 are still sexually active. In women, those figures drop to 34% and 14%, respectively.3

This lower rate of sexual activity in older women may be due to a lack of opportunity rather than a lack of desire. Research shows that older women are less likely to have partners (due in large part to the fact that they often outlive their partners). This is sometimes referred to as “the partner gap.”1

Sexual Health Problems in Older Men

It is common for men to experience sexual problems after age 40. Reasons include a natural decline in testosterone levels, heart disease, and prostate problems. The inability to achieve or sustain an erection or reach orgasm or ejaculation are common concerns.4

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), formerly known as impotence, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual penetration and long enough to achieve orgasm.

While ED is more common in older men, aging itself does not cause the problem. ED is related to conditions, sometimes several at once, that directly or indirectly interfere with erections.

Risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetic nerve damage, smoking, obesity, Peyronie’s disease, depression, and even certain medications. An accurate diagnosis is needed to ensure the right treatment.5

ED drugs like Viagra (sildenafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Cialis (tadalafil) are often the first-line treatments for ED. Lifestyle changes and counseling can also help. For some men, hormonal therapy, penis pumps, and penile implants may be recommended.
Is There a Female Viagra?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlarged prostate and one of the most common health problems in older males.6 BPH can cause symptoms like difficulty urinating, frequent urination, or waking up in the middle of the night to urinate (nocturia).

On top of this, BPH can cause sexual problems like low libido (low sex drive) and delayed ejaculation (difficulty reaching orgasm).

Among the treatment options, testosterone therapy may help restore libido. There are also certain drugs used off-label that may help with delayed ejaculation, including cabergoline (originally marketed as Dostinex) and Wellbutrin (bupropion).7

Because some BPH medications can also cause sexual dysfunction, a change in the dose may help resolve these concerns.8

Sexual Health Problems in Older Women

More than a third of older women experience sexual problems. These are typically due to menopause, when estrogen levels steeply decline. Hormonal changes can lessen sexual desire and make it harder to become aroused.9

Sexual organs also change as a person gets older. A woman’s vagina will shorten and narrow. The vaginal walls become thinner and less flexible, tearing more easily. Vaginal lubrication decreases, making vaginal intercourse more painful.10

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is diagnosed when an absence of sexual fantasies, thoughts, and desires causes personal distress. It is a problem that is common among many older women.

A medication known as Addyi (flibanserin) is used to treat HSDD in women. It is currently only approved for premenopausal women, but research shows that it can also improve libido in older women as well.11

Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness is uncomfortable and can make sex painful. Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies that can help relieve irritation and itching from vaginal dryness include lubricants such as K-Y Jelly or vaginal suppositories like Replens.

If OTC remedies don’t help, your doctor may prescribe estrogen cream as well as estrogen-containing vaginal rings and vaginal suppositories.

There are also plant-based products, like black cohosh, that have estrogen-like effects. These should be used with caution in women who have had or are at risk of breast cancer.12

Pain With Sex

Painful intercourse is more likely in older women as vaginal tissue tends to thin and tear easily after menopause. Standard treatments for vaginal dryness can often help ease pain during sex.

If that is not effective, prescription drugs like Osphena (ospemifene) and Intrarosa (prasterone) can treat thinning vaginal tissues and help relieve moderate to severe vaginal dryness.12

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

The pelvic floor muscles and tissues hold the bladder, uterus, cervix, vagina, and rectum in place. Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the pelvic floor weakens, causing the pelvic organs to drop and bulge (prolapse) in the vagina. This can cause pelvic pain and pressure, pain with sex, and urinary incontinence.13

POP is often treated with pelvic floor physical therapy to strengthen the supporting muscles. In some cases, surgery may be needed.14

Other Health Concerns

Chronic medical conditions become more common as a person ages. Many of these can interfere with an older person’s sex life.
Arthritis and Chronic Pain

Arthritis and other chronic pain conditions are common among older adults and can make sex very difficult. Depending on the cause, doctors may recommend physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), both over-the-counter and prescription, can be taken before sex to help ease the pain. Opioid drugs, while effective as a pain reliever, can cause a drop in testosterone and contribute to ED.15

If the pain only occurs in certain sexual positions, let your partner know and try different positions. Bolstering your bodies with pillows and cushions can also help.

Diabetes

In the United States, almost one-third of adults over 65 have diabetes. Approximately half of these are undiagnosed.16

Diabetes can cause sexual dysfunction in both men and women. This can be due to circulation problems, medication side effects, or nerve damage. Problems include:17

‧  Low libido
‧ Difficulty with arousal
‧ Erectile dysfunction
‧ Painful intercourse
‧ Reduced genital sensation
‧ Urinary tract infections
‧ Yeast infections

The best way to reduce the impact of diabetes is to gain control of your blood sugar. Speak with your doctor if you have difficulty managing your blood sugar, and be sure to mention any sexual health problems you may be having. It’s important for your doctor to know.

Heart Disease

Older age is the greatest risk factor for heart disease.18 Heart disease causes problems as arteries start to narrow and harden (referred to as atherosclerosis). This reduces blood flow throughout the body, including the pelvis and genitals, resulting in sexual dysfunction in both men and women.

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of erectile dysfunction in men. It can also cause women to have difficulty achieving orgasm due to the decreased blood flow to the genitals.

There is no one way to resolve these issues, but there is evidence that statin drugs used to reduce the risk of heart disease can improve erectile dysfunction in some men.19 Some studies suggest that similar approaches may improve sexual function in women with heart disease.20

People with heart disease may also be nervous about sex due to fear of a heart attack. While sexual activity is generally safe, talk to your health provider if you are concerned.21

Obesity

Today, more than 40% of adults over 65 meet the definition of obesity.22 Research shows that women who are obese are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction than non-obese women.23 In addition, obesity increases the odds of erectile dysfunction in men.20

These issues may be directly related to higher rates of diabetes among people who are obese as well as reduced blood circulation due to atherosclerosis.24

Weight loss, achieved with a healthy diet and routine exercise, is considered the best strategy to overcome obesity. It may also improve a person’s self-image and sense of well-being while making sex easier to navigate.

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. This becomes more common with age, especially in women.

Incontinence can be embarrassing and make sex awkward. Women who experience stress incontinence may be afraid to orgasm. Extra pressure on the abdomen during intercourse can also cause urinary leakage.

If you have incontinence, empty your bladder before sex. Changing sexual positions can help prevent urinary leakage by avoiding the compression of the bladder. Pelvic floor exercises can also help strengthen the muscles that aid with urine control.

Medications

Some medications used in older adults can cause sexual dysfunction in both men and women. These include:25

‧  Antidepressants
‧  Antihistamines
‧  Chemotherapy
‧  Diuretics (“water pills”)
‧  High blood pressure medicines
‧  Opioid painkillers

If you are having sexual difficulties, let your doctor know and advise them of any drugs you are taking, including over-the-counter, prescription, or recreational.

Lifestyle and Mental Health

Lifestyle and mental health issues can also contribute to sexual problems in older adults. These issues can be just as difficult—and sometimes even more difficult—to overcome than physical ones. If you are faced with any of these issues, there are things you can do to turn them around.
Alcohol

For some people, drinking a glass of wine helps them relax and get in the mood. However, too much alcohol can end up impairing sexual function. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, alcohol is the most-used drug among older adults, with 65% of people 65 and older reporting high-risk drinking.26

Alcohol can impair a man’s ability to get an erection, cause premature ejaculation, or delay orgasm.27 In women, too much alcohol can make it difficult to climax.2

Reducing the amount you drink can help, but if you are unable to control your alcohol use, speak to your doctor about treatment options.

Depression

In the United States, between 5% and 10% of adults over 65 are estimated to be depressed.28 This can lead to many health concerns, including sexual dysfunction.29

In people with depression, neurotransmitters—chemical messengers that send signals between the brain and body—are out of balance. This can affect sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm. Ironically, medications used to treat depression can have the same effects.

While the benefits of antidepressants often outweigh the risks, therapy and counseling may offer a reasonable option for those with mild depression.

Stress

Stress can be a contributing factor to sexual dysfunction. Financial worries and health concerns are just some of the common stresses affecting older adults.

To relieve stress (and the effect it has on your sex life), consider stress management techniques like mindful breathing, tai chi, yoga, and meditation. Research shows practicing mindfulness and meditation can ease the effects of stress and improve overall feelings of well-being.30 This alone may help improve sex.

In addition, seek professional assistance from financial advisors, health advocates, and social workers to help better deal with the other stresses in your life.

Relationship Issues

Lack of sexual intimacy is often related to relationship problems. If you are and your partner are not connecting emotionally, it can lessen your desire to be intimate.

On the flip side, studies show that older couples who engage in sexual intercourse with their partner are likely to share a closer relationship. Moreover, closeness to one’s partner has been shown to increase overall well-being.31

While this issue is not unique to older couples, many people find talking to a marriage counselor can help them work through relationship issues and rekindle sexual feelings and attraction.

Self-Image

With age can come weight gain and other body changes that may affect one’s sense of physical attractiveness. Self-consciousness can spill over into the bedroom and affect a person’s confidence during sex.

A 2019 study among older women found that those who were self-conscious about their bodies reported less sexual satisfaction. By contrast, those who had greater self-acceptance of their bodies irrespective of weight or aging-related changes had a more satisfying sex life.32

Self-acceptance is ultimately the key. Working with a therapist, either alone or as a couple, can help you discuss your feelings openly and find a way to embrace a more positive self-image.

How to Maintain a Healthy Sex Life

The benefits of maintaining your sex life as you age are physical and emotional. Being sexually active is associated with a lower risk of medical conditions and a longer life. It’s also associated with a greater sense of happiness and overall well-being.3

If your sex life has become stagnant and you’d like to rev it back up, here are a few things you can do.

Communicate

Good sex begins with good communication. Couples who have been together a long time often think they know what the other is thinking. But no one is a mind reader.

Talk to your partner about any concerns you have. You may feel as though your mate is no longer attracted to you because sex has become infrequent, when in fact they are experiencing a decline in sexual interest.

In addition, as sex organs change with age, what felt good before may no longer feel good or may even be painful. Be open with your partner about these changes.

Communicating about sex can be challenging at any age, however. If you and your partner struggle to talk about sex, consider seeing a sex therapist.

Redefine Sex

Sex, as you get older, may need to change. But different can still be good, if not better. With an empty nest and possibly retirement, there’s more time and privacy to explore.

Research shows older adults have a broader definition of sexual activity than younger adults.33 In other words, they better understand that there is more to sex than just intercourse. Foreplay on its own can be quite satisfying.

Be creative and willing to try new things.

Rethink Intimacy

Sex isn’t just physical. It’s an emotional expression of intimacy. As you grow older, sexual intimacy changes. What this means to you and your partner may need to be redefined.

Emotional intimacy can be expressed through non-sexual physical touch. Examples of non-sexual physical touch include:

‧  Back rubs
‧  Cuddling
‧  Holding hands
‧  Hugging
‧  Placing your hand on your partner’s shoulder or arm
‧  Playful nudges
‧  Sitting next to each other
‧  Touching feet under the table

Another non-sexual way to build emotional intimacy is spending quality time together. Things you can do:

‧  Go out on dates with other couples.
‧  Look through old photos and reminisce.
‧  Play cards, board games, or word games.
‧  Read aloud to each other.
‧  Play music together.
‧  Travel, explore new places.
‧  Visit with friends or family.

Just Do It

Instead of waiting for the desire to strike, experts recommend that older adults just go for it. This is because sex has physical and emotional benefits. Orgasms release oxytocin, a hormone that induces a state of calm and improves sleep.

Even if you’re not in the mood, having sex can set the stage for more sex in the future. This is especially true for women. Having sex regularly helps increase natural lubrication and vaginal elasticity. It may also improve erections in men.

Summary

Older age can lead to sexual problems in different ways. Age alone increases the risk of erectile dysfunction, delayed ejaculation, low libido, vaginal dryness, and pelvic organ prolapse. Medical conditions like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and incontinence can also directly or indirectly interfere with sex.

Lifestyle and emotional issues that can impair sexual function in all ages can become even more profound in adults 65 years and older. These include stress, depression, negative self-image, relationship problems, and alcohol abuse.

By working with a doctor or therapist, you can overcome many of these concerns and improve not only your quality of life but your sex life as well. Keeping open lines of communication and embracing change as a natural part of life can also help keep your sex life fresh as you approach your later years.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. Let’s talk about sex.

2. National Institute on Aging. Sexuality in later life.

3. Lee DM, Nazroo J, O’Connor DB, Blake M, Pendleton N. Sexual health and well-being among older men and women in England: findings from the English longitudinal study of ageing. Arch Sex Behav. 2015;45(1):133-144. doi:10.1007/s10508-014-0465-1

4. Shigehara K, Kato Y, Iijima M, et al. Risk factors affecting decreased libido among middle-aged to elderly men; Nocturnal voiding is an independent risk factor of decreased libido. Sex Med. 2021 Oct;9(5):100426. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100426

5. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms & causes of erectile dysfunction.

6. National Institute on Aging. Prostate problems.

7. Abdel-Hamid IA, Elsaied MA, Mostafa T. The drug treatment of delayed ejaculation. Transl Androl Urol. 2016;5(4):576-591. doi:10.21037/tau.2016.05.05

8. National Cancer Institute. Understanding prostate changes: a health guide for men.

9. Harvard Health Publishing. Yes, you can have better sex in midlife and in the years beyond.

10. Szymański J, Słabuszewska-Jóźwiak A, Jakiel G. Vaginal aging—What we know and what we do not know. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 May;18(9):4935. doi:10.3390/ijerph18094935

11. Portman DJ, Brown L, Yuan J, Kissling R, Kingsberg SA. Flibanserin in postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder: Results of the PLUMERIA study. J Sex Med. 2017;14(6):834-842. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.03.258

12. Naumova I, Castelo-Branco C. Current treatment options for postmenopausal vaginal atrophy. Int J Womens Health. 2018;10:387-395. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S158913

13. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health. Pelvic organ prolapse.

14. Duralde ER, Rowen TS. Urinary incontinence and associated female sexual dysfunction. Sex Med Rev. 2017;5(4):470-485. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.07.001

15. Marudhai S, Patel M, Valaiyaduppu Subas S, et al. Long-term opioids linked to hypogonadism and the role of testosterone supplementation therapy. Cureus. 2020;12(10):e10813. doi:10.7759/cureus.10813

16. Kalvani RR, Golden SH, Cefalu WT. Diabetes and aging: unique considerations and goals of care. Diabetes Care. 2017 Apr;40(4):440–3. doi:10.2337/dci17-0005

17. American Diabetes Association. Sex and diabetes.

18. Steenman M, Lande G. Cardiac aging and heart disease in humans. Biophys Rev. 2017 Apr;9(2):131–7. doi:10.1007/s12551-017-0255-9

19. Kosti JB, Dobrzynski JM. Statins and erectile dysfunction. World J Mens Health. 2019 Jan;37(1):1–3. doi:10.5534/wjmh.180015

20. Nascimento ER, Maia ACO, Pereira V, Soares-Filho G, Nardi AE, Silva AC. Sexual dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review of prevalence. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2013 Nov;68(11):1462–8. doi:10.6061/clinics/2013(11)13

21. Penn Medicine. Sex and your heart: What to know about intimacy and heart disease.

22. Hales CM, Carroll MD, Fryar CD, Ogden CL. Prevalence of obesity and severe obesity among adults: United States, 2017-2018. NCHS Data Brief. 2020;360.

23. Mozafari M, Khajavikhan J, Jaafarpour M, et al. Association of body weight and female sexual dysfunction: a case control study. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2015;17(1):e24685. doi:10.5812/ircmj.24685

24. Ho JH, Adam S, Azmi S, et al. Male sexual dysfunction in obesity: the role of sex hormones and small fibre neuropathy. PLoS One. 2019;14(9):e0221992. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0221992

25. Conaglen H, Conaglen J. Drug-induced sexual dysfunction in men and women. Aust Prescr. 2013;36(1):42-45. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2013.021

26. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Substance use in older adults DrugFacts.

27. Prabhakaran DK, Nisha A, Varghese PJ. Prevalence and correlates of sexual dysfunction in male patients with alcohol dependence syndrome: a cross-sectional study. Indian J Psychiatry. 2018;60(1):71-77. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_42_17

28. Cheruvu VK, Chiyaka ET. Prevalence of depressive symptoms among older adults who reported medical cost as a barrier to seeking health care: findings from a nationally representative sample. BMC Geriatr. 2019;19(1):192. doi:10.1186/s12877-019-1203-2

29. National Institute of Aging. Depression and older adults.

30. Goyal M, Singh S, Sibinga EM, et al. Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med. 2014;174(3):357–68. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.13018

31. Smith L, Yang L, Veronese N, Soysal P, Stubbs B, Jackson SE. Sexual activity is associated with greater enjoyment of life in older adults. Sex Med. 2019 Mar;7(1):11–8. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2018.11.001

32. Gillen MM, Markey CH. A review of research linking body image and sexual well-being. Body Image. 2019;31:294-301. doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.12.004

33. Hinchliff S, Tetley J, Lee D, Nazroo J. Older adults’ experiences of sexual difficulties: Qualitative findings from the English longitudinal study on ageing (ELSA). J Sex Res. 2018;55(2):152-163. doi:10.1080/00224499.2016.1269308

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Male Sex Drive — How it Changes With Age

Published on July 24, 2023 .
Kristopher Bunting, MD  Author

This article is a repost which originally appeared on healthnews

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

For many men, having a strong sex drive—or libido—can be an important part of feeling healthy and having a good quality of life.

Key takeaways:

‧ Male sex drive and testosterone levels decrease with age.

‧ Less sex does not mean less sexual satisfaction.

‧ Good health improves sexual function and sexual quality of life at any age.

‧ Aerobic exercise can improve sexual function and sexual satisfaction.

However, as men age and their bodies change, so does their sex drive. Sex drive tends to decrease with age after it peaks in men in their 20s, but that does not mean that aging has to have a negative effect on sex.

Age, sex drive, and sexual satisfaction

Most men (and women) are more sexually active in their 20s than in any other decade of life. Men’s sex drives seem to peak in their 20s and begin to decrease in their 30s and onward slowly. Men in their 40s and older are also more likely to have problems with sexual function, including erectile dysfunction.

Men have less sex as they get older, but that is only half the story. Sexual satisfaction does not necessarily decrease with age.

A study in Norway found that although sexual activity decreases with age and sexual dysfunction increases with age, sexual satisfaction is more complex. According to the study, men in their 20s had the highest level of sexual satisfaction, followed by men in their 50s. Surprisingly, despite increased sexual dysfunction and decreased sex drive, men in their 50s reported higher sexual satisfaction than those in their 30s and 40s.

Another study from the US found that overall, sexual quality of life tended to decrease with age but was higher in older people who had a better quality of sex. The authors attributed this to “sexual wisdom”—better sex through past experience. No matter the cause, this is certainly good news for anyone worried about their odds of having a fulfilling sex life as they age.

Testosterone and sex drive

Testosterone levels play a major role in the male sex drive. Testosterone is the primary sex hormone responsible for male sexual development and is also associated with sex drive. Research has shown that men’s testosterone levels decline with age beginning after age 30, and reach their lowest levels after age 70—when sex drive is at its lowest.

Low testosterone in men is called male hypogonadism. Hypogonadism in men can cause or contribute to lower sex drive, erectile dysfunction, infertility, loss of bone mass, loss of muscle mass, and depression.

Testosterone replacement therapy can treat male hypogonadism, and research shows that in older men, it can improve sexual activity, sexual desire, and erectile dysfunction. In a study of men with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, testosterone replacement therapy was shown to improve not only sexual function but also the quality of life and memory.

While considered a normal part of aging, low testosterone can be caused by various medical conditions, including head injuries and some medications. Certain prescription medications can decrease testosterone levels, including opioids (painkillers), hormone therapy for prostate cancer, and a few other drugs.

Remember, do not stop taking any medication without first talking with your healthcare provider. If you are concerned about your testosterone levels, discuss it with your doctor or another healthcare provider.

Better health means better sex

As men age, health plays an increasingly important role in their sex life. According to research, people in better health are more interested in sex, have sex more often, and have a better sexual quality of life. On the other hand, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other conditions that affect blood flow can affect sex drive and contribute to male sexual dysfunction.

Medications can also affect sex drive and sexual performance in men, including some prescription medications for high blood pressure, depression, prostate disease, and hair loss. Common medications that contribute to low sex drive and sexual dysfunction are beta-blockers, diuretics, and finasteride (Propecia, Proscar). Always discuss possible medication side effects with your healthcare provider—the benefits may outweigh the drawbacks.

Erectile dysfunction

Along with a decreased sex drive, aging, poor health, and certain medications can also lead to erectile dysfunction—a known contributor to depression. Fortunately, modern medicine has dedicated a great deal of research to improving men’s erections.

Nowadays, there are several ways to successfully improve erectile dysfunction, including penile implants and medications such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra, Staxn). While these medications are safe for many men, they can cause dangerous side effects in people taking nitrates (such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide, and others).

However, it is possible to improve erectile function with natural means such as CBD oils. The latter is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety and stress interfering with libido. CBD oils and gummies improve blood flow in vessels, thus benefiting erectile function. Full-spectrum CBD oils are believed to be a better choice for erectile dysfunction containing both CBD and THC in moderate amounts.

Exercise can improve sex

It is no secret that aerobic exercise is good for your health. It helps reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, and body fat in addition to decreasing the risk of death from coronary artery disease. Studies also show that aerobic exercise is also important for sexual health.

A study in Japan found that regular aerobic exercise improved sexual function in men aged 43-59. Another group of researchers in the U.S. showed that aerobic exercise—running, cycling, or swimming—improved sexual function in men aged 18-50. The potential for better sex life is excellent motivation to get more exercise,

When do men stop being sexually active?

If you think that people stop being sexually active when they get older, you would be wrong. Research shows that men have a sexual life expectancy well into their 70s. While it is true that sexual activity decreases with age, even the elderly are busy getting busy.

In fact, the 55 and older population has had a significant increase in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) over the past few decades, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. While an increase in STDs may be alarming, it clearly indicates that both men and women keep having sex well into old age.

As men age, they tend to have less sex but have high satisfaction with their sex life. Aging and health can have significant effects on sexual function and satisfaction, but medical treatment and exercise can improve both sexual function and sexual satisfaction at any age. If you are concerned about decreased sex drive or sexual dysfunction, talk with your healthcare provider.

Resources:

1. BJU International. Assessment of male sexual function by the Brief Sexual Function Inventory.
2. NIH. Sexual Quality of Life and Aging: A Prospective Study of a Nationally Representative Sample.
3. StatPearls. Physiology, Testosterone.
4. Endocrine Reviews. The Decline of Androgen Levels in Elderly Men and Its Clinical and Therapeutic Implications.
5. Mayo Clinic. Male hypogonadism.
6. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Testosterone Treatment and Sexual Function in Older Men With Low Testosterone Levels.
7. ENDOCRINE SOCIETY. Testosterone improves quality of life, sexual function, and delayed verbal recall in men with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.
8. ISSM. Can prescription medications affect testosterone levels?
9. thebmj. Sex, health, and years of sexually active life gained due to good health: evidence from two US population based cross sectional surveys of ageing.
10. NHS. Low sex drive (loss of libido).
11. Mayo Clinic. High blood pressure and sex: Overcome the challenges.
12. MedlinePlus. Finasteride.
13. NIH. Sexuality in Ageing Male: Review of Pathophysiology and Treatment Strategies for Various Male Sexual Dysfunctions.
14. NIH. Increased incidence of depressive symptoms in men with erectile dysfunction.
15. NIH. Health benefits of aerobic exercise.
16. NIH. Regular aerobic exercise improves sexual function assessed by the Aging Males’ Symptoms questionnaire in adult men.
17. NIH. Exercise Improves Self-Reported Sexual Function Among Physically Active Adults.
18. EmergencyMedicineNews. STI Rate Has Doubled Among Senior Citizens.

Sexual Stamina: 10 Tips to Last Longer

Kristopher Bunting, MD

Updated on October 17, 2022

This article is a repost which originally appeared on healthnews.

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Whether you have problems with premature ejaculation or you simply want sex to last longer, there are many ways to last longer in bed. Making sex last longer can involve maintaining an erection for longer, delaying ejaculation, and reducing the time to achieve another erection after ejaculating. There are a variety of ways to improve your sexual stamina and make sex more satisfying for both you and your partner.

Key takeaways:

‧ There are many ways to improve male sexual stamina, including medications and sexual techniques. Increased foreplay and emotional intimacy may also improve sexual performance.

‧ Medications for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation can improve stamina and sexual performance.

‧ Controlling sexual stimulation by using numbing sprays or gels, certain sexual positions, and other techniques can help men control when they orgasm.

How long should sex last?

Ideally, sex should last for as long as you want it to. Many people think of sex as penetration, but it can (and should) involve much more. Research shows that the average time until ejaculation during penetrative sex is between 5 and 6 minutes. For most people, achieving orgasm is the goal of sex. While 5 minutes of penetration (or less) will get many men where they want to get to, it takes longer for women to climax from penetration alone. So, how can you make sex last longer?

Foreplay

There is more to sex than just penetration and orgasm. Foreplay is important for mutual arousal; it gives you and your partner time to stimulate yourselves and each other. Take time to use all of your senses to get excited and prepare for the main event.

Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises can help both men and women strengthen pelvic floor muscles, improving continence and sexual function. A strong pelvic floor can help you control when you ejaculate.

Work on your relationship

Sex is both physical and mental. Both the body and the mind need to be stimulated and aroused to enjoy sex. Emotional intimacy plays a role in sexual arousal, especially in long-term relationships. Research has shown that emotional intimacy is linked to sexual desire. Furthermore, good communication in a relationship is linked to improved sexual satisfaction and decreased sexual dysfunction. Communicating sexual needs with your partner can improve sex and may help you last longer.

Medication

Medications used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) can also improve sexual stamina. Commonly used antidepressants such as Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), Celexa (citalopram), and other drugs that raise serotonin levels in the brain can help delay ejaculation. While this can be an unwanted side effect for some, it can help people with PE have more control over when they orgasm.

ED medications can help some men recover more quickly after ejaculating and may improve sexual performance in men without erectile dysfunction. Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), and other erectile dysfunction medications improve blood flow to the penis. This allows men with mild to moderate ED to have firmer, longer-lasting erections. Remember, these are prescription medications; you should not take them without first being evaluated by a doctor. They can have extremely dangerous interactions with other medications, including nitrates taken for chest pain or amyl nitrate and amyl nitrite (poppers) taken recreationally.

Reduce stimulation

Topical anesthetics are used to treat PE and can help men delay orgasms. A variety of topical numbing creams, sprays, and personal lubricants are available that reduce stimulation of the penis, including condoms with numbing lubricant. However, these can cause skin irritation and discomfort in some people, so check with your partner before using a topical anesthetic.

Other ways to reduce penile stimulation and delay orgasm include wearing a condom and using more lubrication. Wearing a condom not only helps prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy, but it can also decrease stimulation of the penis, especially thicker condoms. Using lubrication during sex can reduce friction and stimulation.

Techniques to delay orgasm

There are a variety of techniques that can be employed to help delay orgasm and ejaculation. Techniques recommended for people with PE include the squeeze technique (gently squeezing the head of the penis for several seconds) and the start and stop technique (stop penile stimulation for 30 seconds). Other techniques include pausing and taking a deep breath or shifting your focus away from sexual sensations during sex. In other words, slow down and take a moment to rest before you reach orgasm.

Masturbating before sex can help delay ejaculation, but timing is important. Practicing edging, bringing yourself to the brink of orgasm while masturbating, can help you learn how to recognize when you are about to orgasm and allow you to practice techniques to delay orgasm.

Try something different

There are many Tantric and Taoist sexual practices that can help control ejaculation and improve sexual pleasure for men and their partners. The “sets of nines” technique is an easy way to control mutual stimulation. It involves performing 9 sets of 9 controlled thrusts, beginning with 9 shallow thrusts, followed by 8 shallow thrusts and 1 deep thrust, then 7 shallow thrusts and 2 deep thrusts, and so on, ending with 9 deep thrusts. It is a simple technique, but it is very effective for controlling ejaculation and building up sexual excitement.

Certain sexual positions can help control ejaculation, especially positions that allow for grinding, as opposed to thrusting. Partner on top positions, the lotus position, and the Coital Alignment Technique can maintain constant stimulation for your partner while limiting stimulation to the penis from thrusting. Explore the Kama Sutra and other books for tips on which positions can help you control when you orgasm.

Get healthy

Overall health affects sexual function; eating a proper diet and getting enough exercise can improve your sexual health. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease—all of these conditions can affect sexual function and they can all be improved or prevented through diet and exercise.

You can improve your sexual stamina

There are many ways for men to improve their sexual stamina. Foreplay, communication, and emotional intimacy can improve sex. Medications, condoms, and lubricants can delay orgasm and reduce stimulation. A variety of techniques can help men control when they orgasm, including techniques used for premature ejaculation and certain sexual positions. Give some of these a try and find out what works best for you.

Resources:

1. Urology Care Foundation. Premature Ejaculation.

2. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Original Research—Ejaculation Disorders: A Multinational Population Survey of Intravaginal Ejaculation Latency Time.

3. International Society for Sexual Medicine. Women’s Orgasm Takes Longer During Partnered Sex.

4. Mayo Clinic. Kegel Exercises for Men: Understand the Benefits.

5. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. The Associations of Intimacy and Sexuality in Daily Life.

6. The Journal of Sex Research. Couples’ Sexual Communication and Dimensions of Sexual Function: A Meta-Analysis.

7. Cleveland Clinic. Premature Ejaculation.

8. International Journal of Impotence Research. Sildenafil Does Not Improve Sexual Function in Men Without Erectile Dysfunction but Does Reduce the Postorgasmic Refractory Time.

9. Nature Reviews Urology. Sildenafil Improves Sexual Function in Men Without Erectile Dysfunction.

10. Mayo Clinic. Erectile Dysfunction: Viagra and Other Oral Medications.

11. Circulation. Drug Interactions With Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors Used for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction or Pulmonary Hypertension.

12. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. The Coital Alignment Technique (CAT): An Overview of Studies.

 

Erectile Dysfunction: Signs & Ways To Eliminate Its Risk

How To Detect The Early Signs Of Erectile Dysfunction & Eliminate The Risk Once And For All

Updated on May 04, 2021, 18:00 IST · 4 min read

By Snehal Sharma

This article is a repost which originally appeared on MENSXP

Edited for content.

It’s not easy to talk about sex, especially if you’re grappling with insecurities.

For the longest time, erectile dysfunction was ascribed to psychological origins. Most ancient cultures, including Ayurveda, believed that ED can be treated with the help of natural herbs such as Indian ginseng, sesame powder, Safed Musli and more.

Today, we know more about its causes and have treatments to address the issue. But before we talk about eliminating the condition, we need to dispel the stigma associated with ED.

Studies have clarified that ED is not just “in your head”. According to a 2017 study by the Department of Urology Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, 20% of men across all age groups battle ED in India and 30% of them are younger than 40.

Most of the times, it is experienced due to an underlying cause that can be treated.

But no cure is possible until men accept the problem and stop shying away from asking for help.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is a condition in which a man experiences difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection during sexual performance.

The symptoms may also include reduced sexual desire or libido. If the condition lasts for more than a few weeks or months, your doctor is likely to diagnose you with ED.

Signs Of Erectile Dysfunction

Every piece of the body—including your emotions, hormones, brain, nerves, muscles and blood vessels—plays an intricate role in male arousal. When any of these isn’t aligned, it results in some kind of dysfunction.

Your mental health impacts your sexual ability equally. Stress, anxiety and other mental health concerns can worsen erectile dysfunction.

Experiencing minor or occasional sexual problems don’t necessarily mean you’re dealing with erectile dysfunction. But lookout for the consistency of these symptoms.

● Reduced or no desire for sex.

● Inability to get an erection.

● Inability to maintain an erection.

Who Is At The Risk?

The risk of ED increases as you age, especially if you have lived a sedentary lifestyle. It can worsen if you:

● Have a psychological condition like anxiety, depression or stress.

● Have an injury that might damage the nerves and arteries that contribute to erections.

● Use tobacco, drugs or alcohol.

● Are overweight.

● Are undergoing radiation treatment for cancer.

● Are taking antidepressants or high blood pressure medications.

● Have heart disease or diabetes.

How To Prevent Erectile Dysfunction

The healthier you are, the easier it’ll be to fight erectile dysfunction. There’s no one-size-fits-all way to prevent ED but you can avoid persistent problems by taking care of its causes and yourself. The following measures may help:

● Reduce stress.

● Take care of your mental health.

● Exercise daily.

● Limit alcohol consumption.

● Quit smoking and stop using recreational drugs.

● Manage diabetes and heart disease.

How Can You Treat Erectile Dysfunction

The causes of ED vary and so does the treatment. Work with your doctor to create a plan that’s best for you.

1. Counselling

If you feel anxious, depressed or have any other mental health concern, seek therapy. Along with consulting a professional, indulge in relaxing activities such as music, painting, poetry or aromatherapy. Geranium oil helps those with low libido.

2. Ayurveda to the rescue

It’s not feasible for everyone to collect and consume the recommended herbs for sexual wellness. But you can always rely on natural supplements that provide men with the right nutrients optimised for better and stronger erections.

3. Lifestyle changes

Manage weight, exercise or do yoga consistently, stop smoking, avoid alcohol and illicit drugs and manage your health with the help of a doctor.

4. Prescribed medication

If the above treatments don’t work, your doctor may prescribe oral medications—like Viagra, Levitra, Aronix, Tadalafil, Stendra and Cialis, self-injection such as an Alprostadil or testosterone replacement.

5. Physical treatments

Penis pump or penile implants. However, these aren’t generally considered until every other treatment has failed.

Final Thoughts

Recognise the symptoms and consult a professional. If you’re diagnosed with erectile dysfunction, your doctor will help you figure out the cause of ED.

Work on the treatment options and before you know it, you’ll start seeing the results.

Vaseline in Place of Viagra: Is It Safe and Effective?

Can You Use Vaseline in Place of Viagra?

Medically reviewed by Matt Coward, MD, FACS — Written by James Roland on March 17, 2021

This article is a repost which originally appeared on Healthline

Edited for content.

If you experience erectile dysfunction (ED), you may be willing to try just about anything to restore healthy sexual function.

However, there are plenty of potentially dangerous options that people have tried, including the injection of Vaseline or other petroleum jelly products into the penis.

For many years and in many cultures, the practice of injecting or inserting something into the penis to make it larger or to improve sexual stamina has been done, often without the guidance of medical experts.

If you’re tempted to use Vaseline in place of Viagra or any other approved treatment for ED, don’t waste your time or take the risk. There are plenty of safer and more effective options available.

You may also have heard of topical gels or essential oils for ED, but there has yet to be any evidence to suggest that applying Vaseline as a topical treatment to your penis will have any effect on sexual function.

The science

Numerous studies have shown that injecting Vaseline into your penis is a danger, rather than a cure. The practice can lead to:

  • infections
  • serious skin and tissue injury
  • other medical complications

In a small 2008 study of 16 people who were treated for Vaseline injections, researchers found that “urgent surgery” was necessary to prevent further injury.

A 2012 case report concluded that Vaseline injections are usually done without medical supervision and can lead to severe complications if the petroleum jelly or other foreign objects aren’t removed promptly.

Clinical treatments

Instead of trying risky self-help solutions for ED, consider proven medications and other treatments that have a track record of success.

Oral medications

While Viagra, known clinically as sildenafil, may be the best known ED pills, there are other FDA-approved medications. They all vary somewhat in their:

  • potency
  • how quickly they take effect
  • duration of effectiveness
  • side effects

Other ED medications on the market include:

  • Tadalafil (Cialis). It’s available in a generic form and can be taken daily at low doses or as needed in higher doses.
  • Vardenafil (Levitra). It’s available in brand-name and generic versions. it tends to remain effective a little longer than sildenafil.
  • Avanafil (Stendra). It’s not yet available in generic form, Stendra is unique among ED medications in that it can become effective in about 15 minutes, while others take between 30 and 60 minutes to take effect.

Your lifestyle may help determine the best ED medication for you.

Vacuum pumps

This treatment involves the use of a tube that fits over your penis and attaches to a pump that withdraws air from the tube to create a vacuum.

The vacuum created around your penis helps draw blood to fill the blood vessels within and produce an erection. An elastic ring is also placed around the base of your penis to help maintain the erection.

A 2013 research review noted that the use of vacuum devices to treat ED is usually safe and effective, particularly when combined with ED drugs known as PDE-5 inhibitors, which include:

  • tadalafil
  • sildenafil
  • other standard medications

Penile injections

Certain medications can be injected into your penis to increase blood flow and create a firmer erection for intercourse. Those include:

  • papaverine
  • phentolamine
  • prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) or alprostadil (Caverject, Edex)

There are also combinations of the above medications available.

Penile implants

Some people choose to treat ED with surgically-implanted, flexible, or inflatable rods that you can activate on demand.

Penile implants are generally reserved for individuals who have not had success with other traditional ED treatments.

Alternative treatments

Many safer and more effective alternatives to Viagra are available, including several prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) supplements, as well as complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, according to a 2016 research review.

Some people have had success using herbal supplements to treat ED. Some OTC products that have been supported by research include:

  • Korean red ginseng. It’s a plant that grows in Asia and may help both ED and alertness with relatively few side effects.
  • L-arginine. It’s an amino acid that serves as a building block for certain proteins. A small 2019 research review of 10 studies found that L-arginine used in doses of 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams significantly improved ED symptoms compared with placebo.
  • Yohimbe. It’s an herbal supplement commonly used in West African cultures, proved to be at least partially effective in treating ED in about one-third of people who participated in an old 1989 study.

Lifestyle changes

In addition, improving your health may improve ED symptoms and provide other benefits, including:

  • more energy
  • better sleep
  • greater cardiovascular fitness

The following lifestyle changes may pay dividends in terms of sexual health:

  • regular aerobic exercise, at least 150 minutes per week
  • maintaining a manageable weight
  • no smoking
  • consuming little or no alcohol
  • maintaining a healthy blood pressure
  • getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night
  • managing stress through meditation, yoga, or other strategies

When to talk with a doctor

The first step in finding the solution that’s right for you is to talk with your primary care physician or a urologist.

And while ED can be an embarrassing and frustrating topic to discuss with anyone, understand that ED is a common condition, affecting an estimated 1 in 3 adults with penises.

In other words, you won’t be the first person to ask your doctor for advice or treatment in this department.

Occasional concern

If ED occurs occasionally, then you may not need any treatment at all. In this case, it may usually be chalked up to:

  • stress
  • fatigue
  • relationship concerns
  • a side effect of misusing alcohol

Keep in mind that ED can be a symptom of many physical and emotional health conditions, including:

  • cardiovascular disease
  • obesity
  • hypertension
  • diabetes
  • depression
  • anxiety

Sometimes treating an underlying condition can lead to improved sexual function.

Persistent concern

If ED is a persistent concern, then a conversation with your doctor is recommended. Your concerns may be an inability to:

  • achieve an erection at all
  • achieve an erection that is firm enough for satisfactory intercourse for you and your partner
  • maintain an erection for the duration necessary for satisfactory intercourse
  • become erect at certain times or with certain partners

Regardless of the nature of your ED, there is a range of treatments that may be helpful. Psychotherapy and relationship counseling may be very helpful too, so you may want to talk with your doctor about referrals for therapy.

But because medications are generally tolerated, the first approach may be a prescription for Viagra or any of the other approved ED medications.

The bottom line

ED can affect several aspects of your life, including self-esteem and relationships, so it’s not something to ignore — especially when viable treatments are available.

And rather than rely on unproven and potentially very harmful treatments on your own — such as injecting Vaseline or any foreign substance into your penis — address this common medical condition with your healthcare professional.

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Understanding male sexual health: More men now reporting low sex drive, Peyronie’s disease, finds study

Understanding male sexual health: More men now reporting low sex drive, Peyronie’s disease, finds study

Scientists found that earlier, more men were diagnosed with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

Myupchar July 20, 2020 22:17:59 IST

This article is a repost which originally appeared on Firstpost.

Edited for content

Male infertility is a topic that is rarely discussed. However, doctors have seen an increase in the number of male patients coming to sexual health clinics to seek help in recent years. Doctors have seen that different sexual health problems are being reported by men which were not prevalent before, also indicating more awareness and openness regarding male sexual health.

Different male sexual health problems

A study published in the journal International Journal of Impotence Research on 1 July 2020 stated that there has been a switch in the sexual problems which males complain about now.

The scientists accumulated complete data of 2,013 patients who were continuously evaluated by a sexual medicine expert between the years 2006 to 2019. The scientists found that 824 patients were assessed for erectile dysfunction, 369 patients were diagnosed with curvature of the penis (Peyronie’s disease), 322 patients had premature ejaculation, 204 suffered from low sex drive and the remaining 294 had other sexual dysfunctions.

In this study, the scientists found that earlier, more men were diagnosed with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. However, more recently, men have been diagnosed with low sexual desire and Peyronie’s disease.

With the successful treatment options for erectile dysfunction such as Viagra and Cialis and awareness, men have been reporting more about other sexual dysfunctions as well.

Cap-Score: A test to find out sperm quality

Male infertility is one of the major reasons behind the increasing numbers of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cases throughout the world. Earlier tests like semen analysis, also called seminogram, were done to find out the quality and ability of sperm to fertilize. However, due to the lack of an appropriate diagnostic test for evaluating the fertilizing ability of men, most of the infertility cases get classified as idiopathic or unexplained.

In a recent research article in the journal Reproductive BioMedicine Online, scientists from various universities in the US used Cap-Score to test the sperm capacitation of males.

Sperm capacitation is a natural process where the spermatozoa (motile male sex cell) changes its shape to be able to penetrate and fertilize the female egg. The Cap-Score is a test which determines the percentage of sperm that undergoes capacitation in a certain amount of time. Usually, 35 percent of sperms of a man with normal fertility would undergo capacitation.

In this study, the scientists took the sperm samples from 292 patients and tested their ability to reproduce with the help of traditional sperm analysis test and Cap-Score. Out of these patients, 128 couples became pregnant after three cycles of Intrauterine Insemination (placing sperm inside a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilisation).

The scientists found that those with high Cap-Score were able to fertilize more efficiently and resulted in a higher number of pregnancies. The scientists also found that men who constantly questioned their fertility showed impaired or reduced capacitation ability.

Benefits of Cap-Score over traditional sperm analysis

Scientists found that traditional semen analysis is unable to identify impairments in fertilising ability, which typically leads to a diagnosis of idiopathic infertility. The scientists found that unlike the traditional semen analysis, capacitation is a better test which helps in determining whether or not there would be a successful generation of pregnancy.

Both these studies indicate that with better awareness of male sexual health issues, men choosing to report as well as get treatment for these diseases, and with the widespread adoption of better sperm analysis tests like the Cap-Score by the medical community, male sexual dysfunction and infertility can be better addressed globally.

For more information, read our article on Low Sperm Count.

Health articles in Firstpost are written by myUpchar.com, India’s first and biggest resource for verified medical information. At myUpchar, researchers and journalists work with doctors to bring you information on all things health.

Premature Ejaculation

Premature Ejaculation

What Is It?

Published: February, 2020

This article is a repost which originally appeared on Harvard Health

Edited for content

Premature ejaculation occurs when a man reaches orgasm and ejaculates too quickly and without control. In other words, ejaculation occurs before a man wants it to happen. It may occur before or after beginning foreplay or intercourse. Some men experience a lot of personal distress because of this condition.

As many as one in five men experience difficulty with uncontrolled or early ejaculation at some point in life. When premature ejaculation happens so frequently that it interferes with the sexual pleasure of a man or his partner, it becomes a medical problem.

Several factors may contribute to premature ejaculation. Psychological problems such as stress, depression and other factors that affect mental and emotional health can aggravate this condition. However, there is growing evidence that biological factors can make some men more prone to experience premature ejaculation.

Rarely, premature ejaculation can be caused by a specific physical problem, such as inflammation of the prostate gland or a spinal cord problem.

Symptoms

The key symptoms of premature ejaculation include:

  • Ejaculation that routinely occurs with little sexual stimulation and with little control
  • Decreased sexual pleasure because of poor control over ejaculation
  • Feelings of guilt, embarrassment or frustration

Diagnosis

Premature ejaculation is diagnosed based on typical symptoms. To understand your problem, your doctor will need to discuss your sexual history with you. Be frank and open. The more your doctor knows, the better he or she can help you.

If your sexual history fails to reveal significant mental or emotional factors that may contribute to premature ejaculation, your doctor may want to examine you. Your doctor may examine your prostate or do neurological tests (tests of your nervous system) to determine if there is a physical problem that could be causing premature ejaculation.

Expected Duration

Sometimes, premature ejaculation goes away on its own over weeks or months. Working to relieve stress or other psychological issues may help the situation to improve.

Other men have lasting difficulties with premature ejaculation, and require professional help. Some men respond to treatment promptly, while others struggle with this problem over a prolonged period. Effective treatment is available.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent premature ejaculation. However, you should consider the following advice:

  • Maintain a healthy attitude toward sex. If you experience feelings of anxiety, guilt or frustration about your sex life, consider seeking psychotherapy or sexual therapy.
  • Keep in mind that anyone can experience sexual problems. If you experience premature ejaculation, try not to blame yourself or feel inadequate. Try speaking openly with your partner to avoid miscommunication.

Treatment

Behavioral therapy is one possible approach for treating premature ejaculation. Most commonly, the “squeeze technique” is used. If a man senses that he is about to experience premature orgasm, he interrupts sexual relations. Then the man or his partner squeezes the shaft of his penis between a thumb and two fingers. The man or his partner applies light pressure just below the head of the penis for about 20 seconds, lets go, and then sexual relations can be resumed. The technique can be repeated as often as necessary. When this technique is successful, it enables the man to learn to delay ejaculation with the squeeze, and eventually, to gain control over ejaculation without the squeeze. Behavioral therapy helps 60% to 90% of men with premature ejaculation. However, it requires the cooperation of both partners. Also, premature ejaculation often returns, and additional behavioral therapy may be needed.

Another possible treatment is prescription medication that helps to delay ejaculation. Delayed orgasm is a common side effect of certain drugs, particularly those used to treat depression. This is true even for men who are not depressed. When this type of medication is given to men who experience premature ejaculation, it can help to postpone orgasm for up to several minutes. Drugs used for this type of treatment include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) or sertraline (Zoloft); and tricyclic antidepressants, such as clomipramine (Anafranil).

Some men with premature ejaculation may benefit from drugs called phosphodiesterase inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil (Cialis). A phosphodiesterase inhibitor can be used alone or in combination with an SSRI. One drug should be started at a time, preferably at a low dose.

Some men with premature ejaculation also benefit from reducing the stimulation they experience during sex. A number of creams are available that can partially anesthetize (numb) the penis and reduce the stimulation that leads to orgasm. Another option is to use one or more condoms. However, these techniques may interfere with the pleasure experienced during sex.

When To Call a Professional

Speak with your doctor if you consistently ejaculate before you want to. Remember, one instance of premature ejaculation does not mean that you have a condition that requires treatment. Your doctor may refer you to a sex therapist if premature ejaculation is causing major problems in your sex life or personal relationships or if you would like to consider behavioral therapy.

Prognosis

Many men experience a brief period of premature ejaculation, then improve on their own. Even for men who require medical treatment, the outlook is usually good.

Male Sexual Worries: Trends in the Post-Viagra Age

Male Sexual Worries: Trends in the Post-Viagra Age

TOPICS:Urology

By European Association of Urology July 18, 2020

This article is a repost which originally appeared on SciTechDaily

Edited for content

Trends in reasons for visiting a the San Raffaele sexual health clinic. Credit: This diagram appears with the permission of the authors and the International Journal of Impotence Research. The EAU thanks the authors, and the journal for their cooperation.

Scientists report a change in why men seek help for sexual problems, with fewer men complaining about impotence (erectile dysfunction) and premature ejaculation, and more men, especially younger men, complaining about low sexual desire and curvature of the penis (Peyronie’s disease).

Presenting the work at the European Association of Urology (virtual) Congress, after recent acceptance for publication, research leader Dr. Paolo Capogrosso (San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy) said:

“Over a 10 year period we have seen a real change in what concerns men when they attend sexual health clinics. This is probably driven by greater openness, and men now accepting that many sexual problems can be treated, rather than being something they don’t want to talk about.”

The success of erectile dysfunction treatments such as Viagra and Cialis, and the availability of new treatments, means that men facing sexual problems have now have treatments for sexual problems which weren’t available a generation ago. Now researchers at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan have studied why men come to sexual health clinics, and how this has changed over a 10-year period.

In what is believed to be the first research of its kind, the scientists questioned 3244 male visitors to the San Raffaele Hospital Sexual Health Clinic in Milan over a 10 year period (2009 to 2019), and classified the main reason for the visit. They found that the number of patients visiting with erectile dysfunction problems increased from 2009 to 2013, then started to decrease.

There were comparatively few patients complaining of low sex drive or Peyronie’s disease in 2009, but complaints about both of these conditions grow from 2009 to the end of the study. In 2019 men were around 30% more likely to report Peyronie’s disease than in 2009, and around 32% more likely to report low sexual desire.

The amount of men complaining of premature ejaculation dropped by around 6% over the 10-year period. The average age of first attendance at the clinical also dropped, from a mean of 61 to 53 years.

“Erectile dysfunction is still the main reason for attending the clinic, but this number is dropping, whereas around 35% of men attending the clinic now complain of Peyronie’s disease, and that number has shown steady growth,” said Paolo Capogrosso. “Our patients are also getting younger, which may reflect a generational change in attitude to sexual problems.”

Dr. Capogrosso continued “We need to be clear about what these figures mean. They do not indicate any change in the prevalence of these conditions, what they show is why men came to the clinic. In other words, it shows what they are concerned about. The changes probably also reflect the availability of treatments; as treatments for sexual conditions have become available over the last few years, men are less likely to suffer in silence.”

These are results from a single centre, so they need to be confirmed by more inclusive studies. “Nevertheless there seems to be a growing awareness of conditions such as Peyronie’s disease, with articles appearing in the popular press*. In addition, we know that the awareness of this condition is increasing in the USA and elsewhere, so this may be a general trend,**” said Dr. Capogrosso.

Commenting, Dr Mikkel Fode (Associate Professor of Urology at University of Copenhagen), said:

“Although these data are somewhat preliminary as they stem from single institution they are interesting because they allow us to formulate several hypotheses. For example the drop in men presenting with erectile dysfunction may mean that family physicians are becoming more comfortable addressing this issue and that the patients are never referred to specialized centers. Likewise, the simultaneous drop in age at presentation and increase in Peyronie’s disease and low sex drive could indicate that both men and their partners are becoming more mindful to optimizing their sex lives. I will be very interesting to see if these trends are also present in other centers around the world.”

Dr. Fode was not involved in this work, this is an independent comment.

References:

* “Trends in reported male sexual dysfunction over the past decade: an evolving landscape” by Edoardo Pozzi, Paolo Capogrosso, Luca Boeri, Walter Cazzaniga, Rayan Matloob, Eugenio Ventimiglia, Davide Oreggia, Nicolò Schifano, Luigi Candela, Costantino Abbate, Francesco Montorsi and Andrea Salonia, 1 July 2020, International Journal of Impotence Research.

** “The Prevalence of Peyronie’s Disease in the United States: A Population-Based Study” by Mark Stuntz, Anna Perlaky, Franka des Vignes, Tassos Kyriakides and Dan Glass, 23 February 2016, PLOS ONE.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150157
PMCID: PMC4764365

Male Sexual Worries: Trends in the Post-Viagra Age

Male Sexual Worries: Trends in the Post-Viagra Age

TOPICS: Urology

By European Association of Urology July 18, 2020

This article is a repost which originally appeared on SciTechDaily

Edited for content

Trends in reasons for visiting a the San Raffaele sexual health clinic. Credit: This diagram appears with the permission of the authors and the International Journal of Impotence Research. The EAU thanks the authors, and the journal for their cooperation.

Scientists report a change in why men seek help for sexual problems, with fewer men complaining about impotence (erectile dysfunction) and premature ejaculation, and more men, especially younger men, complaining about low sexual desire and curvature of the penis (Peyronie’s disease).

Presenting the work at the European Association of Urology (virtual) Congress, after recent acceptance for publication, research leader Dr. Paolo Capogrosso (San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy) said:

“Over a 10 year period we have seen a real change in what concerns men when they attend sexual health clinics. This is probably driven by greater openness, and men now accepting that many sexual problems can be treated, rather than being something they don’t want to talk about.”

The success of erectile dysfunction treatments such as Viagra and Cialis, and the availability of new treatments, means that men facing sexual problems have now have treatments for sexual problems which weren’t available a generation ago. Now researchers at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan have studied why men come to sexual health clinics, and how this has changed over a 10-year period.

In what is believed to be the first research of its kind, the scientists questioned 3244 male visitors to the San Raffaele Hospital Sexual Health Clinic in Milan over a 10 year period (2009 to 2019), and classified the main reason for the visit. They found that the number of patients visiting with erectile dysfunction problems increased from 2009 to 2013, then started to decrease.

There were comparatively few patients complaining of low sex drive or Peyronie’s disease in 2009, but complaints about both of these conditions grow from 2009 to the end of the study. In 2019 men were around 30% more likely to report Peyronie’s disease than in 2009, and around 32% more likely to report low sexual desire.

The amount of men complaining of premature ejaculation dropped by around 6% over the 10-year period. The average age of first attendance at the clinical also dropped, from a mean of 61 to 53 years.

“Erectile dysfunction is still the main reason for attending the clinic, but this number is dropping, whereas around 35% of men attending the clinic now complain of Peyronie’s disease, and that number has shown steady growth,” said Paolo Capogrosso. “Our patients are also getting younger, which may reflect a generational change in attitude to sexual problems.”

Dr. Capogrosso continued “We need to be clear about what these figures mean. They do not indicate any change in the prevalence of these conditions, what they show is why men came to the clinic. In other words, it shows what they are concerned about. The changes probably also reflect the availability of treatments; as treatments for sexual conditions have become available over the last few years, men are less likely to suffer in silence.”

These are results from a single centre, so they need to be confirmed by more inclusive studies. “Nevertheless there seems to be a growing awareness of conditions such as Peyronie’s disease, with articles appearing in the popular press*. In addition, we know that the awareness of this condition is increasing in the USA and elsewhere, so this may be a general trend,**” said Dr. Capogrosso.

Commenting, Dr Mikkel Fode (Associate Professor of Urology at University of Copenhagen), said:

“Although these data are somewhat preliminary as they stem from single institution they are interesting because they allow us to formulate several hypotheses. For example the drop in men presenting with erectile dysfunction may mean that family physicians are becoming more comfortable addressing this issue and that the patients are never referred to specialized centers. Likewise, the simultaneous drop in age at presentation and increase in Peyronie’s disease and low sex drive could indicate that both men and their partners are becoming more mindful to optimizing their sex lives. I will be very interesting to see if these trends are also present in other centers around the world.”

Dr. Fode was not involved in this work, this is an independent comment.

References:

* “Trends in reported male sexual dysfunction over the past decade: an evolving landscape” by Edoardo Pozzi, Paolo Capogrosso, Luca Boeri, Walter Cazzaniga, Rayan Matloob, Eugenio Ventimiglia, Davide Oreggia, Nicolò Schifano, Luigi Candela, Costantino Abbate, Francesco Montorsi and Andrea Salonia, 1 July 2020, International Journal of Impotence Research.

** “The Prevalence of Peyronie’s Disease in the United States: A Population-Based Study” by Mark Stuntz, Anna Perlaky, Franka des Vignes, Tassos Kyriakides and Dan Glass, 23 February 2016, PLOS ONE.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150157
PMCID: PMC4764365

6 Ways To Keep Your Penis In Peak Condition And Have The Best Sex of Your Life

6 Ways To Keep Your Penis In Peak Condition And Have The Best Sex of Your Life

A top urologist breaks down his biggest rules for male sexual wellness.

Dr. Judson Brandeis

Presented by Vitality Connect

This article is a repost which originally appeared on MAXIM

As men get older, there are certain changes that seem inevitable, especially having to do with our bodies. One of the amazing things about the advances in modern medicine is that our life expectancy is at the highest it has been in human history. And as our lives become longer, so does our appetite to enjoy ourselves with our partners. With intimacy being such an important part of every relationship, one of the most common questions I get asked is how to keep a man’s penis working well. 

Here are the six most important things I tell my patients to do if they want to have the best sex of their lives:

Check Your Testosterone Levels

Testosterone peaks for men in their twenties, and then slowly declines over time. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a man’s testosterone to drop by 75% over the remainder of his life. When testosterone is low, men often feel grumpy. Other signs include loss of muscle, fat gain, trouble sleeping, loss of libido and/or erectile dysfunction. 

By correcting testosterone deficiencies, a man can expect to enjoy many benefits normally associated with youth like an improvement in body composition, sleep quality and most notably, libido. Testosterone therapy also aids erectile function, meaning not only an increase in appetite but in performance, as well.

Boost Your Nitric Oxide Levels

There are two different, but complementary systems to move blood around the body. One, the Nitric Oxide system, releases compounds that trigger the blood vessels to open, while the Phosphodiesterase (PDE) system helps to close them. Unfortunately, as a man ages his nitric oxide levels decline. You can boost nitric oxide levels easily over time by adding more watermelon, beets and greens to your diet, or if rapid improvement is desired, taking a supplement like AFFIRM.

Explore PDE-5 Inhibitors

Replenishing your body’s nitric oxide is not the only part of a successful strategy. The other system at work during an erection is the Phosphodiesterase (PDE) system. Through research, science has been able to determine which enzymes reduce penile blood flow. It turns out the compound in question is called PDE-5 and many medications for treating ED block its function. PDE-5 inhibitors like Viagra and Cialis inhibit these enzymes, channeling blood preferentially into the penis. The medication starts working after thirty minutes and reaches full potency in about an hour. Men can take these medications daily if they want to always feel “locked and loaded.”

Find a GAINSWave Provider

While taking a nitric oxide booster or a PDE-5 inhibitor can certainly produce some results, research has shown the best outcome is when they are taken together. However, there is a critical third element that is often overlooked: the pipes. Unlike medications, GAINSWave® targets the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction, permanently growing new blood vessels to both increase the flow of blood to the penis while also improving erectile firmness. 

GAINSWave awakens dormant stem cells and triggers the release of growth factors which improve, repair and expand the blood vessels. And since GAINSWave is nonsurgical, painless and without side effects, intimacy is no longer tied to a schedule, returning spontaneity and vigor to any relationship. Therapy typically requires between six to twelve sessions, each around twenty minutes, spread out over the course of a few weeks. 

Although a little awkward at first, most patients quickly get used to any discomfort within the first few moments of the procedure. Improvement can begin immediately, but most men can expect peak performance to begin around four to six weeks post-treatment and last for a year or more depending on the health of the person.

Get Pumped

Did you know young men typically experience three to six erections every night? These erections last between five to ten minutes and account for thirty to sixty minutes of oxygenated stretching for the penis. As men age, these erections decrease in frequency and intensity, causing many men’s penis to shrink over time. 

Some even lose erectile ability completely. Using a vacuum device or pump once or twice a day to stretch the penis can help combat this. The pump artificially inflates the penis with oxygenated blood to help restore full function and size. Like the other items on this list, vacuum devices can be effective on their own, but are much more effective when used in concert with GAINSWave therapy. Vacuum devices are a great way to improve penile health as men age.

Bone Up On The Facts

Have you ever wondered why your tissue is able to repair itself seamlessly whenever you cut yourself? This is due to more than a hundred tiny, versatile growth factors stored within the platelets in your blood. Whenever there is a trauma, your body releases chemicals that attract existing platelets to the site of the injury. The result is focused growth of new blood vessels and tissue in that area. 

In medicine, platelet-rich plasma is often used with other treatments to speed healing. For a man, undergoing GAINSWave therapy can yield far better results when used in conjunction with PRP. GAINSWave plants the seed by stimulating the stem cells in the affected area. PRP is then added like fertilizer, accelerating the growth of new blood vessels within the penis. Although it has been in use in orthopedics, hair growth and dermatology, PRP therapy is only now being studied for its efficacy at repairing and restoring erectile function.

There are many options for optimizing male sexual health. Most, when used together, can not only restore your ability to enjoy life, for a lot of men it means enhancing life beyond their wildest dreams. Penile health may not be the most comfortable subject to bring up with your doctor, but the only way to ensure a great tomorrow is by doing something about it today.

I recently hosted a two-hour long webinar with wellness expert Susan Bratton that took an in-depth dive into the all the treatments that are helping men optimize their bedroom performance. Luckily, we recorded it! It’s among the most educational breakdowns on all things “penis”- related available. Watch the video above to find out why.