Alcohol and Erectile Dysfunction

When a man can't get an erection to have sex or can't maintain an erection long enough for satisfactory sexual activity, it's called erectile dysfunction or impotence. Erectile dysfunction can arise at any age, but it is more widespread in men older than 65.

Is impotence just a part of old age? Erectile dysfunction doesn't have to be a part of getting older. It's true that as you get older, you may need more stimulation (such as stroking and touching) to achieve erection stiffness sufficient for penetration and intercourse. You might also need more time between erections. But older men should still be able to get an erection and enjoy sex

More than 30% of men aged 50-80 years, suffer from erectile dysfunction (impotence). In the age group 70-80 years, just about 50% are unable to get erection sufficient for sexual activity without treatment. As a result, a lot of men, wrongly accept Erectile Dysfunction as a natural part of the ageing process and do not look for adequate advice or treatment.

Researchers have found that while sexual ability slowly diminishes with age, men should expect to be able to enjoy sex well into their later years. All men experience temporary periods of Erectile Dysfunction at some time in their lives, and these need not cause fear. A large number of men suffer from more long-lasting impotence.

As ageing increases, desire may not always cause sexual excitement. The triggers for sexual excitement become more specifically sexual and may require intimate body contact and manual stimulation. The strength of sexual fantasies decreases and it may take a man longer to get an erection and following ejaculation more time before an erection is possible. Men often become aware of some distinct changes, like

• Increased time necessary to get a full erection
• The erection may not be as firm or as large as in earlier years.
• A decrease in the time that erections can be maintained prior to ejaculation
• A decrease in the force of ejaculation, and an increase in the duration of the refractory phase.
• The feeling that an ejaculation is about to happen may be shorter.
• The loss of erection after orgasm may be more rapid or it may take longer before an erection is again possible.
• Some men may find they need more manual stimulation

Additionally, older men experience anatomical changes, including thinning of the pubic hair, laxity of scrotal tissue, atrophy of the perineal muscles, loss of collagen tissue and sometimes weight gain. The phase of ejaculation undergoes changes which result in a decline in the intensity of orgasm and in the propulsive force of ejaculation. The volume of the ejaculation may be reduced by 50%. Sex drive and performance vary widely between individuals of the same group and the maintenance of sexual activity depends on factors such as regular sexual activity, the presence of a willing sexual partner, the absence of a major physical illness and the integrity of the relationship

Though the occurrence of erectile dysfunction increases in old age, this is first and foremost related to the increased rate of health problems, rather than old age as such. Ageing is associated with an increase in the frequency of chronic illnesses, in the number of prescribed drugs and also in the likelihood of surgical procedures which have distressing physical and psychological effects on a man's ability to get an erection.

At any age, a man's lifestyle is important to both preventing and correcting erectile dysfunction. That includes controlling all the factors related to developing fatty-cholesterol deposits that cause heart attacks and strokes. Not smoking, getting adequate exercise, avoiding obesity, and following a proper diet low in fat, low in saturated fat, and low in cholesterol all help to protect the arterial system that supplies the penis. Several recent studies have looked at the prevalence of erectile dysfunction. Although age was the variable most strongly associated with erectile dysfunction, following adjustment for age, a higher probability was noted with heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and associated medications.

Erectile Dysfunction is treatable at any age and a wide variety of treatment options exist. They include everything from medications and simple mechanical devices to surgery and psychological counselling. The cause and severity of your condition are important factors in determining the best treatment or combination of treatments for you.