Although spam emails and commercials make most people think that all men over the age of 50 have erectile dysfunction (ED), this is not true. Not all penile changes that take place past a man’s milestone birthday are due to ED. Some problems can be corrected with therapy, penis enlargement surgery and lifestyle changes. Natural changes are part of aging, and there are several changes men can expect to see.
As men age, it is natural for their erections to have less firmness. They may still be able to stay firm enough for intercourse.
However, this may not always be possible. Many men also say that mental sexual fantasies are no longer enough to cause an erection. They often require more fondling and touch-based stimulation than before. Orgasms from oral or hand stimulation are still possible without a full erection. While some men are quick to think that they have ED, fondling the penis longer and extending foreplay can help immensely. For men who want to be firmer continually, phalloplasty offers male enhancement options such as penile widening and lengthening.
Many aging men notice that their erections are less frequent. While it is normal for men in their early 20s to have daily erections upon waking and throughout the day, men over the age of 50 may go several days without even a hint of an erection upon waking.
This is a normal change and is not necessarily an indicator that medication is needed. If foreplay, massage and fondling are enough to help a man achieve an erection, couples can still have an enjoyable sex life.
While about 50 percent of men over the age of 50 do not have difficulty achieving an erection, some men have a difficult time maintaining one. A loss of sexual attraction for a partner, lowered sex drive and outside distractions are some common triggers for losing stiffness during sex. For example, a man who hears a phone ring and is distracted by it during sex may lose stiffness. Fantasies may not be enough to bring it back in many cases. A good way to solve this issue is to turn off phones and choose a quiet place for sex.
One frustrating complication for men who have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection is premature ejaculation.
Although premature ejaculation problems typically fade in a man’s 20s, they can return after the age of 50. Premature ejaculation may happen to men with either a higher or lower sex drive after the age of 50. Experts recommend that men with this problem take their time and use more sensual massage techniques and bodily touching in other areas other than the penis during sex.
Touch stimulation in other areas helps lower the chances of premature ejaculation.
Anxiety can affect an erection whether it is related to sex or not. The feeling of anxiety triggers the body’s natural fight-or-flight response.
This directs blood to other parts of the body and away from the penis. Although some men over the age of 50 may think they have an erection issue, the real issue may be anxiety. Treating anxiety that is related to intercourse and sexual performance through sex therapy is usually helpful.
Men who notice changes in the frequency, firmness or duration of their erections should always try to lengthen foreplay, increase penile fondling and include sensual massages.
Since women over the age of 50 often experience vaginal dryness, this can help both partners increase their desire and their sensations. When these methods do not work, several phalloplasty male enhancement options are available.