| Stage One: Sexual Prime Approximate ages: 18-30
Symptoms Experienced: From puberty (ages 10-14) through the 20s there
is an increasing frequency of nocturnal penile erections (NPE). This period is
often described as Sexual Prime. Erections during this stage are frequent and
spontaneous events. They occur in response to sexual stimuli and also during
rapid eye movement sleep (REM sleep). The frequency of REM sleep erections peaks
at puberty, and is related to the peak in testosterone levels.
Physiology: Testosterone levels and the ability to maximally dilate
blood vessels are at their peak during the Sexual Prime stage. Generally men are
in excellent health at this time. |
Stage Two: Early Sexual Decline Approximate ages: 30-50
Symptoms Experienced: Many men over the age of thirty are experiencing
a decline in their sexual function. This change can be very subtle. There is a
significant drop in the total number of NPE erections related to a drop in
testosterone. The ability to achieve one erection quickly after the first
subsides may be diminished. Many men who take lifestyle risk (smokers, abuses of
alcohol and/or other drugs), or who suffer from other medical conditions
(diabetes, high blood pressure, or who have cholesterol or lipid problems) may
start to have increasing difficulty achieving erections. The underlying problem
is most often an early sign of inadequate blood flow into the penis. This may be
the result of narrowed arteries and also a reduced ability to dilate those
arteries in response to the nerve signals. These changes often go unnoticed as
they occur gradually over a long period of time. A number of men in this group
are completely unable to achieve adequate erections.
What can be done to prevent these changes: Stop smoking, exercise
regularly, maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, and seek appropriate
medical attention to address health problems. If these items are not addressed
they can lead to an increased risk for diabetes, vascular disease, and erectile
dysfunction. |
Stage Three: Increased Risk of Sexual Dysfunction
Approximate age: 50 plus
Symptoms Experienced: More that 50 percent of men over the age of 40
experience some degree of sexual dysfunction, with the numbers rising
significantly as men age. Commonly conditions associated with vascular disease
start to become apparent in these men. These include coronary artery disease,
high blood pressure, and vascular disease. More men are being diagnosed with
diabetes, and cholesterol and lipid disorders. If these conditions are not
treated aggressively, they will significantly increase the risk of men suffering
heart attacks, strokes, and complications from peripheral vascular disease.
Erectile dysfunction may be one of these complications, and is commonly the
first symptom men go to the doctor to seek help with. Unfortunately, a
substantial number of men with erectile dysfunction are not currently seeking
treatment or help.
What can be done to prevent these changes: Stop smoking, achieve and
maintain your ideal body weight, exercise regularly, and seek medical attention
for your health issues. Review all your medications with your doctor, as some
may actually worsen your erectile dysfunction. Additionally there are effective
medications that will help the majority of men overcome their erectile
dysfunction. |
