4 Shocking Problems That Affects Your Sexual Life After 40

By Dorothy Okoth

Many factors can have an impact on sexual performance. While emotional or psychological problems can be an issue, the reason for a change in sexual performance is often physical. Some physical conditions alter levels of arousal, while others have a physiological effect on the body that limits the ability to perform. Diseases such as diabetes, heart and vascular disease, alcoholism, and liver or kidney conditions can all have an adverse effect on a man’s sex life. But there are ways to deal with all of these problems, from lifestyle changes to medication.

Diabetes and Sexual Performance

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Men who have diabetes are three times more likely to have some degree of erectile dysfunction than men who don’t have the condition. Diabetes can cause damage to both blood vessels and nerves. The vascular and the nervous systems are vital for achieving and maintaining an erection.

Under normal circumstances, the autonomic nervous system sends signals of arousal to the genital area and begins an erection. (The autonomic system is the involuntary system that is responsible for the movements you don’t consciously control.) When complications from diabetes damage these nerves, the signals can’t make it to the genitals and erection can’t occur. Reduced neural function can also cause retrograde ejaculation, where the semen enters the bladder instead of exiting the body.

Cardiovascular Disease and Sexual Stamina

The good news is that a recent study shows that men who have sex at least twice a week have a lower chance of developing cardiovascular disease than men who have sex only once a month. The bad news is that is you already have cardiovascular disease, then you are at great risk of developing sexual performance problems.

Erections depend on blood flow. During arousal disorder, the penile tissue is flooded with blood and begins to stiffen, while the veins carrying blood away from the penis are blocked, trapping the excess blood in place to maintain an erection. When blood vessels are weakened or blood flow is reduced due to cardiovascular disease, it can be difficult to achieve an erection.

Men also have to be careful about medicines for cardiovascular conditions. Some beta blockers can cause sexual dysfunction, while nitrates (often given for chest pain) can react dangerously with the drugs that treat erectile dysfunction.

Kidney or Liver Disease

Kidney or liver disease can cause chemical changes in the body that affect hormone levels, nerves, cardiovascular function, and overall energy. All of these things can have a negative impact on a man’s sexual health. Simple fatigue is the most common cause of sexual problems among patients with liver or kidney disease. Make sure you get plenty of rest, and also that you consult with your health care professional about getting the proper treatment. Sometimes dietary changes can be implemented to put less stress on the kidneys or liver and improve energy levels.

Alcoholism

Some people use alcohol as part of their sexual routine, because it lowers inhibitions. But it is easy to have too much, and when used in excess, alcohol can have devastating effects on a man or woman’s sex life. Many alcoholics have severe sexual problems. Liquor affects the liver, vascular, and nervous systems – all vital components of the arousal process. According to a recent study conducted in US & UK over more than 2.2 million volunteers/people, it was found that excess consumption of alcohol can be one of the major causes of low sexual stamina.

Alcohol can prevent the vessels from closing properly after the penis engorges with blood, thus keeping the penis from staying erect. This damage can persist even after the person is sober. Long-term alcoholism also causes a change in hormone levels. Testosterone, a vital part of the male sex drive, begins to plummet.

Expert Advice

As with many diseases and conditions, the best choice is prevention. When possible, adopt a lifestyle that reduces your chances of acquiring these diseases. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low in fat, and exercise frequently to reduce the chance of cardiovascular disease. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.

If you do have any of these conditions, make sure you are doing the proper things to treat them. Keep your blood sugar under control, and take whatever medications are necessary to regulate your condition. Most importantly, keep in close contact with your health care provider and make sure they know what sexual symptoms you are having. Sometimes a change in medication or lifestyle is all you need to make the difference between sexual dysfunction and sexual satisfaction.

About Author:

Dorothy Okoth is a medical student (University of Nairobi) who enjoys writing and reading about male sexual health, female sexual health and skin care. She writes passionately on anything that involves the human body and loves to dispense unbiased advice through her writing. Dorothy also enjoys reading, exploring alternative treatments to medical conditions, skating and swimming.

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4 Shocking Problems That Affects Your Sexual Life After 40
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