A healthy sex life not only is fulfilling, but also is good for other aspects of your life, including your physical health and self-esteem. Erectile function depends on a variety of factors, including a number of potential physical and mental health problems such as lack of exercise, poor diet, cardiovascular issues, and stress. Unfortunately, these issues can begin to materialize more frequently as you age.
If you’re starting to notice a change in your erectile function, there are several things you can do to improve your sexual health and maintain a healthy sex life as you get older.
What changes as men get older?
As men age, testosterone levels decline and changes in sexual function are common. These physiological changes can include:
- A need for more stimulation to achieve and maintain erection and orgasm
- Shorter orgasms
- Less forceful ejaculation
- Less semen ejaculated
- Longer time needed to achieve another erection after ejaculation
You may feel some anxiety about these changes, but remember they don’t have to end your enjoyment of sex. Adapting to your changing body can help you maintain a healthy and satisfying sex life even as you get older.
Tips for Improving Your Sex Life As You Age
It’s a good idea to talk with your doctor first. Having an open and honest conversation with him or her can offer insight into any erectile issues you may be having, and you’ll be able to consider the best course of action for your personal needs. Here are a few other tips for enjoying an active sex life as you get older:
Maintain a healthy diet
A good diet (particularly one that is heart-healthy) is a great way to start improving erectile function. Research has shown that the same eating patterns that may cause heart attacks due to restricted blood flow in the coronary arteries can also impede blood flow to and within the penis.
A traditional heart-healthy Mediterranean diet is recommended, which includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and a variety of healthy fats including nuts and olive oil, fish, and wine (particularly red). It’s also important to reduce your intake of processed food, sugars, and red meat.
Try vacuum pump exercises
For those looking for a way another way to restore sexual function, vacuum pumps are an effective, powerful option. Vacuum pumps like VaxAid are able to make a genuine difference, and while our pumps won’t remove the problem preventing you from achieving or maintaining an erection, it’s a great way to recover your sexual capacity and confidence.
Get regular exercise
Many studies have shown over the years that a sedentary lifestyle is linked to erectile issues, while regular exercise such as running, swimming, and other aerobics have been shown to help improve erectile function and overall health. And aging doesn’t have to keep you from exercising! Try taking walks, cycling, aerobics, or other heart-healthy activities to get your blood pumping throughout the week.
Keep an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol
High cholesterol or high blood pressure can damage blood vessels, including those that bring blood to the penis, which can damage erectile function. At your next doctor’s appointment, make sure your doctor checks your cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
If your cholesterol or blood pressure is a bit too high or you’re worried, be sure to get it treated sooner rather than later. Both blood pressure and cholesterol play a big role in overall physical health and are much easier to fix before they get too out of hand. There are many non-invasive treatment options, including medication, that can help.
As you can see, while aging can feel overwhelming or even frustrating, there are plenty of safe ways to maintain your sexual health and continue having a healthy, active sex life; from vaccum pump exercises and eating right to getting enough exercise.