When it comes to sexual desire, people often wrongly assume that all men are ready for action anytime. Not all men are created equal — in the bedroom anyway. Many people wrongly believe that all men are easily aroused, easily pleased, and of course, easily finished. So much of our media exposure and Hollywood mythology about male sexuality portrays guys as horn dogs whose main focus is having sex — and lots of it — and moving on. Male sexual desire is rarely as straightforward and simplistic as the media make it out to be. While it might be true that certain men can become aroused and satisfied quickly, there is much more to male sexual desire than that. Famed sex researchers Masters and Johnson created a model of the sexual-desire … [Read more...]

s Anne, 63, of Medford, OR, knows a thing or two about erectile dysfunction (ED). Her husband, now 58, first started taking medication for it about 5 years ago. At first you think, oh, you’re getting older and slowing down. But it got to the point where it was really bothering him, and he was unable to have sex without the drugs,” says Anne, who asked that we use her middle name only, he is far from alone. Some 18% of all men in the U.S. have ED, and the odds of developing it increase sharply after age 40. People who have diabetes, as Anne’s husband does, are three times more likely to have ED than men who don’t have diabetes. The disease can damage the blood vessels and nerves needed for an erection. Having a partner with ED can be … [Read more...]

In study of 6 million ED patients, 75 percent either didn't receive or fill prescriptions Never mind the commercials with men talking freely to their doctor about their erectile dysfunction, taking a prescription for treatment to the pharmacy and settling in for a romantic evening. Despite a wide range of treatment options, most men with erectile dysfunction (ED) don't get treated, according to a new study. "ED treatments, overall, are underutilized," said Dr. Brian Helfand, an assistant clinical professor of urology at Northshore University Health System and the University of Chicago. "Only 25 percent of men are actually treated." Helfand led the study, which looked at the medical records of more than 6 million men with an ED … [Read more...]

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles and is responsible for the proper development of male sexual characteristics. Testosterone is also important for maintaining muscle bulk, adequate levels of red blood cells, bone growth, a sense of well-being, and sexual function. Inadequate production of testosterone is not a common cause of erectile dysfunction; however, when ED does occur due to decreased testosterone production, testosterone replacement therapy may improve the problem. Health Check: How Much Do You Know About Testosterone Therapy? What Causes Low Testosterone? As a man ages, the amount of testosterone in his body gradually declines. This natural decline starts after age 30 and continues throughout life. Other … [Read more...]

What you can do to maintain a healthy and enjoyable sex life as you grow older. As you age, sex isn't the same as it was in your 20s — but it can still be satisfying. Contrary to common myths, sex isn't just for the young. Many seniors continue to enjoy their sexuality into their 80s and beyond. 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. Senior sex: 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 and less semen … [Read more...]

It's natural for men to notice a gradual decrease in sex drive (libido) as they age. The degree of this decline varies, and most men maintain at least some amount of sexual interest well into their 60s and 70s. Sometimes, however, loss of sex drive is related to an underlying condition. For men, depression and stress often contribute to loss of sex drive. Sometimes the culprit is a decrease in male sex hormones due to an endocrine disorder. In other cases, loss of sex drive may be a medication side effect. If you're concerned about loss of sex drive — especially if the loss happened abruptly — consult your doctor. He or she will likely do a physical exam and lab tests to help determine what's causing the loss of sex drive. Once any … [Read more...]

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to sustain an erection long enough for sexual intercourse at least 25% of the time. Having difficulty sustaining an erection from time to time is normal and should not generally be cause for concern. If the sudden loss of an erection continues or becomes more bothersome, its likely there is an underlying health issue that needs attention. Significance: Losing the ability to sustain an adequate erection--even from time to time--can effect a man's self-esteem, feelings of intimacy and cause difficulty in their relationship. Talking with your health care provider may be embarassing and uncomfortable, but it's likely worth the effort. Determining the cause of your sudden ED may also uncover … [Read more...]