A man’s sexual drive can be affected in many ways as he gets older. He may need more foreplay or find it easier to lose an erection after orgasm.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not inevitable and is treatable with medicines, exercise, diet, and addressing any other medical issues that might be causing it.
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
Whether you’re looking for a little extra sex drive or just want to feel healthier and more in control of your sex life, there are some foods that can help. These foods can improve your energy levels, increase blood flow to the penis and boost testosterone.
The American Heart Association recommends eating a Mediterranean diet, which is low in saturated fat and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy oils. This diet can help lower your risk for erectile dysfunction by improving blood circulation and heart health.
These foods also include omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats that can ease inflammation. Avocados are a good source of this type of fatty acid, as are wild salmon and other fish.
Another way to improve your sex health is to make sure you’re getting plenty of protein and you can check out eigenapotheek24. This can help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent conditions that may lead to erectile dysfunction, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
You should also eat nuts and seeds, including flaxseeds and chia seeds. These are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients that can improve your sex drive.
Oatmeal, which is low in sugar and contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, can also boost your sex drive. It can also help you lose weight and maintain a healthy body fat percentage.
Other foods that are great for boosting your sex drive are blueberries, strawberries, goji berries, almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts, seeds, wheat germ, spinach, and other leafy green vegetables. You can also eat dark chocolate, which is a great source of methylxanthines.
These nutrients can help relax muscles around the blood vessels in your penis, allowing them to dilate. That can increase blood flow and lubricate your penis, helping you get an erection and stay in bed longer.
The aphrodisiac properties of avocados and other foods rich in healthy fats have also been linked to improved sexual performance. The omega-3 fatty acids in avocados, along with those found in fish and nuts, can reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation.
These foods are especially beneficial for men with a history of heart problems, as cardiovascular disease can lead to erectile dysfunction. In fact, a study in the journal Menopause showed that a Mediterranean diet can prevent erectile dysfunction in older men.
2. Exercise Regularly
Taking care of your overall health and making healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercising regularly, can help you enjoy sexual function throughout your life. Even when you have a medical condition that affects your ability to get and maintain an erection, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, exercising can prevent problems with sex and make the symptoms of those conditions more manageable.
Regular exercise can also boost your energy levels and mood, which may lead to better sex. It can also lower your risk for heart disease, stroke and other chronic illnesses that can negatively impact sexual function.
A study of older men found that those who exercised 3 to 5 hours a week had less erectile dysfunction than those who did not. The men who were most active saw the greatest benefits, but it all depends on your body type and physical activity level.
When you exercise, your arteries open up, allowing your blood to flow more easily. That means your penis gets more blood, which can improve arousal, lubrication and orgasm.
Your body also releases hormones that can enhance your libido and reduce anxiety. Studies have linked regular exercise with improved sex satisfaction and a higher sperm count, which can increase the chances of having kids later in life.
Exercising can also increase your sensitivity to touch and your feelings of comfort, which can improve your intimate relationships. And it can lower your risk of depression, which can affect your sex drive.
You should always talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. The doctor can prescribe an appropriate regimen that will suit your personal needs and safety.
Getting enough exercise can improve your sleep and increase your energy levels, which will make it easier to keep up with other activities. And if you’re not sleeping well, exercise can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
It may be difficult to find the time for exercise, but it’s worth it. Not only does it have a positive impact on your health, but it can also help you feel good about your appearance. It’s also a great way to connect with friends and family in a fun, social setting.
3. Take Your Medicines
Many physical and medical conditions, including diabetes, heart and vascular disease, thyroid problems, depression, nervous system disorders, alcohol use disorder, and medications can affect sexual function. The side effects of these and some other medicines can cause erectile dysfunction (ED).
When this happens, it’s important to see your doctor right away. They can prescribe medicine that may help improve your erection. If a medication isn’t the cause, lifestyle changes like exercise and a healthy diet can often solve the problem.
You can also try a drug that improves blood flow to your penis, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra). It’s best to take these drugs on an empty stomach one hour before sex. They’re effective for up to four hours or more.
If the cause is psychological, talk to your doctor about other options. Some antidepressants, including SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), may cause low sex drive or erectile dysfunction. Your doctor may suggest changing to another antidepressant or adding an ED drug, such as sildenafil (Viagra), to your routine.
Other causes of erection problems can include a problem with the penis, such as hardened arteries or injury to the nerves that control it. For example, smoking and a prostate operation can reduce blood flow to the penis, causing it to lose its ability to erect.
There are also many drugs that can affect your sex drive, such as certain pain killers, sleeping pills, and some illegal drugs. You can’t change your medication without your doctor’s guidance and supervision.
You should also keep in mind that if you have an underlying health condition, such as heart or kidney disease, it’s more likely that your ED is related to this. Your doctor may ask you to walk a mile in 20 minutes or climb up two flights of stairs to check how well your heart can handle this activity.
Your doctor may also recommend an exercise treadmill test, which involves running or walking at a slow pace for a specified amount of time. This is done to determine how much energy your body can use during sexual activities and whether your health is safe for these types of activities.
4. See Your Doctor
If you have erectile dysfunction, you should see your doctor to get the best possible care. They can help you identify the underlying cause of your problem and then prescribe treatment. The right treatment for you depends on a number of factors, including your age, health and preferences.
Most people with ED have a physical or psychological problem that’s making it difficult for them to achieve an erection. This can be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as diabetes or heart disease. It’s also a symptom of emotional problems, such as anxiety or depression. If your sex problems are caused by emotional issues, you may want to talk with a mental health professional, such as a counsellor or a psychiatrist.
There are many causes of erectile dysfunction, including low testosterone levels, diabetes and other hormone problems, radiation and surgical treatments for prostate or bladder cancer, and a rare condition called Peyronie’s disease. Besides affecting how easily you get an erection, these can make you less sexually desirable and decrease your desire for sex.
Your GP is the best place to start. They’ll ask you about your symptoms, and may suggest a test to check your hormone levels. They can then refer you to a urologist, a specialist in the male reproductive system, or an endocrinologist, who specialises in hormone disorders and can recommend treatment options.
Some GPs have sexual health clinics that are open to the public and offer a walk-in service. These can be helpful if you don’t have time to visit your GP or it takes too long for the tests to come back.
Be sure to tell your doctor as much about your sexual history and sex as possible. This will allow them to identify any other medical conditions that might be contributing to your ED.
Then, you can discuss how you’d like to treat your erectile dysfunction, and whether or not medication, shots or penile implants (devices) might be an option. Most men find relief with a combination of these, and doctors can help you decide what is best for your situation.