As
a man ages, his body will steadily
produce less and less testosterone. He may struggle with arousal, maintaining
an erection or ejaculation. In addition to these differences in sexual
functioning, some men also experience a decrease in muscle tissue, more difficulty
concentrating and less energy resulting from hormonal change. Naturally, as a
man ages, he is also at a greater risk of illnesses.
For a wife partner, a man’s
diminishing sex life could be disappointing, but the woman should know that it
is potentially devastating for her husband. A man’s sexuality represents his
youthfulness, vitality and masculinity. As a result of this, a woman must be
very sensitive in her reaction and response when she notices these changes
taking place in her husband.
This is a tremendous loss for him
and could likely coincide with other losses, such as retirement or illness. He
will need his wife’s reassurance and love, at this time, more than ever.
On the bright side, a woman should
note that a decrease is testosterone as a result of aging may have some
positive effects on her marriage and relationship. Your man may become more
sensitive, nurturing and relational as his sex drive diminishes. Elevated
levels of testosterone in men are linked with aggressive and competitive behaviours,
while lower levels correlate with nurturing and attachment behaviours. A lot of
women observe that their husbands become more interested in talking, bonding
and relating well as they age. This is as a result of the decrease in
testosterone and libido which has opened up new avenues of relationship.
The effects of aging on sexual
desire and functioning also affect a woman’s sexuality. After natural or
surgical menopause, a woman’s level of oestrogen decreases. She is likely
to experience such symptoms as vaginal dryness, decreased sensitivity to touch
and decreased blood flow to the vaginal area. These typically translate to a
lower sexual desire, difficulty becoming aroused and even pain during
intercourse.
The beauty of it, however, is that modern
medicine has provided some remedies for low sex drive related to aging for both
men and women. The most common are hormone therapy and medication to increase
blood circulation.
An unusually low production of
testosterone is medically referred to as hypogonadism. Testosterone in the male
body is produced in the testicles. When a problem with the testicles results in
low testosterone levels, it is called “primary hypogonadism.” This condition
can be caused by chromosomal abnormalities, complications with mumps during
adolescence or adulthood, too much iron in the bloodstream, injury to the
testicles, cancer treatment and normal aging.
Hormones produced by the pituitary
gland and regulated by the hypothalamus signal testosterone production in the
testicles. When something goes wrong in this stage of the process, the problem
is referred to as “secondary hypogonadism.” Hypothalamic and pituitary
disorders, therefore, can cause a lack of testosterone. Inflammatory diseases,
HIV, depression, thyroid disease, obesity and certain pain and hormone
medications can also contribute to secondary hypogonadism.
Low sexual desire and sexual
dysfunction can also result from problems with blood circulation. Just about
any systemic illness can impact this aspect of sexual function, including
diseases of the kidneys, lungs, liver, heart, nerves, arteries or veins.
Medications such as antihistamines,
antidepressants and high blood pressure treatments may also be culprits.
Lifestyle issues, such as substance abuse, smoking and obesity, as well as the
effects of stress and even prolonged cycling can cause erectile dysfunction.
If you experience any of these,
remember the importance of adequate and regular medical care. This is where the
wife comes handy.
Your husband may be hesitant to ask
his doctor about his sexual functioning. Your encouragement, doctor’s advice
and medical intervention, when necessary, could make all the difference in your
sex life.
Source: tribuneonlineng
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