What should I do if I can’t get an erection at the age of 65?

Erectile dysfunction at the age of 65 can be improved through lifestyle adjustments, psychological intervention, drug treatment, physical therapy and surgery. The condition is often associated with factors such as aging, chronic disease, vascular abnormalities, nerve damage, or declining hormone levels.

1. Lifestyle adjustment

Maintaining regular exercise such as brisk walking or swimming can help improve blood circulation. Reducing high-fat diet and increasing the intake of vegetables and fruits can reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis. Smoking cigarettes and limiting alcohol consumption can prevent damage to vascular endothelium. Ensuring 7-8 hours of sleep every day is important to maintain testosterone levels. Controlling basic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes is the basic measure to improve erectile function.

2. Psychological intervention

Older men may develop psychological erectile dysfunction due to strained relationships with partners or anxiety about aging. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help adjust misconceptions about sex, and partner therapy can relieve tension. If necessary, you can seek professional psychological consultation to avoid long-term emotional depression and aggravation of symptoms.

3. Drug treatment

Using phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors such as sildenafil tablets and tadalafil tablets as directed by your doctor can improve erectile function in the short term. For those with low testosterone levels, hormone replacement therapy needs to be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. People with cardiovascular disease should avoid taking aphrodisiac health products by themselves to prevent drug interactions.

4. Physical therapy

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy can promote penile angiogenesis, and vacuum negative pressure devices can help erections through mechanical hyperemia. Pelvic floor muscle training such as Kegel exercises can enhance control and can be effective if practiced for 15-20 minutes every day. These methods are suitable for patients who are unwilling or unable to take medication.

5. Surgical treatment

For severe patients who fail to respond to drug treatment, penile prosthesis implantation can be considered. Currently, a three-piece set of expandable prostheses is commonly used. Revascularization surgery is indicated for certain people with known arterial insufficiency of blood supply. Cardiopulmonary function needs to be comprehensively assessed before surgery, and infection must be strictly prevented after surgery.

Erectile dysfunction in the elderly requires comprehensive management. It is recommended to check blood pressure and blood sugar regularly to avoid overwork and mental stress. Pay attention to supplementing zinc and vitamin E in your diet, and eat oysters, nuts and other foods in moderation. Maintain a moderate frequency of sex and strengthen emotional communication with your partner. If the symptoms last for more than 3 months or are accompanied by other discomforts, you should go to the men's department or urology department in time to rule out the possibility of neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. You can try taking a warm sitz bath daily to promote local blood circulation and avoid long-term cycling on the perineum.