Stage One: Sexual Prime
Approximate ages: 18-30
Symptoms Experienced: From puberty (ages 10-14) through the
20s there is an increasing frequency of nocturnal penile erections
(NPE). This period is often described as Sexual Prime. Erections during
this stage are frequent and spontaneous events. They occur in response
to sexual stimuli and also during rapid eye movement sleep (REM sleep).
The frequency of REM sleep erections peaks at puberty, and is related
to the peak in testosterone levels.
Physiology: Testosterone levels and the ability to maximally
dilate blood vessels are at their peak during the Sexual Prime stage.
Generally men are in excellent health at this time.
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Stage Two: Early Sexual Decline
Approximate ages: 30-50
Symptoms Experienced: Many men over the age of thirty are experiencing
a decline in their sexual function. This change can be very subtle.
There is a significant drop in the total number of NPE erections related
to a drop in testosterone. The ability to achieve one erection quickly
after the first subsides may be diminished. Many men who take lifestyle
risk (smokers, abuses of alcohol and/or other drugs), or who suffer
from other medical conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, or who
have cholesterol or lipid problems) may start to have increasing difficulty
achieving erections. The underlying problem is most often an early
sign of inadequate blood flow into the penis. This may be the result
of narrowed arteries and also a reduced ability to dilate those arteries
in response to the nerve signals. These changes often go unnoticed
as they occur gradually over a long period of time. A number of men
in this group are completely unable to achieve adequate erections.
What can be done to prevent these changes: Stop smoking, exercise
regularly, maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, and seek
appropriate medical attention to address health problems. If these
items are not addressed they can lead to an increased risk for diabetes,
vascular disease, and erectile dysfunction.
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Stage Three: Increased Risk of Sexual Dysfunction
Approximate age: 50 plus
Symptoms Experienced: More that 50 percent of men over the
age of 40 experience some degree of sexual dysfunction, with the numbers
rising significantly as men age. Commonly conditions associated with
vascular disease start to become apparent in these men. These include
coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and vascular disease.
More men are being diagnosed with diabetes, and cholesterol and lipid
disorders. If these conditions are not treated aggressively, they will
significantly increase the risk of men suffering heart attacks, strokes,
and complications from peripheral vascular disease. Erectile dysfunction
may be one of these complications, and is commonly the first symptom
men go to the doctor to seek help with. Unfortunately, a substantial
number of men with erectile dysfunction are not currently seeking treatment
or help.
What can be done to prevent these changes: Stop smoking, achieve
and maintain your ideal body weight, exercise regularly, and seek medical
attention for your health issues. Review all your medications with
your doctor, as some may actually worsen your erectile dysfunction.
Additionally there are safe, effective medications that will help the
majority of men overcome their erectile dysfunction.
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