A man's sexual function may change with age but the interest remains. When evaluating the aging male it is important to distinguish expected changes from changes that may indicate a more significant problem.
Factor
Normal Aging
Not Normal Aging
interest in sex
normal to slight decrease
moderate to marked decrease or marked increase
pleasure in sex
normal to slight decrease
moderate to marked decrease
spontaneous erections
normal to moderate decrease
marked decrease (rare or none)
stimulation needed
normal to increased
markedly increased
firmness of erection
normal to slight decrease
moderate to marked decrease
duration of erections
slight decrease to increased
marked decrease or marked increase (priapism)
force of ejaculations
normal to decreased; may not need to ejaculate
refractory time
normal to increased
markedly prolonged
There are many reasons for a male to experience sexual dysfunction as he ages. Sometimes the decline in sexual function may precede the diagnosis of a serious medical condition. A complaint of decreased sexual function warrants an evaluation to identify the underlying causes.
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