Prevent impotence in old age with these 5 important steps

Impotence or erectile dysfunction is a condition in which a man's penis cannot erect (tighten) maximally when it is stimulated. Erectile dysfunction generally affects older men and is caused by certain health conditions. Among other things that can cause impotence are diseases related to blood flow such as stroke, diabetes, hypertension, and the influence of drug and alcohol consumption. Then is there a way to prevent impotence in old age? Check out the explanation below.

Various ways to prevent impotence

1. Take control of blood pressure and high cholesterol

High cholesterol or high blood pressure can damage blood vessels, including blood vessels that drain blood to the penis so that it can get a maximum erection. If at a young age your blood pressure and cholesterol levels have started above normal limits, please consult regularly with your doctor. Make sure your doctor monitors your cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

If you are already experiencing high cholesterol or blood pressure, you can use several drugs. It should also be noted that there are blood pressure medications that have an impact on your erection ability. So, it is important to always consult a doctor to find the best treatment and drug options for your health.

2. Take care of your diet

An unhealthy diet or diet can also be a cause of impotence. To prevent impotence, it's good to improve your diet from now on.

Research has shown that eating fatty foods, fried foods, and rarely eating fruits and vegetables can lead to the risk of impotence in men. These unhealthy foods can cause blood flow to the penis to become obstructed.

Dr. Andrew McCullough, lecturer in urology at New York University's Langone Medical Center said that there are recent studies that suggest that the Mediterranean diet is good for preventing impotence. This diet recommends a focus on eating foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats from nuts, olive oil, and fish.

3. Limit alcoholic drinks

Alcohol can affect the male hormone testosterone, which causes your sex drive to decrease and the ability of the penis to have an erection.

When you consume alcohol, it can mess with brain signals to keep blood flowing to the penis. Because the reception of the brain, penis, and blood signals is chaotic, the erection will not go well and it will not last long either.

Dr. Ira Sharlip, a lecturer in urology at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, said that drinking excess alcohol can cause liver damage, nerve damage, and disrupt the normal balance of male sex hormone levels which can lead to impotence in old age.

4. Exercise regularly

Lack of movement and exercise can trigger erectile dysfunction in men. So to prevent impotence you are advised to exercise regularly. It is advisable to do sports such as running, swimming, and other aerobic sports that can help improve blood flow.

It is not recommended for men to cycle for too long every day. Because sitting on a bicycle seat that is hard enough for hours every day can put excessive pressure on the perineal area, which is the part between the scrotum and the anus. The blood vessels and nerves around the penis and groin can be affected by the pressure caused by sitting in the bicycle seat for too long each day. This then can disrupt the flow of penile blood vessels, causing impotence.

5. Stop smoking

Smoking means bringing nicotine into the bloodstream. These substances can damage blood vessels and block blood flow to the penis. Then this can be the cause of your penis not being able to get an erection maximally.

Don't wait until it's too late, it's better to stop smoking as early as possible to prevent impotence in old age.